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Tibetan Yoga Wellbeing: Heart Practices, Life-Force & Longevity

Name: Tibetan Yoga Wellbeing: Heart Practices, Life-Force & Longevity
Start: 2026-11-12
End: 2026-11-15
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.86

4.86100 reviews

Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

November 12 - 15, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Alejandro

Mauricio

Alejandro Chaoul, PhD

Alejandro Chaoul, PhD, is the Scholar and Founding Director of the Mind Body Spirit Institute at the Jung Center of Houston, where he brings Tibetan yogic practices for helping health-care professionals flourish by reducing stress and burnout, and improving health and resilience while nourishing the human spirit. Since 1995, he has been teaching Tibetan meditation and Tibetan yogic practices under the auspices of the Ligmincha Institute in various parts of the United States, Latin America, and Europe. Alejandro is also adjunct faculty in the Integrative Medicine Program, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where since 1999, he has conducted research using mind-body techniques with cancer patients, and gave group and individual meditation classes for cancer patients and their support system, as part of the Integrative Medicine Center. He also holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Texas Medical School’s McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics, where he teaches medical students in the areas of spirituality, complementary and integrative medicine, and end of life care. Alejandro Chaoul is the author of Chod Practice in the Bon Tradition and Tibetan Yoga for Health and Wellbeing, Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath & Mind, and has also published in the area of religion and medicine, medical anthropology, and the interface of spirituality and healing. He has recently been recognized as a Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute.

Mauricio Obón Dent, M.D.

Mauricio Obón Dent, M.D. is Cardiology Director at Hospital Metropolitan in San José, Costa Rica. He was trained at the prestigious Texas Heart Institute, Baylor College of Medicine from 2006 – 2013. Dr. Obón is board certified in internal medicine, clinical echocardiography, and cardiology, as well as interventional cardiology, performing minimally invasive procedures in heart valve repair, heart attack treatment, and repair of cardiac pathologies. A fellow of the American College of Cardiology, his main research focus is structural heart disease, primary prevention, and longevity. Dr. Obón currently lives in Costa Rica with his wife and three children.

Details of this retreat

Menla, the Land of the Medicine Buddha, welcomes you to a four-day retreat exploring the sacred life-force practices of Tibetan Yoga (Tsa Lung Trul Khor), woven together with contemporary insights into heart health and longevity.

Through gentle movements, breath retention, and meditative awareness, these ancient practices invite you to experience the subtle body as a living mandala of channels and chakras. As the vital winds (prana, chi, or lung) begin to awaken and flow more freely, a deeper sense of vitality, balance, and inner spaciousness naturally emerges.

Guided by Alejandro and Mauricio, participants will learn and practice methods that nourish both body and mind while also exploring clinical research and real-world applications that bridge these timeless teachings with modern health science.

As Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche shares, these practices are “a wonderful support for all spiritual practitioners.”

All are welcome who wish to reconnect with the healing power of breath, movement, and awareness—and to cultivate greater well-being, clarity, and freedom.

Schedule:

Thursday, November 12

3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Welcome Program

Friday, November 13

7 - 8 am Early Morning Program
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Program
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 2 pm Break
2 - 5:30 pm Program
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Program

Saturday, November 14

7 - 8 am Early Morning Program
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Program
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 2 pm Break
2 - 5:30 pm Program
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Program

Sunday, November 15

7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Early Morning Program
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Program
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Menla, Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

Accommodation

Deluxe King

Deluxe King Room with King Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This Space is not ADA compliant. Deluxe King Rooms are Available only in Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Single - Shared Bath

Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available This lodging type is not ADA Compliant Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Double Full - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Economy Quad - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Quad Room with Quad Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals. High speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a quad shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others.

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

Nancy • Oct 16, 2026

5.0

Verified

Seeking a REAL retreat - this is for you!

I attended Menla in early October for a Holotropic Breathwork workshop. It is nestled in the Catskill Mountains in NY, so serene, quiet, safe, and the food was INCREDIBLE, and so healthy & delicious. It never felt like anyone was around (unlike other retreats I have been to). If you are looking to unwind, just be with yourself and eat healthy, delicious food - Menla is the place to be! Highly, highly recommended!

Marcello • Oct 15, 2026

5.0

Verified

Unforgettable Experience of the Soul

I've wanted to visit Menla for many years, and have followed the work and incredible life of Robert Thurman for some years. The Kundalini Yoga Immersion with Jai Dev, somehow connected all of the dots so that even without the physical presence of Tenzin Bob, his rainbow body was felt in the rooms, the valleys and natural environments. The meals were an amazing complement to the comfortable rooms, the breath taking setting that all supported completely and fully amplified the journey.

One Note, that is just a personal suggestion and not to be seen as a criticism or judgment in any way. It would be nice to feel a presence of the great history, tradition, and culture of Menla, the Tibet House and the entire amazing project connected to the life work of Robert Thurman and his lifelong dedication exploring, educating and sharing the beauty of the Tibetan culture in all its facets. The stories of the Naga and Dalai Lama, the historical evolution of the area are all such unique elements that create the wonderful base of energy that permeates the experience of being there. The walks along the paths, discovering improvised shrines all create a magical experience that would be only honored by a bit more of a historical / cultural backdrop for visitors that may or may not know the deep importance of the work behind it all.

Thank you once again and can't wait to visit next year!!

catherine • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

Life Force Academy Kundalini Yoga 5 day Immersion

I attended my first retreat at Menla about 6 years ago and was immediately hooked by the energy and beauty of the grounds. This is a very unique experience as in addition to the retreat content there is also an opportunity to explore the grounds, experience the very well curated art works throughout the grounds, set off on well marked hiking areas and have a glorious treatment at a world class spa that is beautifully designed.
The pacing of all of the programming lends itself to allow for in depth class experiences, time for rest, hiking, socializing, and enough time for meals which are prepared with love and care with the freshest ingredients and interesting choices.
The LFA Kundalini retreat was excellent and inspiring in content and delivery. Jai Dev is a master in his work designing material that is relevant to all levels of practitioners. The addition of live music was the icing on the cake.
I look forward to my next visit.

Jordan • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

So much fun coming from hard work

It’s ironic that in order to relax, we need to generate Physical pressure on the nervous system. I love how the tools of Kundalini Yoga facilitate this outcome. But Life force academy, takes it all to another level with the mastery of Jai Dev and the music of Simrit.
I have participated in over 1000 Kundalini Yoga sessions over the last three or four years and two of the classes offered at this retreat are in the top 1% of the peak experiences I’ve ever had.

Gloria • Oct 08, 2026

5.0

Verified

A Great Retreat Experience

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are so tranquil and beautiful and the facilities were very clean. My only suggestion for improvement is to provide a more private dressing area after taking a shower.
Many of the attendees I spoke with felt the same way. Thank you!

Tibetan Yoga Wellbeing: Heart Practices, Life-Force & Longevity

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Alejandro Chaoul, PhD

Mauricio Obón Dent, M.D.

Details of this retreat

Getting Here