Cameron's Staff Pick

Top Rated

Vajra Yoga™: The Wisdom Therapeutics Retreat

Name: Vajra Yoga™: The Wisdom Therapeutics Retreat
Start: 2026-08-06
End: 2026-08-09
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.84

4.8450 reviews

375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

August 6 - 9, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John

Jamie

Robert

John Campbell

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.

Jamie Bonelli

Jamie has been practicing yoga for more than 25 years. Before turning to yoga, she worked as an actress, singer, and dancer, with performances on stage, film and television. Her journey as a teacher began when she sought to share the benefits of yoga with a friend living with MS, leading her to train in Yoga Nidra. She is among the rare practitioners to have completed the entire original Ashtanga yoga syllabus, studying with David Swenson, Nancy Gilgoff, and Manju Jois. In addition, she has cultivated a deep appreciation for Vedic chanting under the guidance of Shantala Sriramaiah. Her practice has also been enriched by workshops with Bob Thurman and John Campbell, as well as explorations of Tibetan yoga, experiences that have allowed her to integrate decades of study into a teaching style rooted in joy and presence. Jamie is currently pursuing Masters in social service at Fordham University. Jamie is the mother of two daughters and continues to find inspiration in dance.

Robert A.F. Thurman

Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as co-founder and President of Tibet House US and it's Menla Retreat & Spa. A world-wide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, translator of Buddhist texts, and writer of popular Buddhist books. He recently has been awarded the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth highest civilian honor for achievement in enriching Indian education and literature. His most recent book is the 300 page graphic novel, Man of Peace: the Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Suggested Books & Audio by Robert A.F. Thurman: Man of Peace: Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama (Book), Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within (Book), Anger: The Seven Deadly Sins (Book), Inner Revolution (Book), Circling the Sacred Mountain : A Spiritual Adventure Through the Himalayas (Book), Essential Tibetan Buddhism (Book), The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding in the Between (Book) The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism (Book), The Central Philosophy of Tibet (Book), The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti: A Mahayana Scripture (Book), Life & Teachings of Tsong Khapa (Book), Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World (Book) & Liberation Upon Hearing in the Between: Living with the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Audio). To Learn More About Robert A.F. Thurman please visit: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Details of this retreat

Join us for a joyful gathering of wisdom, meditation, and yoga with master teachers of Vajrayoga™, Tibet House US’s school of yoga and yogic inner science, integrating physical, meditative, and philosophical disciplines common to Hatha Yoga and the Indo-Tibetan traditions.

In this retreat participants learn how to bring the benefits of yoga’s body-mind disciplines into all aspects of their lives. Teachings based on the evolutionary principles of enlightenment draw from Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, along with the sutras and tantras of the Buddhist masters. In lectures and practice sessions, participants will enjoy expert instruction in the theory and practice of yoga, and in Menla’s profoundly restful environment will enjoy the opportunity to digest and metabolize these teachings. The result is a profoundly nourishing experiential entry into the shared inner sciences of the Indian and Tibetan wisdom traditions.

Throughout the retreat, legendary scholar-yogi Robert Thurman guides your way to grounding your yoga in wisdom teachings, so that practice becomes a vehicle for uplifting the mind—from stress to joy—while opening the body to vitality, balance, and inner freedom.

Master instructors John and Jamie provide instruction in the transformative methods of Hatha and Tibetan healing yoga, supporting the opening of both the physical body and subtle nervous system. Evenings will conclude with deeply restorative Yoga Nidra vocalization, and visualization, to support integration and rest.

All levels are welcome. Practices will be accessible and adaptable, with modifications offered to support those with injuries or physical limitations.

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 Morning Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Philosophy and Dharma Talk
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free time for Dewa Spa Healing Treatments or Time in Nature
4 - 6 pm Meditation and Yoga
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Yoga Nidra and Chanting

Sunday, August 9

7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Fire Puja
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

4.84 out of 5.0 average rating

Annie • Jun 18, 2026

5.0

Verified

Such a beautiful setting

Menla is the best retreat location I have been to. (Others are Garrison Institute, Omega, Art of Living in N.C., and Insight Meditation in Barre, MA) It's beautiful, peaceful, has great walking trails. It's beautiful campus to walk across. The lodging is excellent-- great beds, linens, rooms, artwork on wall. And the food is the best I've had-- all vegetarian but with lots of flavor.

Anonymous • Jun 17, 2026

5.0

Verified

Retreat

The facilities and food at Menla was outstanding. The beauty of the land, the clean and comfortable beds and rooms added to the beautiful experience.
When I go on retreats, having delicious meals is import ant and the cleanliness of the room and facilities is important. Menla did a great job. Loved being able to enjoy the Dewa spa too. All people I interacted with with kind and easy to communicate with. Grateful.

Whitney • Jun 17, 2026

5.0

Verified

Beautiful and Nourishing

The grounds are breathtaking, the staff is kind, the food is so healthy and fresh. What a fantastic time I had at a recent retreat here. It is a little more casual that Kripalu, with a ton of heart and depth to their offerings.

Gonzalo • Jun 15, 2026

5.0

Verified

Life Changing

I was so nervous going to Menla but what a beautiful place where real transformation can occur. So grateful for my time there.

Leslie • Jun 08, 2026

5.0

Verified

Vajra Yoga Mahasiddha Reunion 2026

The retreat was transformative. Menla has a strong emphasis on a scholarly teachers and balances that with spiritual practice. On the other hand some of the lectures were hard to follow. A little like galloping horses. I enjoyed the discussions as much as I could follow. I think setting an intention for the course material and lectures would be helpful. Add to that a reminder or translation of what is being said for those of us not well versed in Sanskrit. Nightly Kirtan with Krishna Das was wonderful. Meals were delicious.

Vajra Yoga™: The Wisdom Therapeutics Retreat

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John Campbell

Jamie Bonelli

Robert A.F. Thurman

Details of this retreat

Getting Here