5.0
Verified
Silent retreat w Jayne
Amazing. Transformative. I’m still processing. The nature, the food, Menla is so amazing. The experience with the group, our facilitator m, was deeply healing.
Dzogchen Retreat: Revealing the Great Inner Connection Weekend Option
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Top Rated
Dzogchen Retreat: Revealing the Great Inner Connection Weekend Option
4.8364 reviews
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Sep 24 - 27, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Born in Amdo, in North Eastern Tibet Dr. Nida began his early studies Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) at the local Tibetan Medicine hospital. Later he was awarded scholarship to enter the Lhasa Tibetan Medical University, where he completed his medical education in 1996 with practical training at the Tibetan Medicine hospitals in Lhasa and Lhoka.
Alongside his medical education, Dr. Nida trained in Vajrayana with teachers from every school of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Longchen Nyingthig of the Nyingma school from his root teacher Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen and in the Dudjom Tersar lineage from Chönyid Rinpoche and Sremo Dechen Yudron. He received complete teachings in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, the unique spiritual tradition of Tibetan Medicine, from his teachers Khenpo Tsultrim Gyaltsen and Khenchen Troru Tsenam, and was requested to continue the lineage by Jamyang Rinpoche of the Rebkong ngakpa/ma (non-monastic yogi and yogini) tradition.
A well-known poet in his youth, Dr. Nida later published many articles and books on Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) and the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition both in Tibetan and English which have been translated into several languages. He has extensively researched ancient Tibetan healing methods, and has gained high acclaim in the East and West for his revival of little known traditional Tibetan external healing therapies.
Dr. Nida is the founder and director of Sowa Rigpa Institute of Tibetan Medicine (https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/), Pure Land Farms in Los Angeles (https://purelandfarms.com/), and Sorig Khang International (https://www.sorig.net/) as well as co-Founder of the International Ngakmang Institute, established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong ngakpa non-monastic yogi/ini culture within modern Tibetan society.
In addition to his work as a physician, he trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition in over forty countries around the world.
Details of this retreat
Join world-renowned Tibetan Medicine doctor, yogi, and Yuthok Nyingthig master Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, for a rare Dzogchen retreat.
This retreat offers an accessible yet profound path to Dzogchen, the Great Perfection teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Rooted in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, the program includes teachings on Trekchöd for cutting through conceptual fixation to experience the nature of awareness, and Tögal practices with sunlight and dark retreat. Dr. Nida will share oral commentary from his personal retreat which are currently available only in Tibetan.
Through daily teachings, guided meditations, contemplative dialogue, and experiential practice, Dr. Nida presents Dzogchen as a living path, not dependent on intellectual mastery but on direct recognition.
This retreat is appropriate for both dedicated practitioners curious about Dzogchen and its foundations, as well as advanced practitioners seeking lineage-based clarification and deeper experience.
*The style of the upcoming teachings differs from traditional, academic presentation. What is being relayed is not simply information, but an invitation into a living wisdom tradition. At the heart of the retreat experience, is the presence of teachers, and the presence of yourself, as student. This relational emphasis, and your innate capacity to absorb, question, and clarify are your keenest assets in an unfolding, and at times, unpredictable atmosphere of learning.
THIS PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE/VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Schedule:
Thursday, September 24
3 - 4 pm Arrival & Check-in
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session
Friday, September 25
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session
Saturday, September 26
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session
Sunday, September 27
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 1:30 pm Essential Empowerment
1:30 - 2:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change at any time.
This retreat offers an accessible yet profound path to Dzogchen, the Great Perfection teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Rooted in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, the program includes teachings on Trekchöd for cutting through conceptual fixation to experience the nature of awareness, and Tögal practices with sunlight and dark retreat. Dr. Nida will share oral commentary from his personal retreat which are currently available only in Tibetan.
Through daily teachings, guided meditations, contemplative dialogue, and experiential practice, Dr. Nida presents Dzogchen as a living path, not dependent on intellectual mastery but on direct recognition.
This retreat is appropriate for both dedicated practitioners curious about Dzogchen and its foundations, as well as advanced practitioners seeking lineage-based clarification and deeper experience.
*The style of the upcoming teachings differs from traditional, academic presentation. What is being relayed is not simply information, but an invitation into a living wisdom tradition. At the heart of the retreat experience, is the presence of teachers, and the presence of yourself, as student. This relational emphasis, and your innate capacity to absorb, question, and clarify are your keenest assets in an unfolding, and at times, unpredictable atmosphere of learning.
THIS PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE/VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Schedule:
Thursday, September 24
3 - 4 pm Arrival & Check-in
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session
Friday, September 25
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session
Saturday, September 26
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session
Sunday, September 27
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 1:30 pm Essential Empowerment
1:30 - 2:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change at any time.
Getting Here
Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Accommodation
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 Premium Single - Shared Bath
Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom
Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room
Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference 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
Commuter
Commuters
Menla Encourages Members of the Community to Participate in Our Wonderful Programs!
Includes Meals, Public Phone, Public Computer, and Wi-Fi Internet Available in Lhasa Inn.
Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Cultivating Joy
Led by Jayne Gumpel, this retreat was a combination of guided meditation, forest bathing and making art. It created a loving atmosphere to go inside in a safe space. Jayne’s mantra is the group is the medicine and by the end of the retreat that became perfectly clear.
5.0
Verified
Fantastic stay and retreat experience!
I was so impressed with the quality of my stay at Menla! The natural beauty that surrounds the campus is rejuvenating and peaceful! The food was exquisite and lovingly prepared! My room was beautiful and very clean. My retreat with Banafsheh was top-notch! Highly recommend Menla for your next retreat!
5.0
Verified
aa hidden gem that will inspire you for what life used to be , great air, food, water, shelter, and great people!!
I just wish I knew about this place years and years ago. It is a piece of Paradise
with love to all of you at Menla
God bless Robert Thurman for what he created!!
with love to all of you at Menla
God bless Robert Thurman for what he created!!
5.0
Verified
This place, this space, this experience
I am a man of the ear,th my love for this amazing planet and our connection to her is without lines, borders, walls. I am so pleased to experience the beautiful space that is Menla. Equally as beautiful is the staff that serviced our work.
Last Chance