Applications accepted

June 28 - September 15, 2025

Immersion Begins with Mandatory Online Opening Retreat:

Oct 2 - 6, 2025

If you have any trouble with any part of the application please email us (please do not text us individually) at melandtara@taramahady.com so that we can assist you.

Application Process

Hello friends:

We're thrilled that you're interested in the Dakini Mandala Immersion. In reviewing applications, we're not evaluating worthiness, but rather listening for resonance and seeking a balanced constellation of individuals who feel aligned with the spirit of the work and ready to engage it with depth and sincerity. Our intention is to understand how we can best support your journey and co-create a space that is inclusive, safe, and resonant for everyone involved.

We’ll be considering a range of factors, including: 

• experience in one/some or all of the following: mantra, meditation, hatha yoga, and/or inner inquiry

• cohesiveness and diversity of the group

• enthusiasm and/or sincerity

• ability to commit to the full arc of the journey, and openness to growth and transformation.

Consent & Confidentiality The information you share in this application will be held in confidence and read only by us, Melanie and Tara.

Application & Timing

While we have thoughtfully included each question or topic to help us get to know you more fully, you are always welcome to skip any that don’t feel appropriate, relevant, or comfortable to answer at this time. A complete and reflective response may take about 45–75 minutes.

Please feel free to respond to these questions and topics via audio note or video if this is more accessible for you.

Here is what you can expect next:

• We’ll be reviewing applications through September 15, 2025. You can expect to hear a decision within two weeks after you have submitted your application.

• If we need additional clarity or feel called to connect further, we’ll reach out to schedule a brief call with you. These conversations are simply a chance to deepen our sense of resonance and understanding—not an evaluation. 

• Upon acceptance a 20% non-refundable deposit of your tuition will be required to hold your spot within two weeks, or the beginning of the program, whichever comes first.

  • If this proves to be a hardship, please speak with us.

  • If you are requesting a payment plan, we will discuss this with you upon acceptance.

  • If you are requesting tuition assistance in the form of scholarship or work-trade you will hear from us through the process.

Please email us at melandtara@taramahady.com if you have any questions.

Thank you and we can't wait to hear from you!

Melanie and Tara

Application Questions

Please download the Word Document linked here that has a number of questions that will help us get to know you better.

You may submit your responses in this Word document, or audio or video. You may respond in English or Spanish.

Once you have created your responses, please then upload the files here.

Once you have uploaded please continue with the questions below, make your application payment and submit your application by using the submit button.

Basic Information

Scholarships / Work-Trade

Application Fee

Agreement

I understand that this immersion involves deep spiritual and personal work, and I am applying with the intention to engage with sincerity, self-responsibility, and respect for the sacredness of the container.

By submitting this application, I understand that the Dakini Mandala Immersion teacher authorization is offered through Melanie Shank and Tara Mahady and only for the mandala teachings. I acknowledge that all authorization is granted solely through them, and not A Forest Path.