About this Retreat
Khenpo Kunga Dakpa began his Buddhist monastic academic journey at the Nyingma Mindrolling College in northern India. A dedicated teacher of the Dharma, he bridges traditional Buddhist texts with an often light-hearted approach to the so-called problems of the world! Khenpo Kunga also enjoys translating Tibetan-to-English Buddhist texts and seeks to bring the timeless wisdom of Dharma to the world.
Tsering Gellek is the Director of the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute. Her primary work is to strengthen the roots of the Institute, develop programs with universities and other centers of learning around the world, and harness the power of deep engagement between the East and the West. She is the daughter of Tarthang Rinpoche and has helped carry out Dharma and cultural preservation projects in Asia for over twenty years.
Barry graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his professional life working in investment banking before becoming a student of Tarthang Tulku in the early 1970’s. From 1988-1993 he was Dean of the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley, California. In 2002 he founded Silent Moon Books a publishing company to relate stories for children and adults about Moritz, his therapy dog. He has taught Kum Nye (Tibetan relaxation yoga) throughout the world for over a decade. In 2009, Barry became Co-director of the Guna Foundation that produced 3 documentary films; Light of the Valley, Prayers of the Ancient Ones and The Great Transmission. In recent years he compiled and produced the Quotes Trilogy and Quotes Companion journal.
Details of this retreat
Register by February 1st and Receive the Early Bird Offer of one extra night free!
Ratna Ling is happy to present a 5-day (4 nights) retreat based on traditional Buddhist teachings by our sister organization, the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute.
Join Khenpo Kunga Dakpa, a longtime practitioner and dharma teacher, and Tsering Gellek, daughter of Tarthang Rinpoche and Director of the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute, and Barry Schieber author and practitioner of Kum Nye, for a transformative journey into the heart of Buddhist practice and embodiment.
A Path of Transformation
At the sanctuary of Ratna Ling, you'll explore the paramitas—the Six Perfections that form the foundation of the Bodhisattva path:
Generosity – Opening the heart to give freely
Ethics – Living with integrity and wisdom
Patience – Cultivating resilience and acceptance
Joyful Effort – Engaging with enthusiasm and perseverance
Concentration – Developing steadiness of mind
Wisdom – Seeing clearly into the nature of reality
Drawing from Shantideva's text The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryavatara), we'll explore how these timeless teachings can become living practices in your daily life. Through study, contemplation, and Kum Nye practices, you'll discover practical pathways to transform habitual patterns into a more stable and expansive way of being.
Who Should Attend
This retreat is for those ready to make a sincere commitment to addressing a significant life concern:
You're facing a decision that requires deep reflection
You're ready to examine recurring patterns with honesty and clarity
You seek to align your decisions and actions with your deepest values
The program provides a sacred and supportive environment for contemplation, analysis, and genuine personal transformation. Prior to the retreat, each participant will be asked to bring a question or concern they're actively considering. These may be kept confidential or shared with the group, as you choose. In either case, the question will set your compass and intention for the program.
Three Essential Elements: Body, Speech, and Mind
Mind: Study of the Traditional Teachings
We'll explore the Bodhicaryavatara and its practical instructions for walking the Bodhisattva path authentically. These ancient teachings offer direct wisdom for contemporary life, showing how to cultivate qualities that bring meaning and benefit to ourselves and others.
Speech: Personal Inquiry and Clarity
Through guided contemplation and active methods for reflection, you'll bring honesty and insight to the questions that matter most to you. Step back from daily momentum and examine what truly needs your attention.
Body: Sacred Space for Integration
Generous periods of silence, rest, and Kum Nye exercises with Barry Schieber will allow the teachings to settle deeply and become embodied wisdom.
The Practice of Presence
To receive the full benefits of this program, participants commit to:
Full Attendance – Be present for the entire retreat (July 2-5, 2026)
Digital Disconnection – Minimize technology use to fully engage
Mindful Speech – Practice purposeful communication throughout
Noble Silence – Breakfast meals in silence for deeper reflection
These practices create a container for authentic transformation, helping you step out of habitual patterns and into deeper awareness.
About Ratna Ling
Voted as one of the top ten retreat centers in 2025 by USA Today, Ratna Ling is nestled in the coastal mountains of Northern California. This volunteer-run Buddhist sanctuary offers 113 acres of redwood forest, sacred architecture, and peaceful surroundings—an ideal environment for contemplative practice and spiritual development.
Registration & Commitment
Space is limited to ensure an intimate and supportive learning environment. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
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
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
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 :
"Thank you for such a welcoming retreat. I am so appreciative of the kind and open energy you all carry through Ratna Ling. The conversations from this weekend will stay in my mind for a long time. It was great to connect with everyone there."
"Thank you for giving us opportunity to spend a weekend at Ratna Ling, learning more about Buddhism and the role patience could play in personal growth. I found the sessions enlightening - food for thought and a means to refine and solidify my own philosophical views on the ethics of life and living."
"I found the conversations during the breakout sessions and over lunch and dinner invigorating. Such moments offer genuine opportunities for person-to-person connection, where views, ideas, concerns, and experiences can be shared in ways that formal settings seldom encourage. For that, I am grateful."
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