5.0
Verified
return to the heart
I had another wonderful weekend retreat with Irina Devi at Menla - one of my favorite retreat places !
Vajra Yoga: The Wisdom Therapeutics Retreat
Cameron's Staff Pick
Top Rated
Vajra Yoga: The Wisdom Therapeutics Retreat
4.8056 reviews
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
August 6 - 9, 2026
About this Retreat
John Campbell is a Dharma and yoga teacher, Mysore yoga school graduate, initiate of senior Tibetan Lamas, and graduate of Columbia University Buddhist Studies. He is a senior Certified teacher in the Ashtanga Yoga lineage of southern India, and a practitioner-teacher of Tibetan internal yogas.
A scholar of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, he received a PhD in Religion from Columbia University, and has been the recipient of numerous scholarly awards for his research on the history of tantric Buddhist yoga systems India. After two decades teaching in academia, he now focuses on translation, regularly collaborating with his mentor Prof. Robert A. F. Thurman key tantric Buddhist works of the Nalanda University tradition from Sanskrit and Tibetan. He serves as a core faculty member with the Vajra Yoga center for the study and practice of Indo-Tibetan yogic sciences based at Tibet House US in New York City. A native New Yorker, he lives in Newburgh, NY with his wife, children, and assorted animal friends.
Liz Sung is a practitioner of the Yuthok Nyingthig—the Vajrayana lineage integrated with Traditional Tibetan Medicine—under the guidance of her main teacher and lineage holder, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. Influenced by her Korean heritage and Mahayana Buddhist roots, she began her Dharma training in the Gelug tradition under her first teacher.
As Yoga Director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute, Liz develops educational programs that integrate Tibetan Medicine with Tibetan Yoga, and teaches internationally. She is a certified Sowa Rigpa Practitioner with certifications in Hatha yoga, trauma-informed yoga, and meditation, and brings over a decade of embodied movement training with an emphasis on alignment.
Liz is a coordinator for the international community of Yuthok Nyingthig and Sowa Rigpa centers through Sowa Rigpa Open University, and co-creates Tanaduk Garden, an initiative with Dr. Nida dedicated to sharing the rich herbal and spiritual wisdom of Tibetan Medicine. She is founder of SAMAYA, a meditation lifestyle brand.
Details of this retreat
Join us for an experiential retreat exploring the theme of Wisdom Therapeutics through the rejuvenating and restorative body-mind practices of the Hatha Yoga and Indo-Tibetan traditions. In celebration of the late Professor Robert Thurman and his vision of bringing ancient wisdom into contemporary life, this retreat draws on the profound contemplative and healing traditions of the Himalayas. Guided by Vajra Yoga Director Dr. John Campbell and international Tibetan Yoga teacher Liz Sung of Sowa Rigpa Open University and Sowa Rigpa Institute, the retreat offers an immersive exploration of Vajra YogaTM—Tibet House US's approach to yoga and yogic inner science rooted in the wisdom traditions of India and Tibet.
Throughout the four-day retreat, we will engage in daily Hatha and Tibetan Yoga practices that promote deep rejuvenation, embodied awareness, and the balanced flow of subtle energy. Complementing these sessions will be an introduction to Sowa Rigpa, Tibet's traditional holistic medical system. Grounded in the principle of the five elements, Sowa Rigpa integrates diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, yoga, and contemplative practices to cultivate balance and well-being.
We will explore practical approaches to understanding constitutional typology, seasonal balance, and personalized methods of self-care that can be integrated into everyday life. The daily lectures—based on the Buddha’s teaching of the 4 Noble Truths and Patanjalis’s Yoga Sutra—will provide philosophical context while illuminating the enduring relevance of
these traditions for modern life. Evening sessions offer opportunities to learn and experience the restorative Sowa Rigpa therapies for calming the nervous system and restoring energetic balance.
Throughout the retreat, the emphasis is on translating these ancient systems into lived experience. Participants will gain practical tools to understand their own constitution and energetic patterns, discover practices most suited to their individual needs, and leave with a sustainable foundation for supporting health, resilience, and inner well-being in daily life.
What You Will Experience and Learn:
Introduction to yogic healing systems from the Buddhist and Pātañjala Yoga traditions
Foundations of Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) and its approach to health and well-being
Practical self-care and longevity methods from Sowa Rigpa
Hatha Yoga and Tibetan Yoga practices for the physical body and subtle energy system
Restorative Tibetan Medicine therapies and healing sessions
Lineage-based meditation practices for cultivating awareness and inner balance
THIS PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE/VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Schedule:
Thursday, August 6
3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 Welcome Program
Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8
7 - 8 am Meditation/Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 pm Free time for Dewa Spa Healing Treatments or Time in Nature
3:30 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session
Sunday, August 9
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Meditation/Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Throughout the four-day retreat, we will engage in daily Hatha and Tibetan Yoga practices that promote deep rejuvenation, embodied awareness, and the balanced flow of subtle energy. Complementing these sessions will be an introduction to Sowa Rigpa, Tibet's traditional holistic medical system. Grounded in the principle of the five elements, Sowa Rigpa integrates diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, yoga, and contemplative practices to cultivate balance and well-being.
We will explore practical approaches to understanding constitutional typology, seasonal balance, and personalized methods of self-care that can be integrated into everyday life. The daily lectures—based on the Buddha’s teaching of the 4 Noble Truths and Patanjalis’s Yoga Sutra—will provide philosophical context while illuminating the enduring relevance of
these traditions for modern life. Evening sessions offer opportunities to learn and experience the restorative Sowa Rigpa therapies for calming the nervous system and restoring energetic balance.
Throughout the retreat, the emphasis is on translating these ancient systems into lived experience. Participants will gain practical tools to understand their own constitution and energetic patterns, discover practices most suited to their individual needs, and leave with a sustainable foundation for supporting health, resilience, and inner well-being in daily life.
What You Will Experience and Learn:
Introduction to yogic healing systems from the Buddhist and Pātañjala Yoga traditions
Foundations of Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) and its approach to health and well-being
Practical self-care and longevity methods from Sowa Rigpa
Hatha Yoga and Tibetan Yoga practices for the physical body and subtle energy system
Restorative Tibetan Medicine therapies and healing sessions
Lineage-based meditation practices for cultivating awareness and inner balance
THIS PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE/VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Schedule:
Thursday, August 6
3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 Welcome Program
Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8
7 - 8 am Meditation/Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 pm Free time for Dewa Spa Healing Treatments or Time in Nature
3:30 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session
Sunday, August 9
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Meditation/Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Getting Here
Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Accommodation
Deluxe King
Deluxe King Room with King Bed and Private Bathroom
Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
Air Conditioning
This Space is not ADA compliant.
Deluxe King Rooms are Available only in Kathmandu House
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
Standard Single - Shared Bath
Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom
Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
This lodging type is not ADA Compliant
Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
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.
Standard Double Twin - Shared bath (Shared Room)
Deluxe Double Room with Two Twin 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 Single - Shared Bath
Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom
Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi 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 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
Economy Quad - Shared Bath (Shared Room)
Standard Quad Room with Quad Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom
Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.
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 quad shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Impeccable kitchen...beautiful surroundings
The lovely girl who cleaned my room, Amy, literally MADE my entire trip. She was so kind.
The scenery is magnificent, the landscape supreme, the food was AMAZING, cleanliness was top notch.
Everybody at Menla was extremely helpful and nice, with the exception of one person who shall remain nameless.
The scenery is magnificent, the landscape supreme, the food was AMAZING, cleanliness was top notch.
Everybody at Menla was extremely helpful and nice, with the exception of one person who shall remain nameless.
4.0
Verified
This is a special place
I attended Menla for a Therapist Ketamine retreat. There were approximately 35 attendees and 8-10 faculty. The buildings and the grounds are stunning and do what they set out to do..... force you to relax! The conference center offered so much space and ability for smaller groups to break out. I was fortunate enough to stay in a deluxe room which had stunning and peaceful decor and a very comfortable bed.
The Menla staff was welcoming and helpful.
I was disappointed with the meals. I live in the SF Bay area and am fortunate to have access to very high quality and thoughtful vegetarian food. I found the meals to be Okay but not delicious. I should mention that our group didn't have breakfast. I did appreciate the creative beverage offerings and constant access to fresh fruit - the apples were yummy!
The Menla staff was welcoming and helpful.
I was disappointed with the meals. I live in the SF Bay area and am fortunate to have access to very high quality and thoughtful vegetarian food. I found the meals to be Okay but not delicious. I should mention that our group didn't have breakfast. I did appreciate the creative beverage offerings and constant access to fresh fruit - the apples were yummy!
3.0
Verified
Nice place, kind staff, pricey, food was not good, not enough
The cabin was comfortable, and the shared areas were nice. The food, however, was extremely limited—mostly beans and vegetables, essentially a $2 meal with no meat or chicken. After one hour of being served, most of the food was gone and not replenished, so arriving around 1 p.m. meant finding almost nothing left. Beans can also trigger gas and discomfort, and the Indian dishes were too spicy, causing bloating. For the price of the stay, the meals felt inadequate.
Staff should wait until meetings are finished before moving items or making accommodations. The trail signs were also confusing and unclear; improving them would make a big difference.
Staff should wait until meetings are finished before moving items or making accommodations. The trail signs were also confusing and unclear; improving them would make a big difference.
5.0
Verified
Breathing in the Heart of Nature
I've visited the center twice, in June 2025 and June 2026, and both times I found it restful, peaceful, and a place to feel at one with nature, with many opportunities to swim, walk, and hike without leaving the center. It's a great place for meditation, reflection, care, and nourishing food. I had a spa session with Nitty, a Reiki practitioner with over 30 years of experience, and it was better than expected. While there, I saw many animals and birds, and a woman using the Cornell University bird app was able to identify 37 species in one sitting on the patio of the main building. The staff is very friendly, and the spa center with a swimming pool is the most luxuriously built of all the buildings. The biggest luxury I've found in Menla is silence.
