In these uncertain times, we often experience fear, anxiety, despair, and a sense of helplessness. How can we find a deeper source of support? Where should we look for refuge?

The teachings of the Buddha arose as a direct response to the uncertainty and suffering we experience in human life. They remind us of our true nature, which we can access and rest in as a source of peace, connection, and genuine liberation. Buddhist teachings invite us to recognize the ground of being—ultimate refuge—which permeates and embraces everything like the Great Mother in an all-encompassing embrace.

During this course, we will draw from the teachings of the great 11th-century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön, who offers clear guidance on how to work with the mind and heart in order to recognize the primordial freedom that is our natural state. Through teachings, contemplation, and meditation, we will practice accessing the spaciousness of the mind and the power of the heart. No previous experience is required.

Opening Lecture & Book Signing

The course will begin with a lecture and a promotional meeting for the book Skymind on Monday 6 of July evening in Warsaw. The exact location of lecture will be announced soon. On Tuesday morning, participants should travel to the course venue in Dłużew.

In Dłużew, we will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday July 7 and conclude at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, ending with lunch.

Where:

Dłużew – Outdoor House of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw
Dłużew 40, 05–332 Siennica, Poland

What to expect

The course program includes morning and afternoon teaching sessions as well as guided practice sessions designed to help participants absorb and apply the instructions being shared.

Who can attend?

The course is open to everyone.

Suggested donation for the teachings

We have tried to keep the cost of participation accessible to everyone, which is why we offer several levels of suggested donation. By choosing a generous level, you make it possible for someone who otherwise could not afford it to participate in the course—thereby creating a beneficial connection and merit.

The suggested donation for the teachings covers the cost of the Teacher’s stay, including travel expenses, venue rental, printing of materials, organizational costs, and an offering for the Teacher. The donation does not include meals and accommodation.

• Basic: 650–849 PLN
• Supportive: 850–949 PLN
• Generous: 950 PLN and above

Participants coming from countries where the primary currency is the euro or U.S. dollar are kindly asked to choose at least the supportive level of the suggested donation.

The cost of accommodation at the venue (two nights) and three meals per day is 432 PLN (gross).

Registration

Registration is available through the form:
https://forms.gle/kwqR9dL8Z4TxYsKA9

Confirmation of registration will be sent by email together with bank details for the advance payment of 320 PLN. The advance payment will confirm your participation, after which you will receive a form to arrange accommodation and meals.

Support for those in need

Lack of financial resources should not be an obstacle to accessing the teachings. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact us and we will try to find a solution:
poland.taramandala@gmail.com

The level of support will depend on the number of requests and the financial capacity of the Polish Tara Mandala Sangha.

Combined Bios:

Partners in life, teaching, and parenting, Charlotte Rotterdam and Pieter Oosthuizen draw on decades of dedicated study and practice to share the rich teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and their application to modern life. They are senior teachers (Lopöns) at Tara Mandala Retreat Center, founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione, and offer retreats world-wide. They have also studied with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Wangdu Rinpoche, and Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa Rinpoche, among others. Raised in New York City, Charlotte received a Masters in Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School. She is faculty at Naropa University and directs the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education.

Pieter received his Law degree in his native South Africa. His love of people, places, and cultures has carried him around the globe. He has served in leadership roles at Naropa University and Tara Mandala, and currently directs the Feeding your Demons Institute. Their recent book, Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness (Shambhala, 2026), highlights the nature of mind teachings of the 11^th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and their application to modern life. Together they lead the Skymind Sangha from their home in Boulder, Colorado (US), where they live with their two sons.