Motivated by compassion for beings, Siddhartha left the comfort, status, and certainty of his palace life to seek the answers to the questions burning in him. He wanted to know the cause of old age, sickness, and death, and how to end trauma and suffering. What he discovered on the night of his enlightenment is the truth of suffering, the causes of suffering, and the way to freedom, which became his first teaching at Deer Park in Sarnath on the Four Noble Truths.

He declared, “All I teach is suffering and the end of suffering.” The wish to be happy and free of suffering is common to all beings and relevant to life over 2500 years after the Buddha passed into parinirvana. Today, as in the time of the Buddha, beings experience trauma and suffering in many forms and seek lasting happiness.

What is suffering? What is resilience, and how can we cultivate it?  How can discoveries in modern neuroscience and polyvagal theory inform our dharma practice? What is collective trauma? How can we relieve the suffering we feel, bring it onto the path, and help others? What practices help us to resolve trauma? How can we deal with the resistance we experience to moving into our personal pain, keeping us from our daily meditation practice? How can Western psychological therapies and Vajrayana Buddhism converge to move us beyond pain and suffering to full realization and awakening? How can Western psychotherapy be an integral dimension to our dharma practice?

In this retreat, we will explore these questions and more, taking a deep dive into trauma and suffering, combining wisdom from Buddhism, modern psychology and neuroscience. Through teachings, discussion, and meditation, we will introduce students to numerous methods to skillfully bring suffering in all its forms onto the path of awakening.

Who Should Attend? 
This program is open to everyone.

Program Tuition
$265 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 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 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 
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 range between $40 and $120

Schedule
All times are Mountain Time. Please use this link to view how this daily schedule is translated into your time zone.

Saturday, April 4, 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm MDT: Teachings & Practice
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm MDT: Teachings & Practice

Sunday, April 5, 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm MDT: Teachings & Practice
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm MDT: Teachings & Practice

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

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we strive to become an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are designed 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 or rate that best suits your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, 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.

Online 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.