Calming the Mind: A Meditation Retreat
With George Wiegand and Karmyn Ojeda
September 17 - 20, 2026
For those interested in deepening their Meditation practice, join Resident Teachers George Wiegand and Karmyn Ojeda for an experiential, relaxing journey into your mind…
We invite you for a 4-day Retreat to cultivate stability and calmness in the mind.
For many of us, thoughts seem to arise constantly, randomly, and out of our control. Our Teacher, Tarthang Tulku, describes this in his book Caring:
“If we look closely and patiently, we see that our feelings, moods, reactions, and judgments seem to appear from nowhere. One moment we feel one way and focus our attention in a certain direction, and the next moment a new set of feelings and concerns has popped up like a bubble in the water.”
How do we learn to calm the mind and harness it for our own good?
In this retreat, we review the 9 stages of shamatha (calm abiding meditation), as depicted in this painting of a monk, elephant and monkey on the path. The monkey represents the activity of our mind which jumps constantly, looking for satisfaction. The monk represents methods for training the mind to be present and calm. The elephant represents our untrained mind that slowly understands and becomes trained to be present. We will explore how the mind, with time and dedicated practice, can become tamed and supportive to us.
Using guided meditation, visualization, sensory awareness, and mindful movements, we will move towards more clarity and stillness inside ourselves.
This weekend includes:
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- Silent Practice
- Guided Meditation/Visualization
- Readings and Discussion
- Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga
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Schedule (Subject to change):
THURSDAY
- 3pm Check in
- 4:30pm Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga in Nature
- 5:30pm Dinner
- 7pm Opening Circle; Overview of the Meditation Path
FRIDAY
- 7am Morning Meditation
- 8am Breakfast
- 9-10:30am The Elephant: The Mind
- 11-12:15pm The Monkey: The Activity of Mind
- 12:15pm Lunch
- 1:15pm Optional Sitting in the Temple
- 3-4pm Meditation in Nature
- 4:30-5:30 The Monk: Methods to Train the Mind
- 5:30pm Dinner
- 7-8:30pm Evening Session
SATURDAY
- 7am Kum Nye & Meditation
- 8am Breakfast
- 9-10:30am Meditation
- 11-12:15pm Meditation
- 12:15pm Lunch + Quiet Time
- 3-4pm Meditation in Nature
- 4:30-5:30 Review the Techniques
- 5:30pm Dinner
- 7-8:30pm Evening Session
SUNDAY
- 8-845am Meditation
- 9-10am Closing Circle
- 10am Brunch
For directions to Ratna Ling – Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included – carpooling encouraged
- Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
- 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, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
5 vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
What people are saying about our retreats:
| “The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings – everything was so peaceful and nurturing.” | “It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.” | “I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling.” |
| “Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.” | “Denelle was kind and patient with each individual in the workshop. She helped me extend my limits in the practice.” | “Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious.” |
Facilitators
George Wiegand is our well-known and loved meditation teacher and volunteer at Ratna Ling. He has been a student of our Founder Tarthang Tulku and a full-time volunteer in Nyingma organizations for 40 years, as a chef, baker, kitchen manager, temple builder, book binder, and pressman. He earned his Masters of Education in Counseling in 1974. After teaching high school while in the Peace Corps, he served as a Counselor at a Catholic high school…
Learn more about George Wiegand
Karmyn Ojeda Egle is a devoted practitioner and teacher whose journey bridges the realms of physical awareness, meditative practice, and Tibetan Buddhist wisdom. Karmyn has dedicated herself to exploring the intricate connection between body and mind through the transformative practice of Kum Nye, a Tibetan healing system. Karmyn’s practice resonates with those seeking a meaningful integration of body, mind, and spirit. Through her guidance in Kum Nye, Yoga, and meditation, she creates spaces where practitioners can…
Learn more about Karmyn Ojeda
