Three Principal Aspects of the Path with White Tara Long Life Empowerment

Location icon
5800 Prescott Road, Soquel, CA, USA
Date
September 16 - 23, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

We warmly invite you to join us for this rare and precious opportunity to receive teachings on The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, by Lama Tsongkhapa, together with the blessing of the White Tara Long Life Empowerment from the highly respected Segyü Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Wangdü (Gen Wangdü).

The Three Principal Aspects of the Path is one of Lama Tsongkhapa's most celebrated and essential texts, distilling the entire path to enlightenment into three indispensable realizations: renunciation, the sincere determination to be free from cyclic existence; bodhicitta, the altruistic mind that aspires to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings; and the wisdom realizing emptiness, the direct antidote to ignorance and the root of all suffering. These three principles are the very heart of the graduated path to enlightenment (Lamrim), and cultivating them lays the foundation for all Mahayana practice.

Receiving these teachings from a highly accomplished lineage holder is a profound opportunity to connect with the unbroken tradition of the Buddha's teachings as transmitted through Lama Tsongkhapa and preserved by generations of realized masters. Through listening, contemplating, and meditating on these instructions, we create the causes for deep inner transformation and lasting benefit for ourselves and countless beings.

As a special blessing, Rinpoche will also bestow the White Tara Long Life Empowerment. White Tara is revered as the embodiment of enlightened compassion, healing, and longevity. Receiving this empowerment creates a powerful connection with White Tara's enlightened qualities and supports practitioners in cultivating a long, meaningful life dedicated to Dharma practice and benefiting others.

Whether you are encountering these teachings for the first time or returning to deepen your understanding, this retreat offers an extraordinary opportunity to receive authentic instruction, cultivate the causes for realization, and nourish your spiritual practice in the peaceful environment of Land of Medicine Buddha.
Schedule
To be determined
Lodging Options
​​During Rinpoche's visit, we will provide various lodging options to accommodate different preferences. We have a variety of lodging options available to make your stay comfortable. 

Shared Double Room: This can be booked by a couple, two friends, or by individuals happy to share with someone else. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. Ideal for those who like to have a bit more privacy, but have the convenience of being close to everything at the main campus. Each double room has an ensuite bathroom. You would be sharing this room with one other person. The price indicated is per person.

Shared Dorm: This can be booked by families, groups of friends, or individuals. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. These dormitories provide a cost-effective option for participants who enjoy the camaraderie and interaction with fellow retreat attendees. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom. 

Commuter: Includes all meals on teaching days.

If cost is a barrier, please let us know. We have scholarships and service-study options available. 

Please fill out this form to apply for financial support.
Meals
All of our lodging options include 3 delicious vegetarian meals a day. There will be gluten-free and vegan options at each meal. We will do our best to cater to additional dietary requirements.  Please contact Cara at spc@medicinebuddha.org to communicate your specific needs with as much notice as possible.
How to Get Here
Access to LMB is via a small, winding road (Prescott Road) which we share with numerous neighbors. As you are driving to our property please turn on your headlights, go slowly, and be prepared to pull over to the side when you meet oncoming traffic.

Closest Airports: The nearest airports to LMB are San Francisco (~1.5 hours away) and San Jose (~1 hour away). To reach LMB from either of these airports you can use a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft etc), or a shuttle service (Early Bird Airport Shuttle Service). Expect to pay $100 – $150 from San Francisco, or $60 – 80 from San Jose using a rideshare app. LMB is unable to offer assistance in helping you get to or from the center. Please make your own arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Overnight Guests

If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the retreat begins, a full refund will be issued minus a $20 cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 2 weeks before the retreat begins, a 50% refund will be issued. If you cancel less than 1 week before the retreat begins, no refund will be issued.

Commuters

If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the retreat begins, a full refund will be issued minus a $20 cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 1 week before the retreat begins, a 50% refund will be issued.

Getting Here

Location icon Land of Medicine Buddha, 5800 Prescott Road, Soquel, CA, USA

Accommodation

Commuter

Accommodation
For participants who will be commuting to classes but not staying overnight at LMB

Single Room

Accommodation
All of our guest rooms are simple, clean, and include a private bathroom, closet, heater, and extra blankets. In the interest of providing a quiet, relaxing experience, there are no telephones, or television, but cell service and WiFi are available. A bath towel, washcloth, and bath mat are provided, as is a bar of fragrance free soap

Shared Double Room

Accommodation
Shared double room, separated by gender.  All of our guest rooms are simple, clean, and include a private bathroom, closet, heater, and extra blankets. In the interest of providing a quiet, relaxing experience, there are no telephones, or television, but cell service and WiFi are available. A bath towel, washcloth, and bath mat are provided, as is a bar of fragrance free soap.

Shared Dorm

Accommodation
Shared Dorm Room, Separated by Gender.  Rooms range from 2 to 5 participants, depending on room type and bookings.

Private Yurt

Accommodation
Experience the charm of traditional yurts, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. These circular dwellings provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest and relaxation. There are two bathrooms available to use at the Yurt Village – these bathrooms are shared with the other retreatants staying in the Yurt Village. Please note, the Yurt Village is a Walk-In and Walk-Out site. Your belongings will be shuttled out to the site at check-in and picked up again at check-out. You will need to walk from the Yurt Village to the Gompa and Dining Room each day. It is approximately a 20-minute walk to the Yurt Village from the Lower Campus.

Tent Platform

Accommodation
For those who enjoy a closer connection with nature, we offer tent platforms where you can set up your own tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.   We have two tent platforms near the Wish-Fulfilling Temple and one tent platform in the Yurt Village. Each tent platform has access to a shared bathroom and shower.  The tent platform in the yurt village also has access to a small communal kitchen area Please bring your own camping equipment.

Monastic - Shared Dorm Room

Accommodation
For ordained sangha (monks and nuns) who will be staying in a shared dorm at LMB

Monastic - Commuter

Accommodation
For ordained sangha (monks and nuns) who will be commuting to LMB

Monastic - Reduced

Accommodation
In-person or via Zoom. For ordained sangha (monks and nuns) who will be participating in the evening sessions only.  This can be either in-person at LMB or via Zoom.

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