Registration is now Open for Tara Mandala's First International Chod Conference July 12-16, 2017

 Early Bird Registration through January 31 is now open for this historic first international Chod-Zhije Conference hosted by Tara Mandala. 

When Machig Labdrön asked Padampa Sangye how to best serve sentient beings, he answered:

“Approach that which you find repulsive,
Whoever you think you cannot help, help them,
Go to the places that scare you, like cemeteries,
Find the Buddha inside yourself.”

One thousand years later, the teachings of Machig Labdrön and Padampa Sangye continue to have great relevance. Their lineages of Chöd and Zhije Dug-ngal are practiced widely in the Tibetan tradition and have evolved through both kama (oral) and terma (revealed treasure) traditions. Considered one of the “Eight Great Chariots of Spiritual Accomplishment” in the Tibetan tradition, these teachings offer a paradigm of integration rather than opposition that can be applied at all levels of human life and society.

This historic First International Chöd-Zhije Conference draws together leading scholars and practitioners researching and teaching this unique lineage in its various manifestations. Keynotes, panel discussions, and small group sessions will explore the teachings of 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and her teacher, the renowned Indian yogi Padampa Sangye; the developments of the lineage over the last millennium; the role of women; as well as the application of these teachings to our modern world. Dharma teachings and performances of Chöd songs and dances will foster a rich and engaged experience. Follow-up retreats will offer the opportunity to learn some of the different Chöd practices.

Never before have scholars and practitioners of this lineage gathered together for a conference. The conference represents a major step in understanding the depth of this tradition and current research. It is designed for those with scholarly interests as well as Dharma practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of Machig Labdrön’s lineage, and anyone interested in bringing this ancient wisdom into our modern world.

Following the conference, Tara Mandala will host several follow-up retreats from July 18-23, 2017

For a list of confirmed speakers, click here. 

Tara Mandala is a sister organization of the Dzogchen Community.

*Dam Trog  means "Samaya Fellowship", where the organizations function independently but have a close association and transmission and exchanges of teachers and teachings.

[Photo of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Tsultrim signing the Dam Trog Agreement, November 2013 in Tenirife]

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Tsultrim Allione Sign Dam Trog Agreement

The following information was cited on the Mirror facebook page this morning-- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Tsultrim Allione sign Dam Trog Agreement in Tenerife. Read about this agreement in a previous post. 

"Dam Trog"  means "Samaya Fellowship", where the organizations function independently but have a close association and transmission ties and exchanges of teachers and teachings.

News from Tara Mandala, our Dam Trog Sister Organization

[Photo courtesy Tara Mandala of Lama Tsultrim and Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, October 2013 in Tenerife]

Tara Mandala has announced its 20th anniversary celebration and 2014 programs. Located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado,  visit here to read more about Tara Mandala Retreat center,

Among the many highlights will be the only teaching in North America, June 10-17, 2014, Mahayana Vast View, Open Heart taught by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo whom Lama Tsultrim has known for over 40 years. 

To read a review of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo's latest book, Into the Heart of the World reprinted from the Mirror, click here. 

[Photo of Lama Tsultrim and Jetsunma Tenzin Wangmo, India 2012]

Our "Dam Trog" Sister Organization Tara Mandala Launches Machig Publications and Receives $60,000 Grant for its Library and Translation

Tara Mandala Launches Machig Publications with"Luminous Moonlight:The Life of Do Dasal Wangmo" On July 2, 2013 Tara Mandala is launching a publishing company entitled Machig Publications with their first book, "Luminous Moonlight: The Life of Do Dasal Wangmo" translated by Sarah Schneider, with an extensive introduction by Lama Tsultrim Allione. We are pleased to announce the publication of this first book, which is a biography of the great-granddaughter of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje (1800-1866), the tertön (treasure revealer), of the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle of teachings, which is the focus of the seven-year Gateway program being initiated this week at Tara Mandala. Do Dasal Wangmo is a well known Tibetan physician and the last of the family lineage holders. She is a reincarnation of Do Khyentse's sister Lösal Drolma, who was the Dharma heir for the extraordinary cycle of teachings called Dzinpa Rangdröl. In 2010 Lama Tsultrim, facilitated by Sang-ngag Rinpoche and Alec Zenkar Rinpoche, had the great fortune to meet Do Dasal Wangmo who was 83 years old at the time, in Dartsedo where Do Khyentse resided. Sarah Schneider was present as translator and began the translation at that time. The book includes photos of Dasal Wangmo, the lamas around her, the retreat huts and monasteries of Do Khyentse, as well as lineage paintings and rare lineage photos. Beth Lee Herbert also worked on the book, editing and creating the glossary. Beth also worked on the book design with Linda Baer, who has kindly lent the considerable expertise she gained  in typesetting and book and cover design during her years of creating beautiful books for Padma Publishing,.  The intention of Machig Publications is to support Tara Mandala Sangha and other practitioners of Buddhism in publishing relevant and otherwise unavailable books and translations. Several other books are currently in development. We welcome distributions ideas and reviews. To purchase a copy, click here.  At the suggestion of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Tara Mandala is creating a formal relationship with his organization Dzogchen Community called "Dam Trog" which means Samaya Fellowship, where the organizations function independently but have a close association and transmission ties and exchanges of teachers and teachings. Further announcements and articles forthcoming in the Mirror. NEWS FLASH From Tara Mandala! With much gratitude Tara Mandala announced that they have received a seed grant of $60,000 for the initial phases of their library and translation. They just received news of this generous gift which will make it possible to start their library and translation projects. Their plan is to create a repository for the Buddhism wisdom literature with a focus on Tibetan texts with storage for ancient texts as well as a digital library, and hard copy English books. There are also plans in place for a resident translator and librarian. The second floor of the temple has remained open waiting for the library to appear, now this next step will be initiated, bringing the Sambhogakaya level of 'sacred speech' in the temple into action. Blessings abound. [Reprinted from TM Facebook]