Ösel Nyingtig Cycle: Tröma Chöd - VIRTUAL RETREAT

In this retreat we will learn the supreme form of generosity, the practice of Chöd from the Ösel Nyingtig.  This mind treasure, known as the ‘Self-Liberation of Ego Clinging,’ is Bhagavati Tröma Nagmo’s ultimate practice of Chöd which was revealed by A.dzom Rinpoche at Tara Mandala. 

The teachings on this practice, based on the oral instructions that A.dzom Rinpoche gave on three separate occasions over a period of eight years, bring forth the dynamic enlightened mind of the Great Mother, Prajñaparamita. Through this practice of Chöd, primordial wisdom is taken as the path. The profound skillful means of these essential Chöd instructions transform all limitations and delusions into primordial wisdom. This is a required retreat for practitioners in the Ösel Nyingtig path.

In this retreat, you will have the opportunity to:

• Receive the oral transmission (lung) and all the necessary instructions for this Chöd practice. 
• Learn how to engage with the traditional musical instruments of Chöd, the specific melodies, and the visualizations for practicing this Chöd.

Who Can Attend?

Is there a Practice Commitment after receiving these teachings?

• Yes. The emphasis of the Ösel Nyingtig lineage is meditation; therefore, the commitment that comes with receiving this transmission and instruction is a daily practice for the remainder of the year and up until the subsequent annual Ösel Nyingtig retreat in 2022. The time commitment will be approximately one hour a day, and involves doing one of the Ösel Nyingtig practices such as the Yeshe Tsogyal sadhana (which can be shortened to allow for this Chöd to be added) and this Tröma Chöd practice.

To prepare for this retreat, you will need:

• A chöd drum, bell and vajra, and kangling (wood or resin is fine). If you do not already have these implements, you can purchase them in our Dakini Store.

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!

$377 – 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. 

$460 – 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.

$509 – 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! 

Information on how to offer dana to the teacher/s will be provided before the start of the retreat and during the last retreat session.

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. 

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
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.

Thursday, December 2:
10:00am -12:00pm: Teaching Session (LUNG will be given during this session. Live attendance is required.
3:00pm – 5:00pm: Teaching Session
5:30pm – 6:15pm: Practice Session

Friday – Saturday, December 3 – 4:
9:00am – 9:45am: Practice Session
11:00am -1:00pm: Teaching Session
3:00pm – 5:00pm: Teaching Session
5:30pm – 6:15 pm: Practice Session

Sunday, December 5:
9:00am 9:45am: Practice Session
11:00am -1:30pm: Closing Session and Tsog with Lama Tsultrim and Tulku Ösel