About the Tara Retreat

This Sadhana(or method of accomplishment) isbased on the Guru Yoga of Cittamani Tara written by Lama Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.

During the retreat we will do six sessions per day:

- Four sessions of the Tara Sadhana which includes Praises with prostrations to the 21 Taras, with commentary describing the meaning, color and aspect of each of the 21 Taras before we prostrate to them. At the end of each session with the dissolution of the Tam we meditate on the clear light mind seeing all that appears as empty: merely a reflection in our mind.

The sadhana consists of taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, and making requests to the Green Tara lineage lamas to receive inspiration. Although accumulating mantra is not the main focus of the retreat, for those who are able, we will try to accumulate 10,000 mantras.

- One session we meditate on the lam rim as presented in the Lama Chopa puja. From which we bring lo-jong TONG-LEN meditation into our retreat. Lama Zopa Rinpoche said that he was happy at the inclusion of lo-jong in the yidam retreats.

- One session is an introduction to Tantra, the Sadhana, with explanations of the practice offered with question and answer.

A few days into the retreat we will take the Eight Mahayana precepts each morning.

At the end of the retreat, we will offer extensive dedication for the long lives of our teachers and for world peace. It is possible that the retreat will include an all night Tara Puja on the last night, this will be confirmed during the retreat.

Requirements to join the Retreat

Tantric retreats are most suitable for those who are Buddhist (having formally taken refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), have taken the Bodhisattva Vows and have received a Green Tara Initiation. However, this Green Tara retreat is also suitable for those who might not be ready to make these commitments usually involved with a tantric retreat. The very basic requirements are:

  • You must be familiar with the Lam Rim (the Graduated Path to Enlightenment) and have attended at least one introductory course in Tibetan Buddhism (at Tushita, Kopan, Root Institute or an equivalent Lam Rim course).
  • Know about Green Tara practice and have a deep wish and/or commitment to doing this practice, which includes Guru Yoga and many prayers and practices.

Students participating inretreats are required to follow our general discipline guidelines.