April 4-6, 2025 (Program starts at 4pm on Friday)
**To register, please fill out this form. You will then be invoiced via email**
Led by Allison Choying Zangmo, this three-day retreat offers a rare opportunity to deepen your connection with Tara practice, guided by Anyen Rinpoche's most dedicated student, translator, and wife. Open to both beginners and experienced practitioners, the retreat includes:
- Teachings on Green Tara practice and its profound benefits
- Practical guidance on sadhana practice and cultivating a consistent daily practice, no matter your level of experience.
- Allison will address questions that both new and experienced Vajrayana students often have about connecting with a spiritual teacher and why this connection is so essential to their spiritual path. She will discuss topics such as: How do I establish a connection with a spiritual teacher? How can I nurture and maintain that relationship in a healthy and meaningful way? And ultimately, how can I help that connection grow and flourish?
With over 25 years of dedicated practice in the Longchen Nyingthig tradition under Anyen Rinpoche's direct instruction, Allison brings unparalleled insight and warmth to her teaching.
Practice Focus:
This retreat will center on our sangha's cherished Green Tara tradition, “From the Mind Treasure called The Profound Essence of Tara: The Method to Accomplish Her Mandala Known As The Essence of the Two Accumulations.” Our deep connection to this practice has enriched countless students' lives—read more below about its unique significance.
Options to Participate:
In person in Denver for the full retreat.
Canadian & East coast sangha can participate in accumulations and online teachings by meeting at OKL Canada in Montreal to practice together.
Virtual stream of teachings only with Allison Choying Zangmo- streaming live daily during the retreat (Friday 7pm MT, Sat/ Sun 2pm-3:15pm MT) or to watch later.
Schedule (MST) :
Friday, April 4th* Starting at 4pm
4pm- First session
6pm -Dinner
7pm - Teaching (available online for those who register for this option)
Saturday & Sunday schedule:
9am -- Gentle Yoga
10-12- First session
12-2 - Lunch break
2- 3:15pm -- Afternoon teachings (available online for those who register for this option)
3:15-4:30pm - Afternoon session and conclusion
Tuition:
$150: monthly members- in person Denver
$160: nonmembers - in person Denver
$150 : in person Canada center, participating remotely as a group
$75: Online access to teachings only (stream live or watch them later)
*If you require financial assistance to attend, please contact TomK@orgyenkhamdroling.org
Our sangha's special connection with Tara:
Tara, the Mother of all Buddhas, called the Swift Liberator, vowed to work for the benefit of sentient beings in female form until the end of samsara. Each of the 21 major forms of Tara offers a feminine attribute of ultimate benefit to all who ask for her assistance. In her form as Green Tara, she is exquisitely beautiful and extends her leg in readiness for action. She offers protection from fear and the obstacles of daily life both large and small.
Tara has also been said to be born from the tears of Avalokiteshvara when he despaired of being able to liberate all beings in samsara. She vowed to always assist him in his great compassionate activity.
Tara is the uncommon deity of Tsara Dharmakirti, Anyen Rinpoche’s root lama. After the terrible political situation that arose in Tibet in 1959, Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche was unable to continue teaching the Dharma. Rinpoche was imprisoned for many years, where he used the conditions around him to meditate on the nature of samsara and practice the union of Dzogchen and Bodhichitta.
While he was still in prison, Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche had an auspicious vision of a pure realm where he met Green Tara. Upon seeing Green Tara, Rinpoche prayed with deep devotion and meditated on pure appearances, and suddenly a rolled piece of paper appeared in Green Tara’s hand. At first, the number seven appeared on the parchment, but as Rinpoche continued to pray, it revealed the words of a prophecy. The prophecy said that after 20 years, the Dharma would once again be able to be practiced in Tibet just as a tiny spark can be fanned into flames. The vision gave Rinpoche great courage and filled him with even stronger faith, and his practice of meditation became even more diligent as a result.