This fall and winter, Tara Mandala is offering the opportunity to gather weekly for group meditation practice, discussion of Buddhist practice and philosophy, and time to connect with others in a relaxed atmosphere. Meditation allows us to calm our minds, gain clarity about our emotional state, and gain insight into the nature of reality.  The group’s intention is to support ongoing and regular meditation practice.

Julia Jean will hold the Saturday morning group most of the time with occasional visits from a variety of Dharma teachers including Tsultrim Allione, visiting teachers, and other teachers from Tara Mandala. This is a chance to develop a regular weekly practice, to meet others interested in Buddhism, and to support your ongoing meditation practice and Dharma study. No previous meditation experience is required, and although you are encouraged to attend regularly, drop-ins are welcome. There is no charge; donations are welcome.

Julia Jean, Ph.D., has previously been a visiting professor of anthropology at Mt. Holyoke College, is a former Fulbright scholar, and the current director of Educational and Research Development at Tara Mandala.

When: Ongoing Saturdays 10am – 12pm beginning October 20
Where: Tara Mandala Retreat Center, Pagosa Springs: call 731-3711 for directions
What to bring: A snack to share

This study group will focus on the beautiful and profound teachings on living, dying, and death found in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, death serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all things, including ourselves, and can help awaken us to the brilliance of our lives. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying serves as a beautiful introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and meditation and is an exquisite guide for being with and helping the dying. Our sessions will include discussion as well as sitting meditation practice. No previous experience is necessary. Drop-ins are welcome. For questions or more information, call the Tara Mandala office at 731-3711.

Charlotte Rotterdam & Pieter Oosthuizen are directors at Tara Mandala. Previously, they ran the School of Extended Studies at Naropa University where they helped establish a professional certificate program in Spiritual End of Life Care. Charlotte taught in the graduate religion department of Naropa University, and together they have been teaching meditation for the last few years.

When:  Thursdays 5:30 – 7pm; October 25 – December 6 (excluding Nov. 22)
Where: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship: Greenbriar Plaza #B15
(corner of N Pagosa Blvd & Park Ave; in back of Greenbriar complex)
Suggested Reading: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
Reading for October 25: Chapters 1-4
Suggested Donation: $5 per session

One Saturday per month we will offer a daylong retreat, from 10 am to 4 pm, which will include more formal teachings, meditation periods, and discussion on a variety of topics related to Buddhist practice. October 27th will introduce Shamatha, or calm abiding meditation practice, the foundation of all Buddhist meditation practices, as well as Tonglen, a simple and profound practice for generating and sending out compassion. December 1st will be a day of guided meditations from The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche.

Julia Jean, Ph.D., has previously been a Mt. Holyoke College professor of anthropology and religious studies, is a former Fulbright scholar, and the current director of Educational and Research Development at Tara Mandala.

When: Saturday, October 27 10am – 4pm
Where: Tara Mandala Retreat Center, Pagosa Springs: call 731-3711 for directions
What to bring: Potluck lunch dish
Suggested Donation: $20 for the day

Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche will give Dzogchen teachings on "The Ambrosia of My Heart" by His Holiness Jigmed Puntsok Rinpoche. This work represents the life-blood of all teachings of His Holiness Jigmed Puntsok Rinpoche.  It is an explanation in verse of the entirety of the path to perfect awakening.  It includes the subtlest points of the pinnacle path of Dzogchen, as well as the fundamentals upon which that sublime path is founded.  Although His Holiness Jigmed Puntsok was Tibet's greatest contemporary saint, little of his work has reached the West.  Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche spent 15 years in the presence of His Holiness, and is quite delighted to offer this rare teaching to the Tara Mandala Community.

Shortly after his birth, Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche was recognized as a reincarnate spiritual master, Gomang Maha Siddha Neydak Padma Rangdrol Dorje. Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche continues to carry out the legacy of his past incarnation as the spiritual head of the sacred site and monastery of Tashi Gomang. He has studied under the guidance of great masters including Tartang Kyabje Garlong Rinpoche, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche and especially His Holiness Jigmed Puntsok with whom he studied, among other things, the unsurpassed Dzogpa Chenpo (Great Perfection). For more than two years Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche taught and gave empowerments at H.H. Penor Rinpoche's Palyul Tapei Shindin Dharma Center as well as at various other centers throughout Taiwan. More recently, Rinpoche has been teaching in the US and currently resides in Santa Cruz, California.

More information and registration...

This year we will have two streams of teachings going simultaneously like last year. We will be continuing the series of Tri Yeshe Lama Teachings, which are open only to those students who have already had the first two segments of Tri Yeshe Lama with Adzom Rinpoche in 2005 and 2006 as well as having completed the following Ngondro requirements: Prostrations 70K, Refuge 70K, Bodhicitta 70K, Vajrasattva 70K, Mandala, 70K, OR Prostrations 100K, Refuge 100K, Bodhicitta 100K, Vajrasattva 50K.

Next year's requirements will be: Prostrations 100K, Refuge 100K, Bodhicitta 100K, Vajrasattva 100K, Mandala 100K. Please do not apply to attend these teachings without these requirements being fulfilled.

For other students, a second stream will be offered concurrently on the Long Chen Nyingtig Ngondro, these foundational practices are considered to be a base for the practice of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Last year Rinpoche spent more time teaching this group than the Yeshe Lama group, so it is a substantial retreat in itself. There are no pre-requisites for attending these teachings.

For more information and a link to registration, click here.

Retreat cabins are available for much of October, November, and December. These secluded cabins offer a unique and precious opportunity for solitary practice and study within a supported framework. Cabins cost $40 per night, $210 per week, $600 per month/negotiable (suggested donation).

Retreat, or returning back to a place or origin, is an age-old practice in many cultures. It signals a return to simplicity. For many Buddhist practitioners it is a necessary and very desirable opportunity to experience a step into a deeper level of contemplation and practice. Our retreat cabins provide a rare opportunity to be completely secluded and alone. Here, you are free to experience your innermost being.

To register, please read our information here and then email info@taramandala.org.