5.0
Verified
Just perfect
Ratna Ling is the perfect place to connect with ourselves and the nature. It’s a beautiful and quiet place. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Harmony Unveiled: Meditation & Movement in Nature
Top Rated
Harmony Unveiled: Meditation & Movement in Nature
4.95113 reviews
October 17 - 19, 2025
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Gretchen has been teaching yoga for 20 years. After extensive experimentation and study in the traditions of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Prajna Yoga, her teaching cultivates a broad range of techniques. She carefully weaves the subtle energies and precision of these disciplines into her teaching, creating a unique style. Her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others access growth and self awareness (beyond asana) is both accessible and infectious. She is a Certified Feeding Your Demons Facilitator and a Vajrayana Buddhist Practitioner learning and discovering the gifts of dharma with each passing day.
https://www.silayoga.net/
Details of this retreat
We are honored to have Gretchen Donovan back as a guest teacher at Ratna Ling!
The Buddha himself taught that human nature is inherently pure, akin to the clear sky unaffected by passing clouds. Just as clouds don’t alter the fundamental nature of the sky, fleeting thoughts do not change the essential purity of the human mind.
Embark on a journey of deep meditative awareness surrounded by natural beauty. Together we’ll explore the transformative realms of the five elements-space, water, earth, fire and air through gentle yoga, movement, meditation and art.
Through guided teachings and practice, we’ll unveil and transform our encumbered habitual patterns into awareness. It’s here where inherent wisdom arises with less effort.
Collectively, we’ll create a vibrant mandala from the resources on the sacred land of Ratna Ling using the 5 elements in nature.
Immerse yourself in an engaging workshop seamlessly blending western psychology with eastern philosophy bringing us closer to wholeness.
In this retreat you will experience:
meditative practices outdoor in nature and indoor with guidance
Buddhist teachings that embody the Mandala principle illustrating the integrated harmony of existence
gentle yoga and chanting
artwork & journaling
somatic movement (supine sliding and gliding)
active listening circle
self expression through dance
Recommended Reading: Wisdom Rising, Lama Tsultrim Allione
To learn more about Gretchen, visit Sila Yoga.
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
3-4:00pm: Check-in
4:30 pm: Welcome and Introductions
5:30pm: Dinner
7:00pm: Guided Practice
SATURDAY
7:00am: Skygazing and noble silence
8:00am Breakfast
9:30am Teachings
10:45am Gentle Yoga
Break
11:00am Teachings/ Art and Mandala offerings
12:15pm Lunch
2:00pm Gentle yoga
4:30pm Teaching
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm Dance Party & Evening Council
SUNDAY
7:00 am Skygazing and Noble Silence
8:00am Gentle yoga and Closing circle
10am Brunch
12noon Checkout and Farewell
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.”
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."
The Buddha himself taught that human nature is inherently pure, akin to the clear sky unaffected by passing clouds. Just as clouds don’t alter the fundamental nature of the sky, fleeting thoughts do not change the essential purity of the human mind.
Embark on a journey of deep meditative awareness surrounded by natural beauty. Together we’ll explore the transformative realms of the five elements-space, water, earth, fire and air through gentle yoga, movement, meditation and art.
Through guided teachings and practice, we’ll unveil and transform our encumbered habitual patterns into awareness. It’s here where inherent wisdom arises with less effort.
Collectively, we’ll create a vibrant mandala from the resources on the sacred land of Ratna Ling using the 5 elements in nature.
Immerse yourself in an engaging workshop seamlessly blending western psychology with eastern philosophy bringing us closer to wholeness.
In this retreat you will experience:
meditative practices outdoor in nature and indoor with guidance
Buddhist teachings that embody the Mandala principle illustrating the integrated harmony of existence
gentle yoga and chanting
artwork & journaling
somatic movement (supine sliding and gliding)
active listening circle
self expression through dance
Recommended Reading: Wisdom Rising, Lama Tsultrim Allione
To learn more about Gretchen, visit Sila Yoga.
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
3-4:00pm: Check-in
4:30 pm: Welcome and Introductions
5:30pm: Dinner
7:00pm: Guided Practice
SATURDAY
7:00am: Skygazing and noble silence
8:00am Breakfast
9:30am Teachings
10:45am Gentle Yoga
Break
11:00am Teachings/ Art and Mandala offerings
12:15pm Lunch
2:00pm Gentle yoga
4:30pm Teaching
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm Dance Party & Evening Council
SUNDAY
7:00 am Skygazing and Noble Silence
8:00am Gentle yoga and Closing circle
10am Brunch
12noon Checkout and Farewell
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.”
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."
Getting Here
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.
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.
Private Room for 1 guest in Shared Cottage, includes meals and classes
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
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.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
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.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Couldn't be better!
Thank you for a wonderful stay. Everything was perfect.
5.0
Verified
We left feeling balnaxed
My sister, daughter and I attended the balance weekend retreat. The food and cabins were amazing. The surroundings were stunning. We connected with other attendees and have four great yoga sessions. My sister also received a massage from Melody that she loved
5.0
Verified
Balance yoga retreat April 2025
Just finished a very healing ,balancing and nourishing weekend at Ratna Ling Tibetan Center.
The location is ideal for unwinding and basking in the beauty and quiet.
Food was plentiful and delicious.... fresh veggies and fruit, fresh baked bread fantastic vegetarian main dishes.
Yoga was held in a beautiful studio with views of the forest from the deck outside mats and props supplied.
Instruction was with Dana Hancock from Sebastopol a very experienced and skillful teacher. The classes were 1-2 hours and left me feeling very grounded and refreshed.
During the free time I spent either meditating or walking the beautiful property that is surrounded by forest and redwood trees and a very sacred and peaceful meditation garden.
The cabins are spacious and well appointed very cozy and perfect for two people to share.Highly recommend Ratna ling!!
Linda P.
The location is ideal for unwinding and basking in the beauty and quiet.
Food was plentiful and delicious.... fresh veggies and fruit, fresh baked bread fantastic vegetarian main dishes.
Yoga was held in a beautiful studio with views of the forest from the deck outside mats and props supplied.
Instruction was with Dana Hancock from Sebastopol a very experienced and skillful teacher. The classes were 1-2 hours and left me feeling very grounded and refreshed.
During the free time I spent either meditating or walking the beautiful property that is surrounded by forest and redwood trees and a very sacred and peaceful meditation garden.
The cabins are spacious and well appointed very cozy and perfect for two people to share.Highly recommend Ratna ling!!
Linda P.
5.0
Verified
The land of beauty
So much beauty and spaciousness exists in Ratna Ling, it is hard to decide what to focus on first...
Was it the three red bellied newts in the forest of redwoods or the family of deer at the pond where many birds converse, that was my favorite moment at Ratna Ling. Maybe the himalayan ponies near the upper pond with the surrounding stupas near the dharma publishing area were what stole my heart...Or the serenity that enveloped and brought sense back to my higher wisdom that held me in reverence of
my life? That I believe was the mystical elixir of it all...
From the morning sun peaking over the mountain tops to the rising full moon illumination casting enlightened love thru the land, there is peace for me at Ratna LIng.
Shelli M.
Was it the three red bellied newts in the forest of redwoods or the family of deer at the pond where many birds converse, that was my favorite moment at Ratna Ling. Maybe the himalayan ponies near the upper pond with the surrounding stupas near the dharma publishing area were what stole my heart...Or the serenity that enveloped and brought sense back to my higher wisdom that held me in reverence of
my life? That I believe was the mystical elixir of it all...
From the morning sun peaking over the mountain tops to the rising full moon illumination casting enlightened love thru the land, there is peace for me at Ratna LIng.
Shelli M.
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