Zhitro: The Six Moments of Opportunity and Practice for the Deceased

COVID-19 Update – 04.06.20

Tara Mandala is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Our planning is focused on ensuring the safety of our dharma practitioners, teachers and members of our staff.

At this time, this retreat will continue to be offered as planned. Please refer here to our novel coronavirus (COVID-19) official response.

In our society we often have no real way to help someone who has died; we can only grieve. Zhitro is a simple and accessible practice that provides us with a way to help the deceased, and helps us to become familiar with the visions and experiences we may experience following our own passing. 

What to Expect?

• During this retreat, Lama Tsultrim will teach Zhitro (Peaceful and Wrathful), which is a practice used during the 49 days after death to help those who have died. It is a terma (treasure) from Namkha Mingyur Dorje, the young tertön whose revelations were written down by his teacher Karma Chagme. His revealed treasure practices, collectively referred to as “Namcho” or “Space Treasures,” have a very simple, direct, and visionary quality, making this a much simpler practice than other Zhitro practices.
• Lama Tsultrim will also show us how to set up a shrine for the 49 days of the practice following death, and will give the lung or hearing transmission for the practice. This Zhitro practice is also used as preparation for the Dzogchen of dark retreat. 

Who Should Attend? 

• This is a required retreat for the Magyu Mother Lineage Program.
• This retreat is open to all.

Suggested Dana: $90 – $150

What is Dana?

• 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. Dharma teachings are traditionally offered on the basis of dana which is offered to a teacher in recognition of the precious gift that has been given. Tara Mandala compensates teachers by only covering their travel and room and board while teaching. Tara Mandala suggests a range of dana for each retreat, based on the number of days in which the retreat will take place. There is an opportunity to give dana upon registration directly to the teacher(s) or at the end of each retreat, which is a special time of honoring what has been given and what has been received. For more information about Dana, click here.