“In life and in death, in meditation and in sleep, every transitional 
stage of consciousness, or bardo, provides an opportunity to 
overcome limitations, frustrations, and fears.” 

~ Padmasambhava, in Natural Liberation, 1998

Life is a constant dance between the known and the unknown, a cycle in which death and birth are always interwoven. The bardo represents this in-between state — the gap where uncertainty thrives, yet where profound transformation occurs. In this retreat, we will explore the nature of these gaps in both our lived experiences and through the lens of traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

Through guided meditations, insights, and reflections, you will gain the tools to face the anxiety and uncertainty inherent in these gaps, and learn how to embrace the luminous emptiness that can guide our consciousness toward liberation or a fortunate rebirth.

During the weekend,  Lopön Robin Gayle will define a Bardo state through the lens of traditional Buddhadharma, describe how each Bardo is experienced during life, and lead us in traditional and contemporary meditation practices to navigate these transitions effectively.

Join us for this transformative journey to experience peace in the unknown and unlock the possibility of true freedom.

Program Tuition
$265 Standard Tuition
$195 Community Supported Tuition

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

Who Should Attend?
This program is open to everyone.

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 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.

The suggested dana for this program is $240 – $720.

Dayly 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 Time. Please use this link to view how this daily schedule is translated into your time zone.

Saturday & Sunday,  November 7 – 8,  2026

9:00 am – 12:00 pm:  Teaching, Discussion, Meditation
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm:  Teaching, Discussion, Meditation

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

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we work to become an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended as a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of the resources that shape 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 whether a specific online session must be attended live and whether a direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. Access to recordings of all sessions will be available for additional viewing for one year.

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