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.
Finding Freedom Within - Independence Day Weekend - SPECIAL PRICING
Top Rated
Finding Freedom Within - Independence Day Weekend - SPECIAL PRICING
4.95113 reviews
July 3 - 6, 2025
About this Retreat
George Wiegand has been a student of our Founder Tarthang Tulku and a full-time volunteer in Nyingma organizations for more than 30 years, as a chef, baker, kitchen manager, temple builder, book binder, and pressman. He has a Master's of Education in Counseling and has worked as an educator and counselor in several high school systems. His hobbies include bread baking, basketball, and choir singing.
Renate Marx, originally from Germany, has long moved between countries and traditions, dedicating her life to both education and the Dharma, rooted in experiential and interdisciplinary learning.
For over twenty years, Renate worked in Germany as a manager and program developer at the intersection of education, intercultural dialogue, and the arts. In 2010, her path turned more deeply toward the Dharma when she began her studies within the Nyingma tradition. After completing the Four-Month Human Development Retreat at the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley, she joined the Nyingma community and became a full-time volunteer within Nyingma organizations in both the U.S. and Germany.
Since 2015, Renate has spent part of each year in India, serving as an administrator and program coordinator at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI). Her current focus is on international programs that foster connection and exchange between monastics and international students. A committed Dharma worker, Renate continues to develop her roles as a student, facilitator, and organizer, drawing from her background in education and Dharma practice.
Details of this retreat
Our teachers are freely sharing their time and experience which allows us to offer this retreat on a sliding scale. We invite you to give what you can and warmly welcome you to join us.
This special retreat takes place over the July 4th weekend. We will join together in a spirit of reflection and community, honoring our shared aspiration for true freedom—freedom from suffering, confusion, and fear.
When life feels uncertain and the world around us unstable, how can we return to a place of clarity and peace? The Buddha taught that freedom is not found outside of ourselves, but through inner understanding. In times of challenge, these teachings offer a path to stability and strength.
During this retreat, we will draw from the profound wisdom of the Buddhist tradition presented in the writings of Tarthang Tulku. Through periods of silence, guided meditation, dharma talks, movement, visualization, and time in nature, we will explore what it means to come home to ourselves and rest in inner spaciousness.
Together, we will cultivate a deeper sense of ease, resilience, and open-heartedness —nourishing qualities that support us in living fully and being in the world with care.
Retreat Includes:
Silent and guided meditation
Dharma talks and shared inquiry
Relaxation and movement practices
Nature walks and reflective time outdoors
Dana-Based Offering:
Our teachers are freely sharing their time and experience which allows us to offer this retreat on a sliding scale. We invite you to give what you can and warmly welcome you to join us.
COVID POLICY: 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):
THURSDAY
3pm Check in
5:30 Dinner
7-8:30pm Welcome and Meditation
FRIDAY
7am Morning Practice
8am Silent Breakfast
9-10:30am Readings + Inquiry
11:30am Nature Walk
12:15 Lunch, Free Time
4:30pm Relaxation, Kum Nye Yoga
5:30pm Dinner
SATURDAY
7am Mantra Practice
8am Silent Breakfast
9-10:30am Readings + Inquiry
12:15 Lunch, Free Time
4:30pm Kum Nye Yoga
5:30pm Dinner
7-8pm Evening Program
SUNDAY
9am Morning Practice + Closing
10am Brunch
12pm Check Out
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 is encouraged.
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat if canceled 30+ days prior to event.
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens, 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”
“The entire place permeates depth, silence and sacredness. Thank you.”
“I love it here and hope to continue coming for many years. The setting and sacredness of this space are the perfect place to retreat."
“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."
This special retreat takes place over the July 4th weekend. We will join together in a spirit of reflection and community, honoring our shared aspiration for true freedom—freedom from suffering, confusion, and fear.
When life feels uncertain and the world around us unstable, how can we return to a place of clarity and peace? The Buddha taught that freedom is not found outside of ourselves, but through inner understanding. In times of challenge, these teachings offer a path to stability and strength.
During this retreat, we will draw from the profound wisdom of the Buddhist tradition presented in the writings of Tarthang Tulku. Through periods of silence, guided meditation, dharma talks, movement, visualization, and time in nature, we will explore what it means to come home to ourselves and rest in inner spaciousness.
Together, we will cultivate a deeper sense of ease, resilience, and open-heartedness —nourishing qualities that support us in living fully and being in the world with care.
Retreat Includes:
Silent and guided meditation
Dharma talks and shared inquiry
Relaxation and movement practices
Nature walks and reflective time outdoors
Dana-Based Offering:
Our teachers are freely sharing their time and experience which allows us to offer this retreat on a sliding scale. We invite you to give what you can and warmly welcome you to join us.
COVID POLICY: 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):
THURSDAY
3pm Check in
5:30 Dinner
7-8:30pm Welcome and Meditation
FRIDAY
7am Morning Practice
8am Silent Breakfast
9-10:30am Readings + Inquiry
11:30am Nature Walk
12:15 Lunch, Free Time
4:30pm Relaxation, Kum Nye Yoga
5:30pm Dinner
SATURDAY
7am Mantra Practice
8am Silent Breakfast
9-10:30am Readings + Inquiry
12:15 Lunch, Free Time
4:30pm Kum Nye Yoga
5:30pm Dinner
7-8pm Evening Program
SUNDAY
9am Morning Practice + Closing
10am Brunch
12pm Check Out
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 is encouraged.
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat if canceled 30+ days prior to event.
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens, 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”
“The entire place permeates depth, silence and sacredness. Thank you.”
“I love it here and hope to continue coming for many years. The setting and sacredness of this space are the perfect place to retreat."
“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.
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.
Last Chance