Vajrayana: Sacred World

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.

The rise of the Vajrayana was marked by key social developments including the rise of the feminine, social diversity and the ideal of the siddha or householder yogin. With its emphasis on sacred world and sacred view, the Tantric spiritual path includes and integrates all aspects of life, including the full range of sensory and sensual experience. 

This retreat offers a historical and philosophical overview of the Vajrayana and explores the lives and teachings of some of the great Tantric practitioners and mahasiddhas, such as Naropa, Tilopa, Lakshminkara, Saraha, Niguma, Kukkuripa, among others. 

Our practice sessions will include:

• Integration with the elements practices that allow us to embody the five elemental wisdoms.
• Focused contemplations on dohas (poems) and songs of realization, composed by the mahasiddhas, which point to the ultimate nature of reality. 
• The opportunity to write our own songs and poems as we bring these teachings to life on our path.

Who Should Attend? 

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

What To Expect?

• There will be noble silence and six hours of practice per day as well as two hours of teachings. 
• An optional oral exam will be given at the end of the retreat. 
• We are sorry that we cannot accommodate children on the land during this retreat.

Suggested Dana Range: $210-$350

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.