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Meditation in Nature

Date
September 5 - 7, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

In Nature, we can observe the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space. We can feel the groundedness of the tree or rock, the fluidity of the ocean, the force and heat of fire, the wispiness of the wind, and the boundlessness of space.
Tarthang Tulku writes:

"Most of us have little idea that we are profoundly connected to the natural world, that we contain its elements within us. We have no notion how deeply we have been shaped by fire, by water, by air, by earth, and by space. These five elements, these aspects of the material world, have produced the chemical structure of our physical bodies.



Since our lives depend on these elements, it is important to catch the urgency of our embodiment, and pay heed to the invitation of the present moment. Whatever our age, whatever shape our bodies may be in, we can study nature, study ourselves, and deepen our understanding of our innate companionship with the earth. We can cherish our hearts and bodies, cultivate their health, then share the fruits of this understanding in widening circles of love and care that ripple out from our individual lives and actions"

-From the Lotus Mandala

During this retreat, aligning the abundant natural beauty of Ratna Ling with Tibetan yoga exercises, meditation, and practices, you will learn to relax the body and open the senses. In this state of awareness and openness, you can allow the beauty of nature to connect to your true inner nature.  Let Nature teach you more about who you really are, and who you can be.  You can experience the interconnectedness of all existence.

 

COVID POLICY ( as of JAN 2025 ):  For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.

SCHEDULE (Subject to change)

Friday




3:00pm-4 — Check-in
4:30-5:15 — Tibetan Yoga (Kum Nye)
5:30-6:30pm — Dinner
6:30-8:00 — Opening Circle & Mantra Meditation







Saturday







8:00am-9am — Breakfast
9:00am-10:30am — Indoor/Outdoor Contemplation Exercise
10:50am-12:00pm — Meditation in Nature – Exploring the Senses
12:15pm-1pm — Lunch
1:00pm-4:15pm — Quiet Time- Optional massage and wellness treatments by appointment
4:15pm-5:15pm — Meditation in Nature
5:30pm-6:30 — Dinner
6:30-8pm — Listening Meditation and Contemplation



Sunday




8am-8:45am — Tibetan Yoga (Kum Nye)
9:00am-10am — Closing Circle
10:00am-11:00am — Brunch
12:00pm — Checkout




For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins



ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
All bookings are NON-REFUNDABLE. Should you wish to cancel your stay with us, Ratna Ling Retreat Center requires 30 days' notice for a full credit to be TRANSFERRED to a future retreat within 1 year of original booking.
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

What people are saying about our retreats:



“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing.”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling."


“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.”
“The instructor was magnificent! Setting was gorgeous, food terrific and accommodations were lovely!”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."



  Read More

Getting Here

Location icon Ratna Ling Retreat Center

Directions

San Francisco International and Oakland International airports are approximately three hours south of Ratna Ling by car. Alaska Airlines flies to and from Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa which is approximately 1.5 hours from Ratna Ling by car. Unfortunately, there are no shuttles that bring you directly to Ratna Ling, so it is best to rent a car or email us to support in coordinating a carpool with fellow retreatants. Read More

Accommodation

14 guest cottages on 120 acres of property. Each spacious, quiet cottage has 2 private rooms, with high ceilings and a deck with a view. Cottages include jet tubs (or ADA shower), towels, deluxe linens, refrigerator, tea kettle, coffee/tea, kitchen sink/counter, diningware, dining table, and living room with a stove fireplace. Free wifi available and a landline telephone. Guests can choose to have an exclusive cottage for ONE person; a private room for ONE person in a SHARED cottage; or a cottage for TWO people. Any additional guest after TWO is $100 per person per night. Meals and classes included.

For 1 guest in a Private Room (Shared cottage with 1 other guest) Read More

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Three miles from the beautiful Sonoma coast. Organic, vegetarian meals. 120 acres of redwoods, canyons, reservoirs, and wildlife. Sacred architecture timber cottages and communal spaces. Featured stupas, gardens, and temple empowered by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche. Read More

Meals

Menu Types

All of our meals are organic and vegetarian, made with love and care. We provide homemade yogurt and granola for breakfast. Lunches and dinners always include salads or salad bar. Each meal is self-served on a buffet table. Read More

Customer Reviews

4.94 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Lovely teacher
Maria Helena has such a down to earth, kind, wise, and funny soul. She was very patient and provided an amazing experience. Read More

5.0
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Healing
When I arrived to this retreat, I knew it would be great but I wasn’t sure exactly how it would affect me. Initially, I was pretty anxious as I have social anxiety. I never leave my phone and I practiced less screen time here at the retreat, leaving my phone behind in the cabin for hours on end. By the 2nd day, I found myself no longer socially anxious or thinking about my phone. The practices helped me relieve tension and anxiety and allowed me to truly live in the moment. It was a beautiful and healing experience and I would definitely recommend. Read More

5.0
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A hidden sanctuary
The last time I had traveled solo was in 2019. Taking a solo weekend away to Ratna Ling (driving to and from 3 hours and not knowing anyone upon arrival) was a huge leap of faith for me. But I'm glad I took the risk and leapt. At Ratna Ling, the retreat felt like a return to "home." A re-discovering of my inner strength and self that has gotten hidden among the business of work and parenting two littles. I entered the retreat with "discovery" as my 2025 guiding principle, and I left with so much more clarity over my purpose, my direction, and belief in what I am capable of.

5 stars also for the cleanliness and thoughtful touches in the cabins, the idyllic grounds, and the absolutely DELICIOUS vegetarian food. Read More

5.0
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Amazing Place for a Retreat, Personal or otherwise
My wife and I just finished leading a weekend retreat at Ratna Ling, truly as the name implies, a jewel of a place. It is perhaps the 6th time we are held our events here, and it is consistently one of the best places in the world were we get the privilege to share our yoga with people. The setting is beautiful, the lodgings wonderful, the vegetarian cuisine delicious and plentiful and the staff attentive and always helpful. We love this place and can't wait to return in 2025! Read More

5.0
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Clean, tranquil, modern, peaceful and beautiful
The facility is spotless with a serenity that invites you to relax and enjoy nature. Food is phenomenal.—tasty and very nutritious. Read More

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