Kapala Training Level I is the first of a four level training offering an in-depth exploration of the practice lineage of 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and the related Mahayana teachings of Prajña Paramita, the Great Mother, our own true nature. The training is for individuals wishing to work deeply with their own ‘demons’ through contemplative practice. We will not be learning the Chöd practice per se, rather the five-step practice based on the principles of feeding rather than fighting the demons in order to go beyond the dualistic struggle.

The training applies to addictions, illness, fears, relationship challenges, self-hatred and other personal and collective demons. The main practice of Level I is an open-eyed sky gazing Prajña Paramita practice mixing awareness with space. Level I will be an introduction to the nature of the four demons as taught by Machig. We will also explore the five steps of ‘Feeding Your Demons’ using drawing and clay work. Compassionate nurturing rather than battling outer and inner challenges develops the potential for deep healing and moving from polarization to integration. Licensed healing professionals will learn to apply this work to their professional therapeutic settings.

This course meets the qualifications for 29 hours of CEUs. Tara Mandala is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a continuing education provider (#3260). CEUs are offered for marriage, family, and child counseling (MFCC) and for social work (LCSW). The number of CEUs offered is listed below programs for which credit is available. Please sign up for CEUs at the time of registration; a $15 fee applies.

Accommodation choices include our beautiful new residence hall. More information...

Fees: Sliding scale fees allow participants to pay according to individual means. Your payment above the low end directly benefits our scholarship fund.
Double: $945 - $630
Queen Double: $1,044 - $696
Queen Single: $1,143 - $756
Camping: $630 - $420
Suggested Dana: $250 - $150

Sustaining Sangha discounts range from 10%-20% based on your membership level and are calculated at registration. Become a Sustaining Sangha member today!

Detailed information about retreats at Tara Mandala
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Financial aid available

Tsultrim Allione, M.A., was one of the first American women to be ordained as a Tibetan nun in 1970 by the 16th Karmapa. She is the author of Women of Wisdom, a groundbreaking book on the lives of great female Tibetan practitioners. Her newest book, Feeding the Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict, (2008, Little, Brown & Co), connects the ancient knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism with the modern psyche, addressing the major issues of our culture and the roots of our suffering. Based on her pioneering technique using five steps to feed your demons, this book offers a system to transform our inner demons by nurturing rather than fighting them.

After four years as a nun, Tsultrim returned her monastic vows, married, and raised a famity. She earned a masters degree in Buddhist Studies and Women’s Studies from Antioch University. Inspired by the vision of a Western retreat center while living in the Himalayas, and seeing the need to create a place for the reemergence of the sacred feminine, Tsultrim founded Tara Mandala in 1993 where she is now the resident teacher.

Tsultrim is collecting the lineage of Machig Labdrön, the 11th century Tibetan yogini who founded the Chöd lineage. As a long-time Chöd practitioner, Tsultrim has studied Machig’s teachings for decades and taught the practices all over the world. In 2007, Tsultrim was recognized as an emanation of Machig Labdrön by Karme Dorje Rinpoche, the resident Lama of Zangri Khangmar in Tibet (see article on opposite page).

In regards to the recognition Tsultrim has recently said, “I think [the recognition] is to make this new phase of collecting Machig’s lineage more empowered. Recognition allows more energy to flow, and Machig’s blessings can manifest more fully. It’s a kind of mirroring from the outside, validating our heartfelt intention to reinvigorate and spread Machig’s lineage in the West. It also felt very natural. We will keep doing what we have been doing already, but the recognition creates an auspicious interdependence for the teachings.”

Tsultrim’s skill at teaching arises from her dedication to the Dharma and the ways she has brought Dharma to the challenges of everyday life. She brings forth the vibrancy of the teachings in a way that makes them germane for accomplished practitioners and those new to the path.