Buddhist Retreats In California

Step into a world of spiritual enrichment and timeless wisdom at Ratna Ling, where our Buddhist retreats offer a profound journey into the heart of Buddhist teachings and practices. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Northern California, Ratna Ling serves as a vibrant center for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhism, from its philosophical foundations to its meditative techniques. Our retreats are designed to accommodate practitioners of all levels, offering a nurturing environment where you can explore the principles of compassion, mindfulness, and enlightenment under the guidance of experienced teachers.

Buddhist Retreats in Northern California

Whether you are drawn to Buddhist retreats for personal transformation, to find inner peace, or to connect with a community of like-minded individuals, Ratna Ling provides a sacred space to support your spiritual journey. Booking a Buddhist retreat at Ratna Ling is an invitation to immerse yourself in a transformative experience that aims to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the world around.

5-Day Personal Retreat

Flexible Dates
We invite folks with a personal meditation, yoga, spiritual, or mindfulness practice to join our community for 5-day stays. This is for anyone with a deep desire to connect with themselves, Nature, and our Ratna Ling community.

Calming the Mind: A Meditation Retreat

With George Wiegand and Karmyn Ojeda

September 17 - 20, 2026
For those interested in deepening their Meditation practice, Ratna Ling has designed three annual retreats for folks at different stages of the meditation path. This retreat is designed for those who seek more calmness and stability in the mind.

Cultivating Compassion – A movement and meditation weekend

With Gretchen Donovan

October 2 - 4, 2026
What if you could make friends with feelings such as anger, sadness, envy or pride? This weekend retreat offers a supportive space to explore the nature of emotions through meditation, gentle yoga, and subtle energy movement, all grounded in Buddhist philosophy.

Living in Harmony: Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

With Magda Costa

October 16 - 18, 2026
Harmony and joy are closer than you think... Join Resident Faculty Magda Costa in this exploration of our inner resources! What if peace, clarity, and happiness are not something we have to create, but qualities that are already present within us, waiting to be uncovered? According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the mind's true nature is naturally open, clear, and aware. Yet the pressures of daily life, constant thinking, and emotional reactions often prevent us…

The Inner Landscape: A Meditation Retreat in Nature

With Maria Helena Kubrusly

October 23 - 25, 2026
During this retreat, aligning the abundant natural beauty of Ratna Ling with Tibetan yoga exercises, meditation, and practices, you will learn to relax the body and open the senses. Let Nature teach you more about who you really are, and who you can be.  You can experience the interconnectedness of all existence.

Starting Anew – A Mindfulness Retreat for the New Year

With Maria Helena Kubrusly

January 8 - 10, 2027
Imagine this coming new year how you want to show up for yourself, your loved ones, and your coworkers. Through meditation, you become more aware of the patterns that drive and motivate your actions. This January retreat is designed for you to get to know yourself better and consider how you want your next year to unfold.

Buddhist Retreats California FAQ’s

The primary purpose of a Buddhist retreat is to deepen one’s meditation practice and understanding of Buddhist teachings. Retreats provide a structured environment to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom away from daily distractions.

Ratna Ling does not function as a traditional monastic community. We welcome all people regardless of lifestyle, culture, or religion and a relationship with Buddhism is not necessary. However, Ratna Ling does uphold Buddhist principles and all guests and residents are asked to adhere to mindful practices such as compassionate and respectful behavior toward oneself, one another, animals and insects, and the grounds. Guests are encouraged to join in our classes to discover more about Tibetan Buddhism.

Yes, this is true. We ask all guests and visitors to kindly and respectfully remove their outdoor shoes at all entrances including the Lodge and Dining Hall, Yoga Room and Cottages. Clean “indoor only shoes,” such as slippers, are wonderful items to bring. Bare feet or socks are also fine indoors.

Ratna Ling is a drug-free and smoke-free facility, with no exceptions, including marijuana. There will be a cottage clean-up charge assessed if this policy is violated. It is fine to bring a bottle of wine or beer to enjoy in the privacy of your cottage. Please refrain from bringing hard alcohol. Alcohol may not be consumed in common areas.

  • Sun Protection: Hat, sun block, sunglasses, breathable long-sleeved shirts, etc.
  • Rain gear, umbrella and good sturdy shoes during the rainy season
  • Appropriate outerwear for the season
  • Yoga clothes or clothes that allow you to move freely
  • Flashlight (it can get extremely dark outside at night and there is very limited outdoor lighting)
  • Water bottle
  • Alarm clock
  • Slip-on shoes or slippers for indoors
  • Insect repellent for summer retreats
  • Personal hygiene items such as your favorite shampoo, moisturizer, toothbrush/paste, soap etc. (Towels, bedding, shampoo and hand-soap is provided)
  • Calling cards for international calls. Domestic calls are complimentary.
  • Meal service is provided, however, you are welcome to bring additional snacks and beverages into your cottage.

Beginners are welcome at Ratna Ling Buddhist mediation retreats, and we offer instruction and support for those new to meditation.

Ratna Ling is located in Cazadero, California, a fairly secluded area that is north of San Francisco and west of Santa Rosa and Sacramento.

Ratna Ling Buddhist Retreats