Join us for a five-day immersive retreat exploring the foundations of Buddhist Spiritual Care, designed for those called to serve others through compassionate presence, contemplative practice, and ethical engagement. Whether you’re discerning a path in chaplaincy, caregiving, or personal transformation, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to experience the core elements of Buddhist-informed spiritual care in community.

Guided by experienced teachers and spiritual care professionals, this retreat serves as a curriculum sampler for Tara Mandala’s forthcoming three-year Buddhist Chaplaincy Program. Through a balance of teaching sessions, group dialogue, contemplative practice, and integration labs, participants will engage with the foundational skills and inner capacities necessary for providing care in diverse settings—from end-of-life and illness to life transitions and daily presence.

Topics covered include:

• Pastoral and Spiritual Care through a Buddhist Lens
• Contemplative Practice & Meditation (including Shamatha, Metta, and Insight)
• Ethics, Boundaries, and Diversity in Caregiving
• Contemplative Communication and Deep Listening
• Self-awareness, Sustainability, and Compassion Fatigue
• Inter-spiritual Understanding and Holding Space for Others
• Ritual and Meaning-making for Transition

What to Expect:

Each day begins with guided meditation practice, followed by teachings on Buddhist models of care, interactive group sessions, and afternoon deep-dives into communication, ethics, or pastoral presence. Evening Integration Labs foster connection and reflection, supporting participants in weaving together insights from the day in small groups.

On the final day, participants will present reflections and group-designed rituals of transition, honoring the integration of what has been learned and preparing for the next steps on their path.

No formal group practice commitment is required, but participants are encouraged to maintain a personal contemplative practice during the retreat. Optional shamatha meditation sessions are offered throughout.

This retreat is a preview of Tara Mandala’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Certification Program, which will include future ordination opportunities for those called to serve within the sangha. For those seeking work in clinical or hospice settings, additional clinical residency pathways are available through partner organizations.

Join Amelia Hall PhD as she discusses perspectives on Buddhist Spiritual Care on Lama Live!, March 30, 2025, on YouTube.

Who Should Attend? 

• This retreat is open to all, including individuals navigating the experiences of death, dying, aging, illness, and caregiving, as well as those working in health-related fields such as nurses and therapists.
• This retreat is for anyone interested in exploring the contemplative and interfaith aspects of spiritual care.

Program Tuition 

Learn more about available financial assistance options and apply for a scholarship here. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration

Understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different, Tara Mandala aims to make programs as accessible as possible. During registration, participants have the option to either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment Plan. For those choosing the installment plan, a 25% deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance automatically divided into equal monthly payments. The final payment is due 14 days before the program begins. If retreat enrollment occurs close to the start date, additional arrangements can be made. For any questions or special requests, the Finance Team is ready to assist at care@taramandala.org.

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. 

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. 

The suggested dana for this program is $120 – $360.

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. 

 Schedule

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

Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9, 2025
8:00 am to 8.30 am MDT: Practice Session
8.45 am to 12:00 pm MDT: Teaching Session
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm MDT: Teaching session

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
8:00 am to 8.30 am MDT: Practice Session
8.45 am to 12:00 pm MDT: Teaching Session

Recording Access 

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

Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy