Sarnath International Nyingma Institute presents
Leading Your Life with Purpose and Clarity
Join Khenpo Kunga Dakpa, Tsering Gellek, and Barry Schieber for a transformative journey into the heart of Buddhist practice and embodiment.
Drawing from Shantideva's text The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryavatara), we'll explore how these timeless teachings can become living practices in your daily life. Through study, contemplation, and Kum Nye practices, you'll discover practical pathways to transform habitual patterns into a more stable and expansive way of being.
Is This For You?
This retreat is for those ready to draw on traditional dharma teachings to make a sincere commitment to addressing a significant decision, life concern, or unhealthy pattern.
You're facing a decision that requires deep reflection 
You're ready to examine recurring patterns with honesty and clarity 
You seek to align your decisions and actions with your deepest values Prior to the retreat, each participant will be asked to bring a question or concern they're actively considering. These may be kept confidential or shared with the group, as you choose.
A Path of Transformation
At the sanctuary of Ratna Ling, you'll explore the paramitas—the Six Perfections that form the foundation of the Bodhisattva path:
Developing the power of confident, loving generosity
Living with integrity and wisdom
Cultivating resilience and acceptance
Engaging with enthusiasm and perseverance
Developing steadiness of mind
Seeing clearly into the nature of reality
The Approach
We'll explore the Bodhicaryavatara and its practical instructions for walking the Bodhisattva path authentically. These ancient teachings offer direct wisdom for contemporary life, showing how to cultivate qualities that bring meaning and benefit to ourselves and others.
Through guided contemplation and active methods for reflection, you'll bring honesty and insight to the questions that matter most to you. Step back from daily momentum and examine what truly needs your attention.
Generous periods of silence, rest, and Kum Nye exercises with Barry Schieber will allow the teachings to settle deeply and become embodied wisdom.
Your Guides
Dharma Teacher
Trained at Ngagyur Nyingma College, Mindrolling Monastic University in India, where he served as lecturer and vice president. Conferred with the title of Khenpo in 2018, he specializes in teaching about mental realities and translating Tibetan Buddhist texts into English.
Facilitator
SINI's Founding Executive Director and youngest daughter of Tarthang Rinpoche. Since 2001, Tsering has led Buddhist cultural preservation projects across Asia, including the historic restoration of Nepal's Swayambhu Stupa. She holds degrees from Lewis and Clark College and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Kum Nye Instructor
A student of Tarthang Tulku since the early 1970s, Barry holds an MBA from the University of California. He served as Dean of the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley from 1988-1993 and has taught Kum Nye (Tibetan relaxation yoga) throughout the world for over a decade. Co-director of the Guna Foundation, he produced documentary films including A Higher Purpose, Light of the Valley, and The Great Transmission.
The Location
Voted as one of the top ten retreat centers in 2025 by USA Today, Ratna Ling is nestled in the coastal mountains of Northern California. This volunteer-run Buddhist sanctuary offers 113 acres of redwood forest, sacred architecture, and peaceful surroundings—an ideal environment for contemplative practice and spiritual development.
The Grounds 
Meditation Hall 
Accommodations 
Meeting Space 
Conference Center Four Days
A carefully crafted journey through four transformative days
Settle into the serene environment, connect with fellow participants, and prepare for the journey ahead with an opening ceremony.
The heart of the retreat. Study of the Bodhicaryavatara, dharma teachings, Kum Nye practice, guided contemplation, and personal reflection time.
Integrate your experience, receive guidance for continuing practice at home, and close with a meaningful ceremony.
The Practice of Presence
To receive the full benefits of this program, participants commit to:
These practices create a container for authentic transformation, helping you step out of habitual patterns and into deeper awareness.
Your Stay
Four-night stay in a private room in a shared spacious cottage. Each cottage includes two private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, and complimentary wireless internet.
All vegetarian meals and snacks throughout the retreat.
All dharma teachings, Kum Nye sessions, and group practices led by Khenpo Kunga Dakpa, Tsering Gellek, Barry Schieber, and Peggy Kincaid.
Teaching and course materials to support your continued practice.
Full access to 113 acres of redwood forest, meditation halls, sacred architecture, and contemplative spaces throughout your stay.
Not included: Transportation to/from Ratna Ling
Voices
"I didn't know much about the program when I signed up, but I'm so happy I did! It was a truly life-changing and magical experience, and I will definitely be back. The program was wonderfully put together, and the organizers took excellent care of us."
"I don't actually have words to describe the fullness and gratitude I experienced at SINI's Four Noble Truths Pilgrimage. The structure, the curriculum, the smiles and kindness of the monks, the delicious food, the incredible itinerary of sacred sites and tourist activities...all made for an unforgettable, transformative journey of understanding myself and my heart."
"Overwhelming! Beautiful! Rich! Journey inside and Journey outside!"
Registration & Commitment
Four days of teachings, practice, and renewal in the redwoods
per person
Private room in a shared spacious cottage
Register by February 1st and receive an additional night free + a guided meditation session (stay July 1-5)
A $500 value
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place.
The remaining balance of $1,500 is due 30 days before the retreat (June 2, 2026).
Space is limited to ensure an intimate and supportive learning environment.
All proceeds support SINI's work in monastic education.
Questions
This retreat is for those ready to make a sincere commitment to addressing a significant life concern. Whether you're facing a decision that requires deep reflection, ready to examine recurring patterns with honesty and clarity, or seeking to align your decisions and actions with your deepest values—this program provides a sacred and supportive environment for contemplation, analysis, and genuine personal transformation.
Address: Ratna Ling Retreat Center, 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd, Cazadero, CA 95421
Important: GPS systems and Internet maps are not always accurate for this remote area. Please follow the directions below carefully.
Ensure your car is in good working condition with a full tank of gas when leaving Jenner. There are no services north of Jenner, and cell phone service is spotty. Wi-Fi is available once you reach Ratna Ling.
From the Bay Area:
By Air: San Francisco and Oakland airports are ~3 hours south. Alaska Airlines flies to Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa (~1.5 hours from Ratna Ling).
Note: There is no public transportation to Ratna Ling. Car rental is recommended.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for meditation and gentle movement (Kum Nye practice). Layers are recommended as coastal temperatures can vary. Bring a journal for personal reflection, any personal medications, and toiletries. Linens, towels, and basic amenities are provided. You may bring your own meditation cushion if you have a preferred one, though cushions are available on-site.
No, Kum Nye doesn't require any physical fitness. It is very gentle and suitable for all ages. The practice focuses on relaxation and awareness rather than physical exertion.
All meals during the retreat are vegetarian. Please contact us if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies.
If you cancel more than 30 days before the retreat, your payment is fully refundable minus the $500 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations within 30 days of the retreat are non-refundable.
Find Us
Ratna Ling Retreat Center
35755 Hauser Bridge Rd, Cazadero, CA 95421
This retreat is an invitation to align your life with the timeless wisdom of the Six Perfections and discover greater purpose, meaning, and stability.
Reserve Your Place