The Tara Mandala Retreat Center provides a streamlined registration process for individuals looking to participate in on-site or virtual dharma programs. To secure a spot, practitioners can browse the event calendar and complete an online form where they specify personal requirements, such as accessibility needs or housing preferences. The organization emphasizes clear administrative guidelines, including a structured cancellation policy and instructions for applying membership discounts during checkout. By outlining these logistical steps and preparation details, the center ensures that participants can focus fully on their spiritual practice and the contemplative environment of the retreat center.

Plan Your Visit to Tara Mandala Retreat Center

There are several ways for you to visit and practice at Tara Mandala 

• Group Retreats: Please see our Calendar to explore available offerings and register for group retreats.
• Solo-Retreat Cabins: For those wishing to engage in solitary retreats, please click here to learn more about our Solo Retreat Cabins. 
• Visitors & Day Trips: Tara Mandala has Open House events scheduled throughout the year. All day visits must be arranged with the center and approved in advance of your arrival. Please contact us here to make arrangements for your visit and see our Calendar to see Open House event dates.

Health and Safety Protocols

Tara Mandala has developed policies and protocols to assure you that your health and safety remain our top priority when engaging with any Tara Mandala retreat or event. We appreciate your support and participation as we implement our policies to keep everyone safe.

We implement common-sense measures to help mitigate the risk of transmission of communicable diseases such as flu, RSV, and Covid-19 and other illnesses. Masks and hand sanitizers are made available at various locations around the center and at our hosted events. We strongly encourage everyone to practice good hygiene, and hand washing protocols thoroughly and regularly.

In order to support the health of everyone at Tara Mandala, we request all guests and visitors to self-monitor their own physical health condition and take immediate, responsible action if experiencing symptoms of illness. Specifically:

• Before arriving, if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of illness, we ask that you refrain from visiting the retreat center and contact the Registrar here.
• If you are at the retreat center or event and feeling unwell, please alert our designated staff member immediately. Consider maintaining physical distance from others and wearing a mask when in close proximity or indoors. 
• Please keep our staff informed about your symptoms, especially if 

they worsen and you are in need of additional support.

We encourage you to read our Communicable Disease Policy and cooperate with us in our efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.

If you have any questions, please contact us here. Thank you for helping Tara Mandala to maintain a healthy and supportive practice environment.

Arriving, Departure, and Getting Here

Accomodations

Transgender & Non-Binary Accommodations

We aim to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our guests. If you identify as Transgender and/or Gender Non-Binary and would appreciate assistance with registering for your preferred lodging type, please email our Registrar on this page and we will find the best housing options we have available to meet your needs for this retreat.

If you prefer to room with another transgender or non-binary person, please select “trans/other gender identity” during registration and you will automatically be paired accordingly.

Prajña Residence Hall

Our residence hall offers 19 rooms on two floors with stunning views of the San Juan mountains to the East and Ekajati peak to the West. The building is beautifully hand-painted with traditional Tibetan flower imagery on the window lintels. The outer plaster is a brilliant golden yellow ochre limestone that matches the Community Building. Our rooms offer beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable accommodations.  We hope that the amenities of the residence hall will allow more retreatants to take advantage of our retreats year-round.

Each double room includes two twin beds, a beautiful granite sink, and closet. In the hallway are separate baths, showers, and toilets. There are two queen bed rooms on each floor that have one queen bed and share a full bathroom between them. All rooms are stocked with high quality sheets and duvets; please bring your own towel.

Prajña Rooms

• Double Room (two twin beds, double occupancy); hallway bath
• Queen Double (one queen bed, double occupancy); semi-private bath
• Single (one queen bed, single occupancy); semi-private bath
• Triple (three twin beds): room sometimes available for families upon request; contact Registrar for more information.

Prices are per person and are listed with retreat descriptions.

Dorm Yurt Housing (prices are per person)

Dorm yurt accommodations are available in a women’s yurt and men’s yurt. Both are large canvas yurts with 6-10 twin beds in an open clean communal space.  Each bed comes with a comfortable foam mattress, fitted sheet and pillow with pillow case. You must bring your own sleeping bag or blankets. All facilities, including meals and full baths, are in the Community Building.  No food is allowed in or near the yurts. For the safety of everyone, all personal items must be kept in the cubbies in the Community Building, with the exception of these items only: Clothes, bedding, water bottle, flashlight, paper and pen, bear spray and air horn.  Prices are per person and are listed with retreat descriptions.

Shared Bathing Facilities in the Community Building:

If you are camping or staying in the yurts, we offer two shared bathing facilities in the Community Building, one for those who identify as male and one for both women and other non-male identified people. We support transgender and/or non-binary individuals to choose the option (male or female) that they feel most comfortable with. The private toilet rooms are all-gender. If you have questions or concerns about our available accommodations, please contact the Registrar on this page, or the Retreat Manager during the retreat. Tara Mandala aims to provide a safe space and our goal is for our guests to feel respected and supported during their stay here.

Tent Cabins (prices are per person)

Tent cabins are sometimes available during the warmer months. Stay in one of our spacious, light and airy canvas tents. Situated on a wooden platform with a deck, the tent has one twin bed, a set of drawers and a handy ottoman for storage or seating inside. In May and September frost is possible. During these months in particular bring enough warm clothing so that you will be comfortable at night. You will have use of the bathrooms including showers, full baths and toilets in Prajna which is a short walk from the Tent Cabin sites. There is also a porta-potty right next to the cabin sites. Bedding is included, please bring your own towel. Because of the presence of wild animals on the land, no food or items with a scent are to be stored in or near your tent cabin. All toiletries and any items with a scent can be kept in a cubby next to the bathrooms on the first floor of Prajna. Prices are per person and are listed with retreat descriptions, if available.

Shared Bathing Facilities in the Community Building:

If you are camping or staying in the yurts, we offer two shared bathing facilities in the Community Building, one for those who identify as male and one for both women and other non-male identified people. We support transgender and/or non-binary individuals to choose the option (male or female) that they feel most comfortable with. The private toilet rooms are all-gender. If you have questions or concerns about our available accommodations, please contact the Registrar on this page, or the Retreat Manager during the retreat. Tara Mandala aims to provide a safe space and our goal is for our guests to feel respected and supported during their stay here.

Camping (prices are per person)

Camping is an option for anyone coming here during the warm months. Bring your own tent and gear and sleep under the big open sky on Tara Mandala’s beautiful land in one of our designated camping spots. All facilities, including meals and full baths, are in the Community Building. Camping is free with the retreat fee. Because of the presence of wild animals on the land, no food is allowed in or near your tent. For the safety of everyone, all personal items must be kept in the cubbies in the Community Building, with the exception of these items only: Clothes, bedding, water bottle, flashlight, paper and pen, bear spray and air horn. Very limited vehicle camping is available in the parking lot for campers and trucks under 20 feet long and must be preapproved. Generators are not permitted and there are no hook-ups. Prices are per person and are listed with retreat descriptions.

Shared Bathing Facilities in the Community Building:

If you are camping or staying in the yurts, we offer two shared bathing facilities in the Community Building, one for those who identify as male and one for both women and other non-male identified people. We support transgender and/or non-binary individuals to choose the option (male or female) that they feel most comfortable with. The private toilet rooms are all-gender. If you have questions or concerns about our available accommodations, please contact the Registrar on this page, or the Retreat Manager during the retreat. Tara Mandala aims to provide a safe space and our goal is for our guests to feel respected and supported during their stay here.

Commuting

Commuting is available for some retreats, please check the program page. In order to hold the container of the retreat, please plan to attend all sessions from 7 am to 9 pm. If you need to miss a session, please contact the Retreat Manager.  Prices are per person and are listed with retreat descriptions.

Being Here & Packing List

Our retreat land, located at 7500-8000 feet elevation, presents varied weather conditions. Summer days are sunny and can reach the 90’s with afternoon thunderstorms likely. Nights may be quite cool in the 40’s-50’s, requiring a warm sweater or jacket. Our large community building houses the Dakini Store, dining hall, kitchen, and full bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Teachings are held in the Tara Temple, a short walk from the community building, many tent sites, and Prajña residence hall. There may also be activities held outdoors as weather permits.

Food

During retreats, we serve three nutritious, wholesome vegetarian meals a day. Upon special request the Tara Mandala kitchen is able to accommodate allergen restrictions along with the following limited dietary restrictions: gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free; these special needs must be noted on your registration form. The kitchen can not accommodate additional food preferences. We have limited refrigerator space for those retreatants who, for medical reasons only, need to bring supplementary items. These arrangements must be made prior to arrival with the Kitchen Manager. Please note that generally we do not have space for storing personal snacks.

No food is allowed in or near your tent. For the safety of everyone, NOTHING with an odor is allowed in or near your tent.

Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga (work service) represents time offered to support the needs of the retreat and is an intrinsic part of spiritual practice at Tara Mandala. All retreatants participate in one hour of karma yoga daily. We greatly appreciate your willingness to help in this way during your stay at Tara Mandala.

Cell Phone and Internet Access

While on retreat, in order to fall deeply into the experience, you will be out of contact with friends and family except in the case of emergencies. We request that all cell phones are left off for the duration of every retreat. Please take care of all necessary business and issues prior to arriving on the land. We have a phone for emergency use in the office and a computer for essential communications e.g. checking travel details and letting friends or family know you have arrived safely. We do offer guest network access for Wi-Fi in the evenings for a couple of hours so that people can take care of essential communications on their own devices.

Temple Etiquette

• Please remove your shoes before entering the Temple. Bring Temple-only slippers if you wish to wear “shoes” inside the temple.Clothing should be neat, clean, and not too revealing. In the hot summer months light clothing is allowable (such as shorts and tank tops), but please remember that this is a sacred space and dress modestly.
• Handle practice texts and images with respect. Do not put them on the floor or step over them. This includes outdoor practice. We do not step over puja tables since they contain texts and other sacred ritual items.
• Refrain from pointing your feet at statues, a shrine, or a lama. 
• It is a traditional sign of respect to stand when the lama enters the room, and to prostrate three times once the lama takes his/her seat. You can prostrate if you wish, but it is not required.
• Please read signs! There are private work and living spaces throughout the Temple.

Elevation

Tara Mandala is at a high altitude (7,600 – 8,100 feet above sea level) and the climate is very dry, especially in the summertime. Please be sure to prepare for this by drinking more water than usual for 2 – 3 days before your arrival — three to four quarts of water a day is a good guideline. Doing this is a very important step to avoid headaches, irritability, insomnia and other signs of high altitude distress.

Medical Care

Tara Mandala does not provide a medical staff person on the premises. The town of Pagosa Springs has a new, full service hospital approximately 25 minutes from the retreat land.

Packing List 

• Layered clothing for hot days and cold nights (summer temperatures range from 95-35 degrees Fahrenheit, frost is possible in August)
• Good rain gear and hats (for sun and cold) can be helpful
• Hiking boots could be helpful for some if you wish to explore the land and need study footwear.
• Sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle
• Non-toxic insect repellent can be appreciated
• Towels for bathing (not provided in Prajna or other accommodations)
• Lantern, flashlight, or headlamp
• Small backpack or bag to carry your personal items from your accommodation to the temple for practice
• If camping, bring a personal tent with rain fly and/or tarp, possibly a waterproof ground cloth, comfortable padding, warm sleeping bag, etc.  For the safety of everyone, NOTHING with an odor is allowed in your tent.

What Not to Bring

The land has poor cell phone reception and limited access to electricity. As you are going into retreat, please be prepared to be without outside communication. Our office phone is available for emergencies. In order to go deeply into your retreat experience, we ask you to leave your outside work at home and turn off cell phones and electronics.

• Electronics (or turn them off while you are on the land).
• Please do not bring your own food as there are no individual cooking facilities or storage areas.
• Please do not bring drugs, alcohol, or weapons onto the land.  Tara Mandala is now a NO-SMOKING ZONE (including no vaping).
• Please no pets.
• Hairspray and scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes or cologne.

Nearby Lodging

Lodging in Town (Pagosa Springs)

Before and after retreats, lodging is available in town. Rates vary depending on season; higher rates are in the summer and the ski season (Thanksgiving – February).

Motels in Pagosa Springs

Campgrounds near Pagosa Springs

Children at Tara Mandala

Historically, Lama Tsultrim Allione’s vision for Tara Mandala has been to create a retreat environment that is open to families with children. This provides children, our future, with the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with the Buddhadharma.

Because the Buddhist traditions of Tantra and Dzogchen are both paths of integration rather than renunciation, we believe the presence of children is not detrimental to the retreat environment within certain boundaries.

We believe that many parents would be prevented from coming on retreat if they could not bring their child, for example, if the child is too young to leave at home. We also believe that children benefit from being at Tara Mandala. However, we also recognize the value for parents to have time without their children to practice and that retreatants like a quiet environment. Retreatants should be prepared in advance for the possible presence of children at retreats.

To support a positive retreat environment for all participants, we have articulated the following guidelines for families with children between the ages of 3 months and 13 years (these do not apply during the Family Retreat):

• Children should not be brought to teachings or practice sessions.
• Children are welcome at ceremonies, tsogs and empowerments but should not be allowed to run around unsupervised during these ceremonies.
• Children are welcome to visit the temple between sessions if they are supervised. Parents should introduce their children to the temple and explain the protocol and meaning of the shrines in an age appropriate way.
• Parents need to bring their own childcare person. The childcare provider may be the other parent or someone else who will be responsible and respectful. That person must be 17 or older. The caregiver and child will be charged for housing and food and will be fully responsible for the child’s safety and welfare.
• The Children’s Temple (yurt) is available for children as an indoor play area at all times. We will provide materials for drawing, games and puzzles. Parents should supplement with creative safe, non-toxic materials. Gifts of Dharma books for children of all ages are welcome. Parents or caregivers are responsible for supplying anything they have used and for leaving the yurt clean.
• Parents will be allowed to commute to closed silent retreats where children are not allowed. They should understand that they are required to attend all sessions.
• During partially silent retreats parents and children will eat on the West porch and children will not be asked to be silent there. This should be clearly announced by the retreat manager at the beginning of each retreat. Retreatants wishing to avoid children can choose to dine in the Dining Room or the South side of the Community Building.
• A few Prajna Residence Hall rooms may be available to families in locations less likely to create disturbance to other residents. We ask parents to be mindful of sound in Prajna Residence Hall, within reason, and to abide by the 9:00PM sound curfew. For this reason, some families prefer to camp so their children have more freedom.

If you have a special circumstance that may need unique consideration, please write to the Registrar on this page.

Tara Mandala is a natural wildlife sanctuary and some of the buildings are not childproof. There are bears, mountain lions, and snakes on the land. Please make sure that your childcare provider and your child respectfully comply with any restrictions and boundaries as directed by Tara Mandala staff members. If exploring the land, they must carry bear spray with them at all times.

Tara Mandala is not responsible or liable in any way for any accidents or injuries that happen to your child.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Special Needs

Tara Mandala Activities take place in a wilderness setting where rescue and medical services and internet and telephone access are limited. Hazardous conditions may also exist, such as extreme weather conditions, steep hillsides, wildfire and wildlife.

The environment at Tara Mandala includes rough terrain, unpaved roads, and rustic facilities. The retreats require walking (hiking) between the temple and the community building (about a 15 minute hike uphill) at 7400 foot elevation.

If you have a health condition or are aware that you may require medical care we recommend that you not participate in a retreat. We do not have the appropriate staff or facilities to accommodate medical needs other than normal first aid and emergency response.

Physical disabilities and chronic illnesses

For people with disabilities, Tara Mandala provides reasonable accommodation in accordance with the American with Disabilities (ADA) within Tara Mandala’s capacity as a wilderness retreat. You may request reasonable accommodations specific to your limitations in relationship to the demands of participation in the retreat for which you are applying. Tara Mandala’s decision to provide such accommodations is made in accordance with legal requirements. Please send all requests for reasonable accommodation to our Registrar on this page at least six weeks prior to the retreat that you wish to attend.  You may also note that an increasing number of our retreats are becoming available online, in an effort to provide education and opportunity to all individuals who are unable to attend for a variety of reasons.

• Anyone with physical disabilities/limitations in need of assistance will need to bring a personal assistant.
• Anyone with special needs around day-to-day self-care will need to bring a personal assistant.
• Anyone who is unable to walk between buildings will need to be able to drive their own vehicle, have an all terrain wheelchair or have an assistant and vehicle for transportation.
• Wheelchair accessibility is limited to the ground floors of our buildings. The Temple has an elevator to the second floor.  The third floor, Dharmakaya, is not wheelchair accessible.

Hearing Impairment:

Our amplification system is called “Listen In”.  We have devices with headphones that may be used when the retreat is being amplified.  Please note:  Not all retreats are amplified.  When a retreat is held on the third floor of the Temple in Dharmakaya, there is no amplification and therefore no hearing device.

These devices are only for those who have hearing impairment.

Environmental Sensitivities:

We make an effort to accommodate those with environmental sensitivities but we cannot guarantee freedom from chemical and fragrance irritants. For example, we burn incense and use candles in the Temple.

Retreat Center laundry is washed with fragrance free products and cleaning products are as natural as possible given health and sanitation guidelines. Given that each person’s sensitivities are unique, we cannot provide a fragrance/chemical free space for all. Please bring a mask if needed.

Emotional/Psychological Difficulties:

Tara Mandala programs may involve various meditations involving psychological and/or spiritual exercises that could sometimes bring up intense emotions.

Retreats are not meant as a substitute for psychotherapy. Retreats can be emotionally demanding and physically strenuous. We recommend that if you are currently receiving psychotherapy, please inform your therapist of you intend to participate in a retreat.

Questions: Please contact the registrar for more information on this page, or call (970) 731 – 3711, ext 108.

Wildlife

Small Animals and Insects

Love them–they are sentient beings.  If by chance a bird, mouse, or squirrel does get in, just open the doors and windows. By dusk it is sure to find its way out; animals move towards light and fresh air in the evening.  Insects (flies in particular) do this as well. Insects like wasps that you’d rather get rid of immediately can be caught in a drinking glass against a window. Slide a piece of paper under the glass and carry it out.

Larger Animals

Snakes

We have many different snakes on the land, including rattlesnakes as well as many other nonvenomous snakes. Remember, they will only engage with you if they feel threatened. Wear boots if you walk off the trail. Walk mindfully, and always be listening for the telltale rattle. If you’re lucky enough to see one, don’t go near a snake. Stand still, back off slowly and send it away with blessings.

Black Bears

In general, black bears are shy and want to avoid interactions with humans. They are not as aggressive as brown bears, but should still be treated with the utmost respect and caution. Being prepared for how to respond in situations in which you encounter a bear is incredibly important so that you can remain calm and respond to the bear in the appropriate way. 

Preventative Measures: 

If you are hiking, carry your bear bell, bear horn, and bear spray with you. Carry your radio as well. It is a good idea to make noise while you are hiking by clapping or hollering along the way, as this warns animals that you’re in the area. At your cabin never leave food or dirty dishes outside. Never leave your cabin doors or windows open while away.

What To Do During a Bear Encounter:

If you do see a bear, talk to it in a calm, firm voice. Back away slowly and try to return the way you came, while keeping your eyes on the bear. Do not turn and run, as it can be perceived as threatening. It is likely the bear will run away. 

If the bear approaches you, it’s important to determine its body language. If it appears calm and curious, like a youngster wanting to explore, talk to the bear in a firm voice. Try to get out of the bear’s way. Sometimes a bear will act defensively and is trying to communicate that you are too close. Body language could include: popping its jaw, swatting the ground with its front foot while blowing and snorting, or lunging or “bluff charging” toward you. Try to appear non threatening and remain calm. Get your bear spray ready, as you calmly and slowly back away and leave the area. 

If a bear continues approaching and its attention is clearly directed at you, stand your ground and prepare to use your bear horn or deterrent. Act aggressively and let the bear know that you are prepared to fight. Raise your voice, make yourself look bigger, clap and stamp your feet, use your bear horn if you have it. Threaten the bear with whatever is handy (stick, pole, bear spray). 

If a bear comes looking for food near your cabin, you can encourage it to leave by creating a loud noise such as an air horn or whistle, both of which are in the cabins. 

Mountain Lions

Although rarely seen, mountain lions are native to the land. If you encounter one, stay calm and maintain visual contact with the lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it and make enough eye contact so that it knows you have seen it. Slowly back away, but stay upright and facing the lion. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Raise your arms and position yourself to appear bigger by getting up on a stump or a rock and opening your jacket if you’re wearing one. A loud, sustained noise will often drive the animal away. It is a good idea to bring an air horn and a walking stick with you while hiking. Always carry your radio with you. 

Coyotes

Coyotes are common, and hearing packs hoot and howl around dusk is a regular occurrence. Coyotes have a natural fear of humans, and generally do not pose a threat to us.

Disclaimer

Tara Mandala reserves the right to change the policies and protocols without prior notice to enable us to meet the health and safety needs of the community, our guests, and visitors, as well as to comply with all local and state public health law changes, which can change at any time.

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 wellbeing and encourage community members seeking support to connect with licensed professionals in their local area. For immediate assistance with mental health concerns, please reach out to your local crisis resources or emergency services.

Registration Information

How to Register for a Retreat

Space is limited, so please register early!

• Please go to the Retreats Calendar and select the retreat you want to attend. Please read the program page before you register.
• If you have a benefit associated with membership at Tara Mandala, enter your discount code in the box provided at the end of the registration form.
• Use the “Additional Information” section for anything you want us to know that is not on the form (roommates, physical needs, etc.)
• If your preferred housing choice is sold out, please register for your second choice and put a note in the Additional Information box to be put on a waitlist.
• Your space and accommodations are reserved when the Retreat Fee is received. At that time, you will be sent a confirmation of registration, providing instructions on arrival and check-in procedures, what to bring, and other pertinent information.
• There is a $50 fee for all returned checks.

Retreat Fee

Retreat Fees are per person and include the cost of the retreat, meals, practice texts (for some retreats; some retreats require additional purchase of large texts), and full use of the facilities from check-in on the first day of the retreat until it ends. Accommodations and meals are not available between retreats unless you are staying for consecutive retreats and authorize the additional fees. The retreat fees do not include teacher Dana, or donation, unless otherwise specified. Tara Mandala Sangha Members receive a small discount depending on their level of monthly support.

Tax-deductible donations to the Evada Scholarship Fund are used to help people who otherwise might not be able to attend our retreats come to Tara Mandala.

Please note that Dana for the teachers is not included in the retreat fee. A suggested Dana amount for primary teacher is given in the retreat description.   Click here for more information on Dana.

If you have questions on how to make a payment for a retreat, please contact our Finance Team on this page.

Program Fees

Tara Mandala online and in-person programs offer three price levels: Benefactor, Sustaining, and Supported. Programs that take place in Colorado have additional fixed room & board fees.

Room & Board Fees for In-Person Retreats at Tara Mandala Retreat Center in Colorado

In-person retreats at our Colorado Retreat Center consist of a Program Fee (described above) and a Room & Board Fee. Room & Board Fees are fixed, and vary depending on the number of nights stayed. You can find fees listed on individual program registration pages.

Room & Board Fees include three delicious meals per day, except on opening day (dinner only) and closing day (breakfast only), as well as the use of Tara Mandala’s facilities.

Commuting/Camping

Participants bring their own camping equipment, bath towel, and bedding. Shared bathing facilities are in the Community Building (private showers and toilets). 

Dorm Yurts

Participants have a twin bed in a shared dorm (Women’s Yurt, Men’s Yurt, or All-Gender Yurt). Each bed comes with a foam mattress, fitted sheet and pillow with pillow case. Participants bring their own additional bedding and bath towel. Shared bathing facilities are in the Community Building (private showers and toilets). 

Prajna Double Twin Room & Board

Participants have a twin bed in a shared room (2 people per room), with shared bathrooms and showers on each floor (private showers and toilets). Bedding is included, but participants bring their own bath towel. 

Prajna Single Queen Room & Board

Participants have a private room with a queen bed and a shared bathroom. Neighboring Queen rooms share an ensuite bathroom. Bedding is included, but participants bring their own bath towel.

Retreat Dana Offering

Dana is a Pali word meaning “generosity.”

As one of the six paramitas or “perfections,” the practice of generosity is an integral part of the Buddhist path.

According to the Buddha, generosity is one of the central practices of a spiritual life. In the act of giving, we develop our ability to let go of attachment, cultivate an attitude of open sharing, and acknowledge the interconnectedness of all beings. The Buddha taught the practice of dana whereby those who share the teachings are dependent on those who receive them. It is the practice of dana that has kept the Buddhist tradition alive for more than 2,600 years in Asia, where committed supporters have given generously to establish monasteries and retreat centers, and provide for teachers and practitioners. At Tara Mandala we carry on this joyful tradition in the form of inviting donations from the community to our precious teachers, so that teachers can continue to offer the Dharma. Although the value of the teachings is immeasurably precious, we make our offerings as generous as possible while respecting our own financial well being.

Suggested dana amounts are listed on the registration page of each retreat in an effort to give participants an idea of what a traditional offering might be for each retreat, but this is simply a suggestion and is in no way a required fee. We have also included general guidelines for dana ranges below.

For online programs and virtual retreats, suggested dana amounts and PayPal links will be offered at the end of each retreat as well as on the respective course pages and retreat content pages. 

For onsite retreats, there will be an opportunity to make dana offerings at the end of each retreat to the teacher(s) with a white scarf called a khata, which represents pure mind. Dana can be offered directly to the teachers through Paypal, check, or cash. A computer is available in the Temple for PayPal transactions, but if you would prefer to give dana now, please click on the link below.

For Empowerments and Transmissions, dana is also traditionally offered after receiving a Wang (empowerment) or a Lung (transmission). This dana can be monetary but may also be symbolic such as a flower or small personally important item. When a Lung is given online, dana may be offered monetarily via Paypal to the teacher directly. Paypal links are provided on the event content page.

What is the suggested dana range?

Your dana offering should always consider your individual capacity. There is no set amount for dana, but Tara Mandala has found it helpful to offer some guidelines for those who are new to this traditional Buddhist practice. Please note that Tara Mandala’s suggested dana range is always posted on the retreat registration page. However, we’ve included our general guidelines for the various types of retreats we have at Tara Mandala: 

For Virtual & Onsite Retreats: Tara Mandala suggests a range of $20 – $60 per day of any given retreat. For example, if your retreat is three calendar days, then you might offer between $60-$180 to the teacher as an expression of your appreciation for the teachings. If a retreat has more than one teacher, you may split that amount between each teacher or offer more to each if you are able. Suggested dana amounts and teacher PayPal links will be offered at the end of each retreat. 

For Live Online Courses: Rather than calculating per day, we offer a comparable “per hour” range for Live Online Courses. The suggested dana range for Live Online Courses is $5-$15 per hour. For example, if you took a retreat that had 10 hours of live teachings, you could offer

a range between $50-150 to the teacher. If your online program has more than one teacher, you may split that amount between each teacher or offer more to each if you are able. Suggested dana amounts and teacher PayPal links will be offered at the end of each retreat.

Does Tara Mandala compensate teachers?

Tara Mandala values our teachers and we want to support them in devoting their life to the Dharma. Therefore, beginning in 2020, Tara Mandala shifted our pricing policy to be able to include teacher compensation in recognition of the precious nature of the teachings. But that alone does not compensate the teachers for their many years of study, practice, and preparation. Therefore, we also encourage you to offer dana according to your capacity and using the guidelines above. To offer dana for your retreat or live online course, please follow the links below to your teachers’ PayPal accounts. 

Offer dana here →

Program Cancellation & Refund Policy

Retreat Cancellation Policy

Tara Mandala Cancellation Policy for In-Person Retreats

We understand that life happens, and sometimes plans need to change. We recognize the impact of last-minute cancellations on our community and want to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Below are the cancellation options if you need to adjust your retreat plans. If you contributed to a scholarship fund, please note that those donations help others and are non-refundable. We are grateful for your understanding and support, which allows us to continue offering these meaningful opportunities to all members of our community.

• If we receive your written Cancellation Request at least 15 days before the retreat’s start date, you will receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee and any donations you made at the time of registration.
• If we receive your written Cancellation Request 14 days or less before the retreat’s start date, you will receive a credit on account that is valid for 1 year from date of cancellation minus the $100 processing fee and minus any donations you made at the time of registration. Please note that cancellations made on or after the retreat’s start date are not eligible for a credit or refund.
• Cancellations or Retreat Change Requests must be received in writing for a refund or credit to be issued or a change made to your registration. Please send an email to the registrar here with the subject line: “Retreat Cancellation/Change Request.”

Cancellations/Retreat Change Requests cannot be accepted by phone.

• For a Retreat Change Request (changing from one retreat to another) or changes within a booking, e.g. changing your accommodation type. The first change is free and subsequent changes will incur a $25 fee. Please note that if you are requesting a change from an in-person to an online program, the in-person cancellation policy will be in effect and will determine if a refund can be issued or if any remaining funds will be kept as a credit.
• Here is our Cancellation Policy for Online Program registration.
• Here is our Cancellation Policy for Solitary Retreat registration.

If you have cancellation or financial questions, contact our Registrar here.
In the unfortunate event that Tara Mandala makes substantial changes to the content of a retreat or cancels a retreat altogether, you will receive, upon your written request, a full refund or credit towards another retreat.
Thank you for planning your retreat time carefully. We look forward to welcoming you to Tara Mandala this year.

Tara Mandala Online Programs – Prior to the start date of an online program, we offer a full refund less a $25 cancellation fee. A cancellation request must be received in writing for a refund or credit to be issued. Upon receiving your request, you will be refunded your original registration fee minus the $25 cancellation fee, any scholarship funds initially allocated to you and/or any donations you made to Tara Mandala upon registration.  No refunds will be issued after the start of a program. Send requests on this page.

FYD Online Certification Program – If you progress through the different FYD Online Levels à la carte, the cancellation policy for Tara Mandala Online Programs applies (see above).

If you are enrolled in the Full Certification Program or the package “FYD Online Level II and Certification Level”, and decide to leave the program, you will be required to pay for all FYD levels you have already started at the regular registration fee. Any scholarships received will be applied proportionately. You will be refunded the balance minus a $75 cancellation fee to help cover administrative costs. A cancellation request must be received in writing for a refund or credit to be issued. Send requests on this page.

Self-Paced Courses & Teachings – Due to the automated delivery of this content, no refunds are possible once a purchase has been made.

Digital Downloads – Due to the automated delivery of this content, no refunds are possible once a purchase has been made.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

Tara Mandala is dedicated to expanding access to Buddhist teachings and practices to make Dharma more accessible to everyone and foster crucial conversations about the barriers preventing underprivileged communities from accessing these teachings.

Thanks to the generosity of the Tara Mandala Global Sangha, we are able to offer financial assistance through installment plans and scholarships made possible through the Evada and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship Funds.

Find out more here.