Cameron's Staff Pick

Vajra Yoga Mahasiddha Reunion

Name: Vajra Yoga Mahasiddha Reunion
Start: 2025-05-30
End: 2025-06-05
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.5

4.502 reviews

May 30 - June 5, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Dr.

Krishna

Nina

Michele

Robert

Dr. Robert Svoboda

Dr. Robert Svoboda was the first Westerner to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training, he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He is the author of twelve books including Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution and the Aghora series, which discusses his experiences with his mentor during the years 1975 – 1983.

In 1972 he earned a B.S. from the University of Oklahoma in Chemistry with a minor in French. After being ritually initiated into the Pokot tribe of northern Kenya as its first white member in June 1973 he moved to India, where he lived from 1973-80 and 1982-86, receiving his Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (Ayurvedacharya) from the University of Poona in 1980. In his final year of study at the Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya he won all but one of the University of Poona’s awards for academic excellence in Ayurveda, including the Ram Narayan Sharma Gold Medal.

In the years since 1986 Dr. Svoboda has traveled extensively, spending three months per year on average in India. He often speaks on Ayurveda, Jyotish, Tantra and allied subjects in locales across the world.

Krishna Das

Krishna Das is a Grammy-nominated chant artist and has sung with people all around the world for over 35 years. His music offers the practice of chanting mantras– mostly in the Indian tradition, with some Buddhist and Gospel infusions. By sharing his life experiences on the path in his book Chants of a Lifetime, and workshops with people around the world, participants have found a way to integrate spiritual practices in their lives in a better way with some peace of mind. In 2018, Krishna Das released his 16th album “Peace of my Heart.” Learn more at www.krishnadas.com

Suggested Book & Recordings by Krishna Das

Chants of a Lifetime (Book), Kirtan Wallah (Music), Breath of The Heart (Music), Live Ananda (Music), Pilgrim Heart (Music), One Track Heart (Music), Heart As Wide As The World (Music) & Live Workshop from Menla (Audio).

To Learn More About Krishna Das please visit: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Nina Rao

Nina Rao learned traditional chants from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das business manager and assistant, and accompanies him musically. In 2007, she recorded the track ‘Nina Chalisa’ on Krishna Das’ CD “Flow of Grace” and in January 2013, she released her debut double-CD album, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts“. She released her second album “Anubhav” in 2018. You can find her interviews on a number of podcasts, online courses, and documentary films on Bhakti Yoga, kirtan, and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. She is also a podcast host on the Be Here Now Network. Nina regularly leads retreats, kirtan, and chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. She is also founder and active chairwoman of SavingWildTigers.org. For more information visit NinaRaoChant.com

Michele Loew

Michele Loew is an international yoga teacher & practitioner of Hatha & Tibetan Yogas & the founding director of the Vajra Yoga School of Comparative Buddhist & Indic Yogic Studies where sheco-teaches with Professor Robert A.F. Thurman at Menla & abroad. She has taught, practiced, & studied avidly since 1998, and continues to run her longtime yoga school and beloved studio, The Yoga Space in Portland, Oregon. She is also on the Board of Tibet House US and is devoted to supporting His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s mission, as well as preserving Tibetan Culture and Dharma. You can find her often in New York sharing yoga at Tibet House or upstate at Menla Mountain Retreat. Her love and commitment to the unexcelled yoga tantras of Vajrayana as a path we can take towards perfect enlightenment and the integration of those teachings with the Hatha yogas more broadly practiced today, seeing both as powerful and not separate extensions of one another, infuses her work with great joy & commitment to a more compassionate and awakened world. She honors the lineage of teachers she comes from and bows to her longtime Hatha & Classical Yoga teacher, Richard Freeman for elucidating the middle path of love with the utmost clarity and kindness. To Robert Thurman, her beloved principle teacher in Buddhist science and her root guru His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the deepest bow for empowering her in the anuttara yogas. Michele teaches regular classes and 200 & 500 YA trainings in Yoga & Yoga Nidra in Portland &; New York, as well as retreats and workshops internationally. Follow her on instagram @micheleloew

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

Don't miss your chance to join in the second reunion of this usually far-flung all-star team of teachers and practitioners of Indic yogic sciences and spiritualities! This fun and edifying weeklong study and practice immersion is an aspiring annual tradition—the looming kaliyuga notwithstanding—bringing together Dr. Robert Svoboda, Krishna Das, Nina Rao, Michele Loew, and Prof. Robert Thurman, with brief appearances by Parvaty Baul (in person) and Lopön Chandra Easton (via livestream).

A stand-alone hybrid Ayurveda/Bhaktiyoga/Vajrayoga retreat, the Mahasiddha Reunion explores the little-known common origins and philosophical and practical relationships between Ayurvedic healing science, Bhakti yoga, Indo-Tibetan Vajrayoga, and Hathayogic tantric science. You will leave this retreat physically energized, personally inspired, and connected with a growing community of students who are looking to go deeper in their spiritual evolution, yogic studies, and life-enhancing practices.

For early morning sessions, the Vajrayoga practice streams will be navigated by expert yogini, Michele Loew, as she covers a broad spectrum of yogic practices that are most beneficial when practiced together. Through movements strung together on the thread of the breath, we will bring the brilliant core of the central axis out through the forms of the postures, turning them into mudras of feeling and expression so that our practice is an ever-deepening source of inspiration. Nina Rao will lead discussions of the sacred feminine, focusing on Tara, the Woman Buddha and Devi - the Hindu Goddess in many forms. Nina will also lead the group in mantra chanting and singing kirtan. Finally Bob Thurman will present a session on the "Rājayoga"-like tantric science dimensions of the Vajrayoga innovation.

For the afternoon teachings, Svoboda, Thurman, and Krishna Das will lead lively discussions presenting the vast and amazing teachings of some notable Indian mahasiddha adepts. The first westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India, Svoboda will deploy his realized Ayurvedic vision to present some of the main teachings of the late, extraordinary Indian Aghori, Vimalananda, with whom he spent many years studying in the 70s and 80s. Kirtan chant-master Krishna Das will bring to life the spiritual presence and powerful inspiration of his renowned guru Neem Karoli Baba (Mahārāji) to join in several of these discussions and will of course also lead some devotional chanting! Thurman will channel the teachings of his Gurus, the Ven. Geshe Wangyal Rinpochey, Kyabjey Ling Rinpochey, and H. H. the Dalai Lama, grounding them in teachings from the famous Indian master Vimalakirti, later Indian and Tibetan tantric siddhas, giving special emphasis to female siddhas and the female Buddha and Goddess Noble Tara, with the assistance of Nina Rao, the virtuoso specialist in Tara bhakti Lopön Chandra Easton, zooming in on the holy 21 Tara Emanations. Parvaty Baul, who has studied closely with two Baul gurus of the previous generation, will share her practice of chanting, dancing, performing and teach the essence of this specialized devotional practice.

Our evening sessions will consist of all-faculty discussions on the Vimalakirti Sutra, Bhagavat Gita, and other seminal Indian texts, with students encouraged to offer many questions, alternating with kirtan chant-master Krishna Das leading some devotional chanting!

Svoboda and Thurman will also lead special Fire Pujas in the central field of Menla's campus, with all students participating. This puja is a powerful way to heal and energize our planetary mandala and celebrate the eventual triumph of the total liberation and enlightenment of all beings (including ourselves!) in a gorgeous setting.

Space is very limited for the in-person option, so it is best to sign up early for this amazing opportunity to study and practice with some of the best minds and hearts in these fields!

If you can only attend part of the retreat, you may arrange a partial/prorated registration via our Front Desk at frontdesk@menla.org. Please note that we have a two-night stay minimum. Also, we have a few spots reserved in shared housing for those needing partial scholarships. If you are interested in applying for a partial scholarship, please email frontdesk@menla.org.

* Image used by permission © Thomas Laird, Murals of Tibet, 2018

THIS PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE/VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Schedule

Friday, May 30

3 - 6 pm Arrival & Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Welcome & Opening Discussion (Bob T, Robert S, KD)

Saturday, May 31

7:30 - 9 am Vajra Yoga Practice (Michele)
9 - 10 am Breakfast
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Class (Robert S)
1 - 2 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Appointments, Relaxation, or Self-Study
4 - 6 pm Afternoon Class (Bob T)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Krishna Das

Sunday, June 1

7:30 - 9 am Vajra Yoga Practice (Michele)
9 - 10 am Breakfast
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Class on the Sacred Feminine: Discussions on Yogini and the Goddess, Stories & Chant (Michele & Nina)
1 - 2 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Appointments, Relaxation, or Self-Study
4 - 6 pm Fire Puja weather permitting (Robert S)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Discussion (Bob T, Robert S, KD)

Monday, June 2

7:30 - 9 am Vajra Yoga Practice (Michele)
9 - 10 am Breakfast
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Class on Embodying Tara (Chandra Easton via livestream) and Chanting Tara Mantra (Nina)
1 - 2 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Appointments, Relaxation, or Self-Study
4 - 6 pm Afternoon Class (Robert S)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Krishna Das

Tuesday, June 3

7:30 - 9 am Gayatri Mantra Veda Class & Recitation (Nina)
9 - 10 am Breakfast
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Class (Robert S)
1 - 2 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 pm Free Time for Spa Appointments, Relaxation, or Self-Study
3:30 - 6 pm Afternoon Storytime and Q&A (KD)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Discussion (Bob T, Robert S, KD, Parvaty)

Wednesday, June 4

7:30 - 9 am Vajra Yoga Practice (Michele) and short Gayatri Mantra Recitation (Nina)
9 - 10 am Breakfast
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Class on Tibetan Medicine and Ayurveda (Bob T & Robert S)
1 - 2 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Appointments, Relaxation, or Self-Study
4 - 6 pm Fire Puja 2 weather permitting (Bob T)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Performance by Parvaty and Kirtan with Krishna Das

Thursday, June 5

7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7:30 - 9 am Vajra Yoga Practice (Michele) and Mantra Practice (Nina)
9 - 10 am Breakfast
10:30 - 12:30 pm Closing Discussion (Bob T, Robert S, KD)
1 - 2 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.

Getting Here

Menla

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

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn * 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 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 Triple - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Triple Room with Three 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 triple 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.

Camping

Camping Campers Have Access to Bathrooms with Showers in Lower Level of Conference Center. Menla Has Six Wooden Camping Platforms by the Pantherkill Stream (First Come First Serve). If All Platforms are Full or You Prefer Not to Use One, There is Also Camping Space in a Small Field by the Stream. Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals. Phone and High Speed Wi-Fi Available in Upstairs of the 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

Commuter

Commuters Menla Encourages Members of the Community to Participate in Our Wonderful Programs! Includes Meals, Public Phone, Public Computer, and Wi-Fi Internet Available in Lhasa Inn. Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.

Customer Reviews

4.50 out of 5.0 average rating

Anonymous • Oct 03, 2023

4.0

Verified

Weekend retreat stay

The property is on a beautiful, peaceful location.
Nature is all around and sometimes a little too close but you are literally surrounded by woods.

The food was really good and I liked the buffet style and fruit basket.

The gift shop although small had a nice selection of items and I purchased a few fun items.

Since the dining area was on the opposite side of the site from the convention center, a lot of students drove back and forth on the property. I chose the walking paths to get around.

Marie • Apr 18, 2022

5.0