We warmly invite you to join us for a day of vibrant community as we connect with the simple practice of Zhitro.

In our modern-day society, we lack traditions and rituals specifically designed to help someone who has died as they embark on their transitional journey. The practice of Zhitro offers an accessible and real way for a practitioner to help the deceased. This daylong intensive is an invitation for Zhitro practitioners to come together, receive further support, and receive more advanced teachings.

During this daylong, you will have the opportunity to:

• Deepen your familiarity with the visualizations and experiences that arise when doing this practice.
• Engage in group practice with the Zhitro sadhana, with the opportunity to ask clarifying questions to deepen your understanding of this practice.
• Receive detailed teachings and engage in discussion as a group.

Who Should Attend? 

• This program is open to all practitioners who already know and have received the Zhitro transmission and teachings. Therefore, no introductory instruction will be provided during this practice day.
• If you have not already received these teachings, our Zhitro Self-Paced Program with Lama Tsultrim Allione is available for your self-directed study. Please see our Calendar for the next available oral transmission (Tib. lung).

Program Tuition
$85 Standard Tuition
$65 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 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.

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 $20 -$60.

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

Saturday, November 22, 2026:
9:00 am – 11:00  am:  Opening Introduction & Practice Session
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Dharma Talk and Discussion
2.30 pm – 3.30 pm:  Closing Practice Session

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

To prepare for this retreat, you will need:
You may either use your e-version of the practice text (available as a download in the Self-Paced Program), or you can purchase a printed version of the practice text from the Dakini Store once you have received the lung for this practice.

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.

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 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.

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.