Tara Retreat: Cultivating Courage, Wisdom & Compassion

Green Tara, known as the “Mother of the Buddhas,” embodies the swift and compassionate activity of all the enlightened beings. In times of uncertainty or challenge, her practice is especially powerful for dispelling fears, removing obstacles, and awakening the qualities of courage, wisdom, and compassionate action within us.

This long weekend retreat offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply in the practice of Tara with guidance from Venerable Tony Beaumont. Through teachings, meditation, and recitation of Tara prayers and mantras, we will cultivate the qualities she represents and learn how to bring them into our daily lives.

What to Expect

• Teachings on the meaning and symbolism of Tara, and how her practice supports spiritual growth.

• Guided meditations and mantra recitations to connect with Tara’s enlightened energy.

• Discussions and Q&A to explore how to integrate Tara practice into everyday challenges.

• Time for reflection and silence, supported by the peaceful natural environment of Mahamudra Centre.

This retreat is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. Beginners will be introduced to Tara’s practice in an accessible way, while more experienced students will find the space to deepen their relationship with Tara and refine their meditation.

Why Tara?

Practicing with Tara strengthens our ability to respond to difficulties with wisdom and compassion rather than fear and confusion. Her swift energy is said to remove both inner and outer obstacles, opening the way for clarity and confidence on the spiritual path.

About Venerable Tony Beaumont

Ven. Tony Beaumont first made direct contact with the Buddhadharma in Nepal and India in 1976 -1977 during which time he attended 2 one-month long Kopan Lam-rim courses and their retreats, and a then a three-month group Vajrasattva retreat at Tushita in Dharamshala.

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On returning to Australia, he trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse, then in the 1980’s was based at Chenrezig Institute during which time he served at different times as the cook, office worker and gardener. 

In 1991 he took novice ordination with Kirti Tshenshab Rinpoche at Kopan and in 1993 took full ordination with Geshe Yeshe Topden at Lama Tsong Khapa Institute in Italy. 

Following ordination as a monk in 1991, he lived for seventeen years at two different FPMT monasteries, at Nalanda Monastery in France and at Thubten Shedrup Ling monastery in Bendigo, where he served as director. He has led retreats and courses at various FPMT Centres throughout the world, as well as teaching in prisons and schools.

Practical Details

📅 Dates: Thursday evening 5 February – Sunday afternoon 8 February, 2026 

📍 Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity, Colville, Coromandel

 ✨ Format: Residential retreat including teachings, guided meditation, mantra recitation, and discussion. 

👥 Who can attend: Open to everyone — from complete beginners to experienced practitioners.