2024 Courses and Retreats
Embodying the Innate Wisdom & Compassion of the 21 Taras
Contemporary Study and Practice
Explore the symbolic meaning, power, and purpose of the 21 Taras through teachings, embodied meditation, mantra, and journeys with Tara.
In this immersive and transformative program, Lopön Chandra will offer us a lens through which we can understand and integrate the contemporary context of the Taras through inspiring stories about historic and modern Buddhist and non-Buddhist women who embody their myriad qualities. We will see how each of the 21 Taras embodies essential attributes we innately have within us, such as wisdom, compassion, strength, and the potential for liberation. This exploration of the universal aspects of the empowered feminine in her many diverse forms supports us, regardless of our gender identity, in befriending both inner and outer obstacles, helping us navigate the challenges we meet in our daily lives.
Embodying Tara
Through Meditation And Chanting
With Chandra Easton And Chantress Nina Rao
Come celebrate women in Buddhism by immersing yourself in Mother Tara on this Mothers’ Day weekend.
Tara, the female buddha of compassion, is called the “Savioress” because she is known for saving beings from the ocean of samsara (suffering). Her name also means “star” as she is as infinite as the stars in the sky. Ultimately, she represents the essential nature of your own mind, your buddha-nature, and in this way, she can manifest in each and every one of us in a myriad of different ways. The twenty-one aspects of Tara appear in the 11th century tantric text called the Twenty-One Praises to Tara, a devotional hymn popular in Tibetan Buddhism, from which Chandra’s book, Embodying Tara, draws its teachings and practices.
Embodying the Innate Wisdom & Compassion of the 21 Taras
Explore the symbolic meaning, power, and purpose of the 21 Taras through teachings, embodied meditation, mantra, and journeys with Tara.
In this immersive and transformative program, Lopön Chandra will offer us a lens through which we can understand and integrate the contemporary context of the Taras through inspiring stories about historic and modern Buddhist and non-Buddhist women who embody their myriad qualities. We will see how each of the 21 Taras embodies essential attributes we innately have within us, such as wisdom, compassion, strength, and the potential for liberation. This exploration of the universal aspects of the empowered feminine in her many diverse forms supports us, regardless of our gender identity, in befriending both inner and outer obstacles, helping us navigate the challenges we meet in our daily lives.
Throughout the course of the program, you will be immersed in the world of the 21 Taras through study, practice, and connection with others on this path. Lopön Chandra will also weave stories from her own life and share beautiful melodies to each Tara mantra.
While there are various ways to meditate upon the 21 Taras, the tradition we hold at Tara Mandala (and therefore in this teaching series) stems from the Nyingma Terma tradition of Jigme Lingpa.
We welcome students to join this program at any point in the series! Recordings will be available for students to join at their own pace. The transmission (Tib. lung) of the practice will be given on the last session (December 12, 2024).
What Will I Learn?
- Explore the symbolic meaning and purpose of the 21 Taras through talks, readings, and discussions.
- Meditate on the enlightened manifestations of the Taras, bringing their unique and powerful energy into yourself and your life.
- Share and explore inspiring stories about women who emulate the Taras’ myriad human characteristics, both historic and modern, Buddhist and non-Buddhist.
- Through stories of challenge and triumph, suffering and liberation, you will gain insight into your own personal experience of the healing powers of Tara.
- Express Tara’s qualities through art, poetry, and any form of expression you choose.
- Learn the personal process called Guided Journey with Tara, a process adapted from Lama Tsultrim’s Guided Journey with the Dakini, to discover healing and insights within yourself.
Early bird rates will be in effect through March 25, 2024.
