Tara Mandala warmly invites all who feel drawn to this extraordinary Tröma cycle to attend the annual Ösel Nyingtig Gathering, held at Tara Mandala Retreat Center and online. This year’s gathering will be dedicated to Tröma Nagmo’s profound practices, offering a deep immersion into her Secret Mandala. Tulku Ösel Dorje will offer teachings and practice for Tröma Chöd, continuing Special Instructions, and the Tröma Empowerment.

Two empowerments will be offered: The Blessing Empowerment will be offered for those attending the Online Gathering. The Tröma Empowerment will be offered in the Temple for those attending the Onsite Gathering (it will not be livestreamed).

The Onsite Gathering (Six Days)
The inspiration is to bring practitioners together to experience the blessings of Tröma Nagmo on the sacred land where all of these Dharma Treasures were revealed by the Terton king Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa. This is a rare occasion to practice in the wild, following in the footsteps of all the Victorious Ones that came before us.

In this six-day retreat, Ösel Nyingtig students will receive The Heart Essence of Luminosity, Tröma’s practice of Severance known as The Self-Liberation of Ego Clinging. Onsite participants will receive additional teachings on Chöd from Khenmo Tsering Lhamo, in residence at Tara Mandala.

Those who make the pilgrimage to Tara Mandala will have the opportunity to engage in the practice of dülzhug, which is a term used in Chöd practice meaning ‘vanquishing conduct’ or ‘yogic conduct.” Through a supported overnight practice session, students will venture out underneath the star-filled sky on the blessed Ekajati peak for solo Chöd in the wild, elevating the energy of their practice.

Registration for the Onsite program includes all aspects of the Gathering: the Tröma Empowerment, the Tröma Chöd teachings, the 2nd and 4th Special Instructions (for those eligible), Chöd teachings with Khenmo Tsering Lhamo, overnight dülzhug, and the concluding Tröma Chöd Tsog.

The Online Gathering (Two Days)
In this two-day retreat, Ösel Nyingtig students will receive The Heart Essence of Luminosity, Tröma’s practice of Severance known as The Self-Liberation of Ego Clinging. The online Gathering will begin with a Blessing Empowerment, offered by Tulku Osel, and conclude with the livestreamed Chöd Tsog from the Temple.

Registration for the online Gathering includes the online Blessing Empowerment, the Tröma Chöd teachings (live-streamed from the Temple), and the concluding Tröma Chöd Tsog (live-streamed from the Temple).

The Special Instructions (Hybrid, by invite only)
For those already practicing Tröma’s Special Instructions, the Second Special Instruction and the Fourth Special Instruction will be transmitted to deepen training in the realization of the non-dual Dharmakaya. Eligible participants will receive an email invitation to register for the respective Special Instructions, live-streamed from the land.

Registration for The Special Instructions includes the 2nd or 4th Special Instructions (live-streamed from the Temple) and the Tröma Chöd Tsog (live-streamed from the Temple) if you have already received the Chöd practice. If you have not learned Tröma Chöd, we recommend registering for the Online Gathering.

 Who can Attend?

• All are welcome to attend.
• If you have questions about attending, please contact oselnyingtig@taramandala.org.

 To prepare for this retreat, you will need:

• Your practice text(s) for Dakini Ngöndro, Tröma Chöd, and The Special Instructions on the Exceedingly Secret Tröma.
• Chod drum, bell & vajra, and damaru.
• Zen and optional dharma skirt.

Tuition

Online Program Fee (two days)
$265 Standard Tuition
$195 Community Supported Tuition

Colorado Program Fee (six days)
$595 Standard Tuition
$425 Community Supported Tuition

Colorado Room & Board (six days)
$75 Commuting
$100 Camping
$125 Dorm Yurt
$200 Prajna Double Twin
$350 Prajna Single Queen

The Special Instructions (by invitation only)
$50-$108 Sliding Scale

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.

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 $100-$300.

Tara Mandala Pricing Guideline
As we strive to become an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines aim to serve as a map, inviting each of us to assess the 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 provides an overview of the retreat’s flow. The sequence of activities and timing may be adjusted before and during the retreat. All times are Mountain Daylight Time. Please use this link to view how this daily schedule is translated into your time zone.

Onsite Program Schedule 

Saturday, August 15, 2026
5:00 pm Orientation
6:00 pm Dinner & Karma Yoga (selfless service)
8:00 pm Opening Gathering & Empowerment

Sunday, August 16  to Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:00 am Practice Session
8:00 am Breakfast & Karma Yoga
10:00 am Teaching Session
1:00 pm Lunch & Karma Yoga
3:30 pm Teaching Session
5:45 pm Dinner & Karma Yoga
7:45 pm Practice Session

Friday, August 20, 2026
7:00 am Practice Session
8:00 am Breakfast & Karma Yoga
10:00 am Closing Session and Tsog
1:00 pm Lunch & Karma Yoga

Online Program Schedule

Saturday, August 15, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Blessing Empowerment (must be attended live)

Sunday, August 16, 2026
7:00 am – 8:00 am Practice Session
10:00 am – 12:45 pm Teaching Session
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Teaching Session
7:45 pm – 9:00 pm Practice Session

Monday, August 17, 2026
7:00 am – 8:00 am Practice Session
10:00 am – 12:45 pm Teaching Session
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Q&A with Tulku Ösel

          Friday, August 20, 2026
10:00 am Closing Session and Tsog

Recording Access
All participants will have 1 year of access to the recordings.

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.

Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Onsite Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats