Machig’s Last Instructions - VIRTUAL RETREAT

Machig Labdrön was an 11th century Tibetan yogini widely renowned for developing the practice of Chöd. She was recognized by the great scholars of her day to be an authentic master and had thousands of disciples. Machig was one of the few Tibetan women to establish practice lineages of her own, and her teachings have been disseminated into every school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Although she is most well-known for her teachings on Chöd, the core of Machig’s teachings is the Nature of Mind. This doesn’t refer to the conventional thinking mind, but the nature of awareness itself that underlies our thoughts. It is the basis for teachings on Prajñaparamita, Mahamudra and Dzogchen.

In this retreat, Lama Tsultrim will lead practitioners through the final teachings that Machig offered to her students, known as “Machig’s Last Instructions.” These pith instructions cover the most essential and profound aspects of the great yogini’s lineage. The retreat will alternate teachings, dialogue and short meditations.

In this retreat you will have the opportunity to:

• Engage with the powerful teachings of the great Tibetan yogini, Machig Labdrön, on the ‘nature of mind’ as taught by her emanation, Lama Tsultrim Allione.
• Connect to Machig’s pith instructions, the essence of her teachings. 

Who Should Attend?

• This retreat is open to anyone who wants to understand in simple language how the ‘nature of mind’ can be perceived and why it is key for expanding your meditation experience.

To prepare for this retreat, we encourage you to:

• Read Women of Wisdom by Lama Tsultrim Allione, particularly the biography of Machig Labdrön.
• Optional: To enhance your practice, we have curated this special bundle of items related to this retreat. All purchases through our Dakini Store directly benefit Tara Mandala.

What is a Virtual Retreat?

Virtual Retreats are Tara Mandala At-Home intensive retreats, teachings and in-depth workshops during which practitioners receive dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience hands-on learning, and connect with other participants through an easy-to-use online platform (Zoom) during consecutive days (with few exceptions) and daylong offerings. This modality of learning is appropriate for practitioners who are able to create a practice container of their own, setting aside a dedicated retreat space, removing themselves from social media, and taking care of necessities with the mind of compassion in action for the specific dates and times that the teachings occur. 

Virtual Retreats are meant to be attended live given that direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. However, access to recordings of the sessions are available for additional viewing for various timeframes specified by the price level selected.

Tiered-Prices

Tara Mandala offers tiered pricing for all virtual retreats to allow participants the opportunity to consider offering additional financial support for Tara Mandala while gaining greater access to the recordings of the teachings post-retreat. These are difficult times for everyone, and Tara Mandala is no exception. We encourage you to select at the highest level within your capacity to assist Tara Mandala in covering the costs to offer these wonderful teachings. We thank you in advance for your support and your practice!

$239 – Tier 1 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 7 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers the basic costs of holding this specific retreat. 

$294 – Tier 2 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 30 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers basic costs of this retreat and supports the year round staff at Tara Mandala.

$323 – Tier 3 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 1 year from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers basic costs for this retreat, supports year around staff as well as facilities maintenance and other critical operational needs.

Choosing Tier 2 or Tier 3 levels will allow Tara Mandala Retreat Center to continue to operate, be a repository for wisdom literature, a center for translation, a beacon for the feminine in Buddhism, and an active dharma center that provides refuge for deep practice and transformation.

There are many ways to support and engage with Tara Mandala’s activities. Click here to learn more. We appreciate your support and generosity! 

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 virtual retreat. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here. 

Note: Tara Mandala has two scholarship funds and offers deferred payment plans as resources for anyone with financial limitations. For more information and to apply, visit our Scholarships and Financial Assistance Page.

VIRTUAL RETREAT SCHEDULE

Listed times are the online portions of the retreat. All times are Mountain Time. 

Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

Special Note: If you are joining us from outside of the US, please consider attending the practice session offered at a time that is most suitable to your timezone. You are, of course, welcome to attend all practice sessions if you choose.

Friday, April 23:
2:00pm – 3:30pm MT: Teaching Session
4:15pm – 5:00pm MT: Practice Session

Saturday, April 24:
9:30am – 10:15am MT: Practice Session
11:00am – 12:30pm MT: Teaching Session
2:00pm – 3:30pm MT: Teaching Session
4:15pm – 5:00pm MT: Practice Session

Sunday, April 25:
9:30am – 10:15am MT: Practice Session
11:00am – 1:00pm MT: Closing Session