Amidst the relentless pace of modern life, where can we find true refuge—a genuine sense of ease, clarity, and connection?

We invite you to step away from the push and pull of daily striving and rediscover the profound peace and wholeness that has always been within you.

Join Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam, Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen, and our sangha for an immersive retreat on the powerful land of Tara Mandala. Together, we will explore the revolutionary wisdom of Machig Labdrön and celebrate a milestone: the launch of their groundbreaking new book, Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness. Skymind is an invitation to recognize our true boundless nature and to meet whatever we encounter on the path of life with a vast mind and a fierce, loving heart.

Our program weaves together daily meditation, deep contemplation, and heartfelt dialogue, guided by the profound insight of our two dear Lopons. Through their book, we will bridge Machig’s original texts with the complexities of our modern world, discovering how to carry a vast view into the heart of our daily lives.

“No matter what sickness occurs in the manifesting circumstances, 

Know that each one is a training exercise”.

In the wild, sacred Tara Mandala landscapes, Machig’s verses on the ground of being cease to be concepts and become lived experience. As we integrate with the raw elements, we move towards a liberating realization:

“When you realize the meaning of not rejecting or accepting, you rest within the great equanimity.”

Join us on this journey of radical acceptance. Let learning become practice, and let practice open your heart to living fully and fearlessly in our ever-changing world.

In this retreat, you will engage in: 

• Teachings, contemplation, and discussion of Machig’s source texts. You’ll be encouraged to memorize your favorite Machig verses to inspire and guide your daily life after our retreat.
• Open awareness meditation, ancient and new exercises to train attention, and integration with elements practices.
• An optional outdoor overnight practice. This will be an all-night Chöd practice; you do not need to know the practice to attend.

Who Should Attend

This retreat is designed for a wide range of practitioners, from complete beginners to seasoned meditators.

• Newcomers are wholeheartedly welcome. No prior experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to explore.
• Seasoned practitioners will deepen their understanding of the nature of mind and return to their daily practice with fresh insight and renewed inspiration.
• Whether you joined us for one of our previous Skymind summer retreats or any of our online courses, this is a perfect opportunity to continue your journey. We will introduce new verses and delve deeper into beloved practices.

Join us on Thursday, August 27, 10:00-11:30 am MDT for Skymind Book Launch & Celebration, a special open-to-all session!  

Join us as we celebrate our new book, Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness! During this special session, offered online and in-person in Tara Mandala’s Tara Temple, we’ll share stories about how Skymind grew from the wild land of Tara Mandala, inspired by the sacred lineage of Machig Labdrön. We’ll read from the book, share practice, and have time for discussion. All are welcome! Register for online or onsite attendance here (attendance is included for those who register for the full retreat).

Program Tuition
$695 Standard Tuition
$495 Community Supported Tuition

Room and Board
$75    Commuting
$85    Camping
$100  Dorm Yurt
$165  Prajna Double Twin
$350  Prajna Single Queen

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 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 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 available at care@taramandala.org.

Offering dana to the Teacher
The practice of offering dana, meaning “generosity,” is the traditional student offering to the teacher, symbolizing 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 $100 – $300.

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
This schedule outlines the retreat’s flow. The sequence of activities and timing may be adjusted before and during the retreat. All times are Mountain Daylight Time.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
5:00 pm Orientation
6:00 pm Dinner & Karma Yoga
8:00 pm Opening Gathering

Wednesday, August 26 to Saturday, August 29, 2026
7:00 am Morning Practice
8:00 am Breakfast & Karma Yoga
10:00 am Teaching Session
1:00 pm Lunch & Karma Yoga
3:30 pm Teaching Session
6:00 pm Dinner & Karma Yoga
8:00 pm Evening Practice

Sunday, August 30, 2026 
8:00 am Breakfast & Karma Yoga
10:00 am Closing Session and Tsog
1:00 pm Lunch & Departure

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.

Onsite Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats