***UPDATE*** This program has been cancelled and registration is no longer available. Please view our calendar of upcoming programs here.***

Given all that’s going on in our world, how do we witness the strife, turmoil, and dissonance without succumbing to its weight? On a personal level, how do we manage our challenges, neuroses, and emotions without losing our capacity for presence and kindness?

The Buddha suggested that our grasping to a self lies at the very heart of all our suffering. Machig Labdron, the great 11th-century Tibetan yogini, calls it ego-clinging and offers the remedy of “cutting through,” releasing our sense of an isolated, separate self. But what does this really mean in a practical sense? On the surface, we may think it is an injunction against egotistical or narcissistic behavior – but when examined more closely, we find it is much more subtle – and goes to the heart of our deeply conditioned self-preoccupation.

To guide our exploration of cutting through, we’ll look at Machig’s three scopes of practice: inferior, middling, and superior – and apply them to the relative levels of affliction we experience in our daily lives. Using this graduated approach, we’ll examine the Machig-inspired remedies of radical honesty, inclusivity, acceptance, and surrender, and apply them to both the personal and the collective.

Throughout, we will practice open awareness meditation as an antidote to self-clinging, revealing our vaster nature. We will also do guided contemplations designed to navigate powerful, overwhelming, and persistent emotions. Join us for a transformative exploration that will empower you with the means to approach life’s complexities with compassion, wisdom, and a clarifying understanding of the interplay between the self and the world around us.

Who Should Attend? 
This program is open to everyone. Both experienced practitioners and beginners will benefit.

Recording Access: 
All participants will have a 1-year access period to the recordings.

What is a Tara Mandala Online Program?
Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curriculum that give you the opportunity to access dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience personal retreat and hands-on learning, while connecting with other participants through easy-to-use online platforms and an engaged community network. When needed, the program description and schedule will inform you in advance if and when a specific online session must be attended live if a direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. Access to recordings of all sessions will be available for additional viewing for one year. 

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we work to become an equitable, diverse and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of resources that contribute to our access to precious dharma teachings. While we do ask you to look inward, please know there is no right or wrong answer. We encourage you to select the range/rate appropriate to your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
During registration, students can either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment option. If choosing the installment payment option, students will pay a 50% deposit upon registering and subsequent equal payments will be processed automatically every two-weeks. The final balance is due 14 days before the start of the program.

Deferred Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Tara Mandala offers two types of financial assistance: Deferred Payment Plans and Scholarships. You may apply for one or both of these types of assistance. Read the terms carefully as outlined on the financial aid application. Please see this page for further information.

Offering dana to the teacher: The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here.

Sustaining Sangha:
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your Online Program discount to this course. To learn more about Sustaining Sangha membership, benefits, and discounts, click here. 

Click Here for Our Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The live sessions of the program are listed below. All times are Mountain Daylight Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

Friday, April 12, 2024:
3:00-5:00pm (MDT): Opening Session

Saturday, April 13, 2024
10:00am – 12:00pm(MDT):  Teachings & Practice Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm(MDT): Teaching & Practice Session

Sunday, April 14, 2024
10:00am – 12:00pm(MDT):  Teachings & Practice Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm(MDT): Closing Session