35755 Hauser Bridge Rd. Cazadero, CA 95421 United States
August 14 - 16, 2026
About this Retreat
There are times when a path reveals itself quietly—one small step, one gentle opening, and then another. For Magda Costa, her journey into the Dharma began in Brazil in 1990, when she encountered Buddhist teachings woven into Catholic instruction by an American priest. Something resonated immediately, leading her into daily study and practice. A simple newspaper ad for a meditation class drew her to one of Nyingma Institute centers in South America, where the teachings of Tarthang Tulku became a steady presence in her life. Over time, that path unfolded naturally, eventually bringing her to the United States and to her work with Dharma Publishing.
For Magda, the teachings are not simply ideas to understand but invitations to live more fully. Books such as Time, Space, and Knowledge and Skillful Means continue to guide her, offering ways to bring awareness into everyday moments and relationships. Meditation, she says, is the foundation of everything—a space where body and mind come into harmony and clarity arises on its own. Over time, it has become less something she practices and more a way of being, opening her to a deeper connection with life, nature, and a more direct experience of reality.
That same sense of presence carries into the simple joys she treasures—walking along the beach, sharing meals with friends, celebrating meaningful occasions. Her wish for the world is both humble and profound: that all beings may live in peace and harmony, free from fear and hatred, and that we rediscover our natural kindness and connection with one another. Magda’s story reminds us that the path often unfolds quietly, guided by small moments of trust that, over time, reveal something much larger.
Details of this retreat
Join our Senior Resident Teacher Magda Costa from Odiyan to practice tried and true methods of staying present and awake.
In the midst of uncertainty, fear, and constant stimulation, there is still a place of clarity available to you — right now.
This retreat invites you to pause, turn inward, and reconnect with a deeper way of living. A way that doesn’t depend on fixing yourself, proving anything, or becoming someone else. A way that begins by letting go of the belief that you are not enough, that you don’t know how, or that freedom is somehow out of reach.
Together, we will gently explore questions such as:
How present am I to my own experience?
Can I meet discomfort and suffering without turning away?
What would it mean to offer myself a genuine gesture of kindness?
If freedom from suffering is possible, what keeps me from choosing it? Fear? Habit? Doubt?
Through guided reflection, contemplative practice, and shared inquiry, you’ll explore what it means to truly be now — not as an idea, but as a lived experience. From this place, insight arises naturally, and transformation becomes possible.
This retreat is an invitation to step beyond illusion, reconnect with your inner strength, and discover a more spacious, grounded, and compassionate way of being — one that supports genuine freedom and lasting happiness, even in difficult times.
Come explore what becomes possible when you fully arrive in the present moment.
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)
Friday
3:00pm-4:00pm — Check-in
4:30-5:30pm — Tea with the teacher
5:30-6:30pm — Dinner
6:30-8:00pm — Opening Circle
Saturday
8:00am-9:00am — Breakfast
9:00am-10:30am — 1st session
11:00am-12:15pm — 2nd session
12:15pm-1:00pm — Lunch
1:00pm-4:30pm — Quiet Time- Optional massage and wellness treatments by appointment
4:30pm-5:30pm — 3rd session
5:30pm-6:30pm — Dinner
6:30-8:00pm — Video presentation and discussion
Sunday
8am-9:00am — Morning practice
9:15am-10:00am — Closing Circle
10:00am-11:00am — Brunch
12:00pm — Checkout
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, jetted bathtub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet.
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.”
"The food was amazing and nourishing! Fresh bread and full salad bars! And of course, the lodging and the people were so welcoming."
“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."
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