Lama Tsultrim Allione

Lama Tsultrim Allione is an internationally recognized Buddhist teacher, bestselling author, and the founder of Tara Mandala, a 700-acre retreat sanctuary in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. In 1970, she was ordained by His Holiness the 16th Karmapa as one of the first American women to become a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She later returned her monastic vows to raise a family and bridge ancient Himalayan wisdom with modern Western psychology and shadow work.

Core Methodologies & Transformative Practices

• Feeding Your Demons® (FYD): A landmark 5-step somatic method adapted from 11th-century Tibetan Chöd practice. Rather than fighting anxiety, fear, chronic stress, or trauma, practitioners personify and nurture these inner conflicts, transforming emotional obstacles into powerful allies.
• The Mandala of the Five Dakinis: Based on her book Wisdom Rising, this practice teaches the transformation of neurotic emotional patterns (anger, grasping, pride, jealousy, and confusion) into their corresponding luminous wisdoms.
• Kapala Training & Certification: Comprehensive professional training programs certifying therapists, counselors, and meditation teachers in the clinical application of Feeding Your Demons.
• Residential Retreats & Global Sangha: In-person Dzogchen, Chöd, and silent retreats at Tara Mandala’s three-story Trikaya Tara Temple, alongside interactive global webcasts.

Landmark Books & Publications

• Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict (Little, Brown, 2008) — Translated into over 20 languages.
• Wisdom Rising: Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine (Atria / Enliven, 2018).
• Women of Wisdom (1984 / 2000) — Groundbreaking exploration of female Tibetan Buddhist lineage masters.