Cameron's Staff Pick

Medicine Buddha Rejuvenation and Tummo Retreat

Name: Medicine Buddha Rejuvenation and Tummo Retreat
Start: 2025-04-11
End: 2025-04-16
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.5

4.502 reviews

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

April 11 - 16, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Dr.

Robert

Dr. Nida Chenagtsang

Born in Amdo, in North Eastern Tibet Dr. Nida began his early studies Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) at the local Tibetan Medicine hospital. Later he was awarded scholarship to enter the Lhasa Tibetan Medical University, where he completed his medical education in 1996 with practical training at the Tibetan Medicine hospitals in Lhasa and Lhoka. Alongside his medical education, Dr. Nida trained in Vajrayana with teachers from every school of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Longchen Nyingthig of the Nyingma school from his root teacher Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen and in the Dudjom Tersar lineage from Chönyid Rinpoche and Sremo Dechen Yudron. He received complete teachings in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, the unique spiritual tradition of Tibetan Medicine, from his teachers Khenpo Tsultrim Gyaltsen and Khenchen Troru Tsenam, and was requested to continue the lineage by Jamyang Rinpoche of the Rebkong ngakpa/ma (non-monastic yogi and yogini) tradition. A well-known poet in his youth, Dr. Nida later published many articles and books on Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) and the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition both in Tibetan and English which have been translated into several languages. He has extensively researched ancient Tibetan healing methods, and has gained high acclaim in the East and West for his revival of little known traditional Tibetan external healing therapies. Dr. Nida is the founder and director of Sowa Rigpa Institute of Tibetan Medicine (https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/), Pure Land Farms in Los Angeles (https://purelandfarms.com/), and Sorig Khang International (https://www.sorig.net/) as well as co-Founder of the International Ngakmang Institute, established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong ngakpa non-monastic yogi/ini culture within modern Tibetan society. In addition to his work as a physician, he trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition in over forty countries around the world.

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 Rare and Precious Offering

Immerse yourself in the transformative teachings of Bob Thurman and Dr. Nida as they guide us through a Medicine Buddha Rejuvenation and introduce the practice of Tummo. This retreat explores the profound legacy of Yuthok Yonten Gonpo the Younger, whose contributions include the healing practices of the Medicine Buddha, philosophical insights from Atisha, Nagarjuna, and Tsongkhapa, and the life stories of the Mahasiddhas. Additionally, participants will delve into Tummo’s history, foundational meditations, and its role within the Buddhist Inner Sciences.

The Tummo fire practice, one of the Six Yogas of Vajrayana Buddhism, purifies negativity and awakens innate bliss. As the cornerstone of other Tibetan yogic practices like Karmamudra, Tummo empowers practitioners to cultivate mastery over bodily functions, resulting in vibrant health and a sustained experience of continuous bliss.

Participants will also explore:

Essence-Taking (bcud len) and fasting yoga, along with dietary and behavioral rejuvenation techniques.
Yogas of compassion, transcendence, and wisdom of emptiness—practices that intensify vitality and foster the experience of Great Connectivity (Dzogchen), the hallmark of the Ngagpa tradition.

Key Takeaways

Deep exploration of the Medicine Buddha pure land and Root Tantra teachings.
Introduction to Great Connectivity transcendent wisdom.
Insights into the three life-bardos: lucid waking, dreaming, and meditating.
Supervised vajrayoga Tummo practices.
Ceremonial blessings for longevity and rejuvenation.
Optional Tibetan therapies at Dewa Spa,

This workshop is an introduction to the Medicine Buddha Rejuvenation and Tummo Yoga of Yuthok, designed for students of Buddhism, yoga, and holistic healing arts. Information about advanced Vajrayana empowerments and continued study will be shared.

All levels are welcome!

Schedule

Friday, April 11

3 - 8 pm Arrival & Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Welcome and Introductory Teaching

Saturday, April 12

7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session

Sunday, April 13

7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session

Monday, April 14

7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session

Tuesday, April 15

7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Hiking, and Relaxation *Dewa Spa Closed*
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Session

Wednesday, April 16

7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Yoga Asanas
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Closing Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

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

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

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 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.

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