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A Higher Purpose Documentary and Reception

Date
July 27, 2025

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Join us form 4-6 PST on July 27th for an inspiring documentary recently released by our sister organization, The Guna Foundation. We will have a documentary showing and a simple reception with appetizers and drinks. Please stay for the viewing and discussion after. This is a FREE event, and donations are welcome.

Feel free to come at 3pm and enjoy the property prior to the event.

We expect this to fill, so please register now - spaces are limited!

Please note - we do require Covid vaccines for all participants.
A Film About Vision, Devotion, and the Preservation of Tibetan Wisdom
A Higher Purpose is a deeply moving documentary that explores the extraordinary vision of Tibetan lama and teacher Tarthang Rinpoche, who—exiled from his homeland—dedicated his life to preserving and revitalizing the endangered wisdom traditions of Tibet. Through rare glimpses of the spectacular Odiyan Retreat Center during its creation, the film traces how his vision took root and flourished, giving rise to a constellation of organizations—each a living vessel for transmitting sacred knowledge, art, and values to future generations.In a remarkable expression of what one individual could accomplish through the religious freedom offered in America, Rinpoche transformed the spirit of altruism into action—establishing enduring institutions to carry forward Tibetan culture, philosophy, and spiritual practice in a new land.

Through intimate interviews with students, colleagues, and family members—interwoven with evocative, textured archival footage—the film reveals the vast scope and spiritual audacity of this decades-long endeavor. From the preservation and historic global distribution of sacred Tibetan texts, to prolific publications of English Dharma works, to monumental achievements in sacred art and architecture, and large-scale ceremonies held at the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment—each project arises from a singular, luminous intention: to protect and share the inner treasures of Tibetan culture

Yet A Higher Purpose transcends the chronicle of cultural preservation. At its heart, it is an inquiry into what becomes possible when human beings align their lives with a purpose greater than themselves. The voices of Rinpoche’s students—builders, editors, printers, artists, and directors—reveal the transformative power of trust, and the integrity and creative dynamism that emerge when individuals are empowered to serve something vast and meaningful. Their stories illuminate a joy that arises not from recognition or reward but from the quiet fulfillment of offering one's best.

You can view the trailer here -  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.

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

4.95 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Retreat Center
This nourishing gem is found in the Sonoma coastal redwoods. Upon entering the land a sense of calm is immediately palpable. The land invites an exploration in nature, walking and hiking. The cottages are immaculate and located in peaceful settings where the winds whisper! The daily culinary delights are a feast and prepared with care and thoughtfulness... As a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center the workshop meditations and simple practices are a beautiful reflection of Tarthang Tulku's vision. The temple is extraordinarily rich and where you will feel held. Read More

5.0
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July 4th weekend Inner Freedom Retreat
Loved this rereat, grat program centered around the teachings of Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche. The visiting monk from India did meditation sessions with us gave deep insights into the nature of mind. Hughly recommended!! Read More

5.0
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Beautiful space, incredible food, extremely peaceful
What a gift this place is to the world. Read More

5.0
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Perfect retreat
The property is beautiful and peaceful. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Food was delicious! Highly recommend Read More

5.0
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Perfect Escape
Ratna Ling is a spectacular retreat center! The grounds & cabins are serene, stunning, and private. The vegetarian cuisine is fresh, seasonal, delicious, and filled with love! As a meat-eater in my daily life, the offerings were also very filling and nourishing!
Gloria is an outstanding facilitator, teacher, and human. If you have a chance to learn from her, take it! Read More

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