Join us for Heart Sangha's Spring 2026 Chod Retreat: Padampa Sangye’s Instructions to Machig. This will be held both in-person and via zoom. Open to all levels of experience

When Machig Lapdron decided to renounce her exalted place in a monastery, leaving to explore the dharma as it would be practiced and understood in the outside world and in her body, she encountered Padampa Sangye, who was to become one of her two root teachers. Machig bowed. Padampa Sangye didn’t accept her bow, which would be putting herself below him. He met her as equals. This was a radical thing to do with a younger woman! Then Padampa Sangye gave Machig 7 aphorisms that would become the basis of Machig’s dharma, Chod. 

Please join Heart Sangha for a daylong Mahayana-style retreat to continue the Path of Chod Healing. This retreat will have no Chod ceremony. Participants will be invited to contemplate and grapple with the 7 aphorisms in their own life. Much like the Lojong slogans, there is much to be gained by memorizing the 7 aphorisms. It allows a person to navigate life’s turbulence and joy by these profound sayings. 

The retreat will be silent. We will have periods of silent meditation, guided meditation, and dharma talks on the slogans. This retreat is open to all people of all levels. 

Our guiding teacher Sunisa Manning will be offering refuge and the bodhisattva’s vows at the end of this retreat. Everyone is invited to stay, witness the ceremony, and celebrate!