This residential ceremony is based on the teachings of Opening to Darkness by Zenju Osho and was written with the heart and mind that Dharma is of the earth. Too often we come to ceremonies or retreats hoping we will gain some new realization from the teacher and the teacher alone. What would it be like to learn how to be supported by the teacher(s) to draw forth your own wisdom that is already emerging from the dark earth itself. Imagine using the beauty of the land to open one’s heart. We cannot be talked into opening. Only our own direct experience of the earth can we understand this life.

Opening to the Dark Earth™  is an in-person ceremony in which we will commune with the land and its darkness. During the day, Osho Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Ph.D. will guide us through eight gateways of darkness to increase our intuition and our seer skills while on the land. In the evening, Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S. will lead the shamanic Tibetan Buddhist practice of Chöd, to further access the spirit of the dharma. Early morning and early evening sky gazing will take place every day. We will chant and sing. Dreaming is possible and in fact expected. 

Most importantly, we will re-create, in person, the mandala shown below and you will be led through each gateway throughout our stay. You will be invited to sit in each gateway as we go along the path. 

Recommended Reading:
Opening to Darkness: Eight Gateways for Being with the Absence of Light in Unsettling Times by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel 

Additional Books by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel 
Please visit our Dakini Store to become further acquainted with Zenju Osho’s writings:  The Shamanic Bones of Zen, The Deepest Peace, Sanctuary and The Way of Tenderness.

Who Can Attend?
This retreat is open to all.
To prepare for your visit, we invite you to read our information on Tara Mandala’s Health & Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats.

Registration for this retreat will close on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 10:00am(MDT)

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. 

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