Kapala Training Level I offers an in-depth exploration into the practice lineage of 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön, and the related nature of mind teachings of Prajña Paramita, the Great Mother. This training is for individuals wishing to work deeply with their own ‘demons’ through contemplative practice. Inspired by the teachings of Chöd, this five-step practice draws on the principles of feeding rather than fighting demons in order to go beyond dualistic struggle.

The training applies to addictions, illness, fears, relationship challenges, self-hatred and other personal and collective demons. The Prajña Paramita practice is a sky gazing meditation mixing awareness with space. The creative exploration of “Feeding Your Demons” will be facilitated through drawing and clay work. Level I leads to an understanding of the four demons as taught by Machig. Compassionate nurturing, rather than battling challenges, develops the potential for deep healing and moving from polarization to integration. Licensed healing professionals can apply this work therapeutic settings.

Licensed healing professionals will learn to apply this work to their professional therapeutic settings. This course meets the qualifications for 29 hours of CEUs (see p. 39)

Fees: Sliding scale fees allow participants to pay according to individual means. Your payment above the low end directly benefits our scholarship fund.
Double: $925 - $699
Queen Double: $1,025 - $795
Single: $1,195 - $900
Camping: $650 - $505
Suggested Dana: $120 - $240

Accommodation descriptions can be found here.

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

Detailed information about retreats at Tara Mandala
Travel Information (booking flights, shuttles, hotels)
Download registration form (PDF)
Register securely online: 50% of course cost due at registration
Financial aid available

Lama Tsultrim Allione, author and international teacher, founded Tara Mandala in 1994. Inspired by the vision of a Western retreat center while living in the Himalayas in the 1970s, Lama Tsultrim founded Tara Mandala with her husband David Petit, where she is now the spiritual director and resident teacher.

Lama Tsultrim was one of the first American women to be ordained as a Tibetan nun in 1970 by the 16th Karmapa. At the age of 26, after four years as a nun, she returned her monastic vows, married, and raised a family of three. Lama Tsultrim earned a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies and Women’s Studies from Antioch University. She is the author of Women of Wisdom, a groundbreaking book on the lives of great female Tibetan practitioners.

Lama Tsultrim also authored the recently published Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict, which connects the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism with the modern psyche, addressing major cultural issues and the roots of our suffering. This National Bestseller is based on Lama Tsultrim’s pioneering technique using five steps to nurture the parts of ourselves we usually fight.

Lama Tsultrim has for many years focused her teachings on the lineage of Machig Labdrön, the 11th century Tibetan yogini who founded the Chöd lineage. In 2007, while leading a pilgrimage to Tibet, she was recognized as an emanation of Machig Labdrön by the resident Lama of Zangri Khangmar (Machig’s monastery in Tibet). In 2009 she was selected by an esteemed committee of scholars and practitioners to receive the international Outstanding Woman in Buddhism Award given in Bangkok, Thailand.

Lama Tsultrim’s teachings arise from the blessings of her many wonderful Tibetan Buddhist teachers, her 40-year dedication to the Buddhist teachings, and her experience as a Western woman.