Poetry of Mahamudra: Songs of Realization of the Mahasiddhas - VIRTUAL RETREAT

A Tara Mandala Virtual Retreat

How can we give expression to the deepest insights into the nature of reality? Can words ever capture that which is beyond concept? Many of the great early Tantric practitioners and mahasiddhas wrote their realizations through songs and poems (dohas) which point, like rainbow arrows, to ineffable truth. At times, these verses draw on everyday, ordinary experience to reveal a view of the sacred world; at others, they point directly and unflinchingly to the nature of mind. 

In this joyful weekend virtual retreat we will explore through meditation and discussion several songs of realization by Tilopa, Milarepa, Saraha and others. Igniting our own luminous vision, we’ll bring these inspiring teachings to life through our own creative writing. 

Who Should Attend? 

• This retreat is open to all.

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!

$159 – 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.

$196 – 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.

$215 – 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. 

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.

Saturday, April 17:
7:00am – 7:45am MT: Opening Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 4:15pm MT: Practice Session

Sunday, April 18:
7:00am – 7:45am MT: Opening Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 4:15pm MT: Final Practice Session & Tsog