Rinchen Trengwa Practice Retreat
June 3 - 10, 2026
The Rinchen Trengwa, or Garland of Jewels, holds a unique position in Machig Labdrön’s lineage of Chöd. This practice cycle was compiled from oral sources by the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339) at a time when the transmission of Machig Labdrön’s lineage of Chöd was losing authenticity. Through this monumental accomplishment, Rangjung Dorje distilled and preserved the essence of Machig Labdrön’s Chöd tradition, framing it as the essence of all the vehicles of Vajrayana while simultaneously standing apart from them. It represents an unbroken oral lineage of transmission from teacher to student, traceable all the way back to Machig Labdrön.
Our community has the privilege of upholding the Rinchen Trengwa, its daily practice (Dentog Chigma), and its Chöd Cham, as the result of our enduring relationship with this tradition’s sworn protectors: the Nuns, Monks, Yoginis, and Yogins of Druk Zangri Khamar. This small settlement of Vajrayana practitioners is the offspring of a group of thirty Tibetan emigrés who came from Zangri Khamar in Tibet ─ the seat of Machig Labdrön. The original group of Tibetans came to Bhutan in 1952 to safeguard their spiritual heritage from the destruction that would soon befall their country, culture, and religious life.
We have developed and maintained our relationship with this sangha through a series of pilgrimages to Bhutan. During our travels, we received instruction on the musical, ritual, and dance traditions from Lama Rigdzin Longyang Rinpoche and the lopöns of Druk Zangri Khamar. Lama Rigdzin Longyang endowed us with these teachings and the charge to carry the lineage forward in the West.
We invite you to become a link in this jewel garland that connects back to Machig herself. This practice retreat is for those who received the Rinchen Trengwa empowerment at Tara Mandala’s 30th Anniversary celebration, or who participated in the pilgrimages to Druk Zangri Khamar. Any one of these is adequate. If you feel a connection to these practices but do not meet the requirements, please contact the Registrar at registrar@taramandala.org.
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 can 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.
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.
Tentative Schedule
June 3, 2026
5:00 pm Orientation
6:00 pm Dinner & Karma Yoga
8:00 pm Opening Gathering
June 4-9, 2026
7:00 am Community Practice
8:00 am Breakfast & Karma Yoga
10:00 am Practice Session
1:00 pm Lunch & Karma Yoga
3:30 pm Practice Session
5:00 pm Community Practice and Protectors Offering
6:00 pm Dinner & Karma Yoga
June 10, 2026
8:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Closing
1:00 pm Lunch & Departure