Course One of the five-course series, The Heart of Buddhism: A Year of Study and Practice.

The Buddhist Path 
The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for working with the individual and collective challenges we face — and transforming suffering into liberation. These teachings show us how we can each become a light in the darkness, embodying the luminous spaciousness that is the heart-essence of who we are.

Experience how the Buddha’s own journey from seeking to liberation offers profound guidance for navigating today’s challenges. Your exploration begins with five weekly sessions, each carefully designed to build your understanding and practice. Whether you participate live or through recordings, you’ll be part of a global community of practitioners walking this path together.

What You’ll Experience in The Path of Liberation

• Discover important historical context for a Buddhist spiritual path
• Learn the foundational practice of shamatha meditation, which offers stability amidst uncertainty
• Discover the often-overlooked role of women in the Buddha’s life

The Learning Journey

• Five live sessions on Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm MDT
• Engage with a global practice community in weekly discussion forums
• Flexible learning environment; participate live or study at your own pace
• Examinations are offered upon course completion

Who Should Attend?
This program is ideal for both beginners and more seasoned practitioners. It is also an excellent entry point for those seeking to formally embark on the path of Vajrayana, either with Tara Mandala or through another lineage. This program is required for the Magyu and Gateway study pathways, and will be offered annually.

Program Tuition
$295 Standard Tuition
$195 Community Supported Tuition

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

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
Recognizing that everyone’s financial situation is unique, Tara Mandala strives to make its 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 prior to the program’s start date. 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 Membership
Membership discounts are available for this program. To learn more about 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.

Suggested dana for this program: $50 – $150

Schedule
Each session meets on five consecutive Fridays beginning September 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm MDT. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates to your time zone.

• Live teaching sessions on Fridays: September 18, 25 / October 2, 9, 16, 2026
• The weekly discussion session will be announced
• Exam sessions will be held October 24 – 25. Students attend one of four exam sessions.

Exams
The exam questions will be available at the end of each course, with exams taking place one week later. All participants are invited to take the exams to integrate and solidify the teachings. Exams are required for those in the Magyu and Gateway programs.

Recording Access 
All participants will have access to the recorded sessions for one year after the program closes.

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.

Tara Mandala programs are offered at two tuition levels: Standard and Community Supported. We invite you to choose the rate that fits your circumstances. Community Supported tuition is made possible by the generosity of our sangha and is here for those who need it. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines, please visit this page.

What is a Tara Mandala Online Program? 
Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curricula, providing you with the opportunity to access dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience personal retreats and hands-on learning, and connect 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.

Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Mental Health Disclaimer
While Tara Mandala offers profound Buddhist teachings and a supportive spiritual community, we do not provide mental health services, and our teachers are not operating as mental health professionals. Spiritual guidance provided by a Tara Mandala teacher is not a substitute for professional mental health support. We honor the importance of mental well-being and encourage community members seeking support to connect with licensed professionals in their local area. For immediate assistance with mental health concerns, please contact your local crisis resources or emergency services.