TaraNet
February, 2009
You can also download our 2009 Program Guide.
Sacred Circles Conference: February 13th - 14th
Washington D.C.
Started in 1996 at Washington National Cathedral, Sacred Circles is the largest interfaith women’s spirituality gathering in the U.S. and perhaps the world. The 2009 theme is putting love’s transforming power into action. This Valentine’s Day come honor the potent energy of love, and activate love in your inner life and your life in community.
Lama Tsultrim will present twice at the gathering:
Friday, February 13 Daylong Intensive
10 am to 4 pm
Saturday, February 14 Morning Workshop
10 am to 11:30 am
Do you struggle with difficult emotions, illness, or turbulent relationships? Tibetan Buddhism teaches a method for facing and dissolving fears, illnesses, and emotional stumbling blocks—our “demons.” Come learn this approach, first developed by a 12th century Tibetan yogini, that can help us meet and release ‘demons’ we battle every day. To transform inner and outer difficulties into allies is to practice compassion and love instead of fear and animosity. Co-sponsored by Insight Meditation Community of Washington.
For More Information: www.nationalcathedral.org/learn/sacredCircles.shtml or sacredcircles@cathedral.org
Chöd Retreat: February 18th - 22nd
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Key West, FL
Chöd is a wonderful practice for these times. It helps us to understand the root of our pain and gives us a way to resolve our deepest shadows and hardest addictions. Chöd reflects a unique blend of the Tibetan Shamanic traditions and the Buddhist understanding of compassion and emptiness. Chöd is a method using a drum and bell which has been practiced for centuries both for healing and to cut through fear, fixation, and self-clinging. In this practice the self-clinging obstacle makers are called forth and fed to complete satisfaction. The practice thereby awakens one’s awareness of the pure nature of emotions and the emptiness of mental obscurations. Participants will learn the Chöd practice that was popularized by the 11th century yogini Machig Labdrön.
Wednesday, February 18th: 7pm Evening Talk at Tropic Cinema. Free and open to public.
Thursday, February 19th, 7:30pm – Sunday, February 22nd, 1pm: Chöd Retreat
West Coast Tour: Seattle, Whidbey Island
The Great Mother Prajna Paramita and Sky-like Mind: March 13th - 15th
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Seattle, WA, Hosted by Nalanda West
This retreat will explore the nature of mind. The experience of Prajna, one's capacity to perceive the ineffable vastness of basic space, is what gives birth to all the Buddhas. Historic Mahayana literature, girded by Tantric subcurrents, associates liberating wisdom with the form of a goddess, Prajna Paramita. She is said to be the mother of all the Buddhas. Because these enlightened beings have issued from the state of wisdom, she is the genetrix. Without this experience of her, they would not become Buddhas. This vast clarity, full of compassion, is the Great Mother, commonly described as vast and open as the sky. Through meditation and relaxed dialogue we will experientially explore this theme.
Kapala Training Level II: March 17th - 23rd
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Whidbey Island, WA
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Kapala Training Level I and the interim assignments.
In this retreat we will deepen our Prajña Paramita practice and be introduced to Jamgon Kongtrul’s text Transmitting the Meaning of the Mother, a practice on looking at the sky-like nature of mind, the Great Mother. We will also practice Machig Labdrön’s method for cutting through discursive thoughts with sound. We will continue our work with ‘Feeding Your Demons’ in small groups, dyads and alone, as well as guiding others. We will also work on a ‘demon’ map of family and relationships. There will be ample time during the retreat for discussion and creative time alone working with clay and painting.
Colorado Tour: Boulder, Durango
BOULDER, CO
Feeding your Demons: Talk and Booksigning
Monday, March 9th; 7:30pm
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Boulder Bookstore
Teachings on Chöd
Tuesday, March 10; 9am – 12pm
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Boulder, Location TBA
Chöd is a profound practice that helps us understand the root of our pain and gives us a way to resolve our deepest shadows. A unique blend of Tibetan shamanic traditions and Buddhist view, Chöd has been practiced for centuries both for healing and to cut through fear, fixation, and self-clinging. By calling forth and feeding obstacle makers, the practice awakens one’s awareness of the pure nature of emotions and the emptiness of mental obscurations. Lama Tsultrim will offer teachings on and a transmission of the practice.
Tuition: $75-$50 sliding scale
Suggested Dana*: $50-$30
Prajna Paramita Teachings
Wednesday, March 11; 7-9pm
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Boulder, Location TBA
The experience of Prajna is one's capacity to perceive the ineffable vastness of basic space, the nature of mind. This liberating wisdom is also associated with the form of a goddess, Prajna Paramita, the Great Mother.
Cost: $20
Dana welcomed*
Feeding your Demons Weekend, March 21-22
Boulder, CO - Location TBA
with Pieter Oosthuizen and Charlotte Rotterdam
Details coming soon...
DURANGO, CO
Evening Talk and Booksigning
February 11, 6:30pm
with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Maria's Bookshop, Durango, CO
960 Main Ave.
www.mariasbookshop.com
Several talented staff and sangha members have recently completed a newly updated version of the Chöd practiced at Tara Mandala. The text is $10; donate online here to order a copy and be sure to write "new Chöd text" in the comment field. Questions? Email Devon@taramandala.org.
(Please note transmission required.)
Padma Love Kits
A perfect Valentine to share with your mindful mate!
Our Padma Family products are designed to promote the transformation of grasping and seduction into the wisdom of love and discernment.
$35 Kit Includes:
- Relationship & Intimacy as a Path single CD talk on relationships by Lama Tsultrim Allione
- Padma Body Oil 2 oz luscious organic body oil for personal or couples massage
- Padma Mist 1 oz heart-opening organic mist to aid in energetically clearing your body and living space
- Tranquility 1 oz herbal tincture taken internally as an aid in relaxation
- Candle: handmade beeswax candle made at Tara Mandala!