Cultivating the Garden Within: A mindfulness retreat

Join our Ratna Ling Faculty in a joyful, contemplative weekend in both the garden and the practice room!

What if tending a garden could become a pathway to greater presence, clarity, and connection? Join us for a nourishing weekend retreat that explores mindfulness through the living classroom of nature. Through gardening, meditation, gentle yoga, reflective dialogue, and contemplative practices, we will cultivate awareness both within ourselves and in relationship with the world around us. As we plant, weed, water, and observe, we discover that the same qualities that help a garden flourish—patience, attention, compassion, and care—also support a thriving inner life.

Designed for those seeking a more embodied and accessible approach to mindfulness, this retreat invites you to step away from the demands of daily life and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you are new to meditation, an experienced practitioner, an avid gardener, or simply someone who feels restored by time outdoors, you will find opportunities to deepen your relationship with yourself, others, and the natural world.

Together, we will explore the profound interconnectedness of all life while enjoying meaningful community, hands-on gardening experiences, and spacious time for reflection. Leave feeling grounded, inspired, and equipped with practical tools for cultivating presence, resilience, and belonging—both in the garden and in everyday life.

COVID POLICY:  For your safety and ours, we require vaccination AND a negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.

Schedule (Subject to Change):

FRIDAY

• 3:00 pm — Check-in
• 5:30 pm — Dinner
• 6:30–7:45 pm — Opening Session

SATURDAY

• 7:15 am — Guided Morning Walk: Ratna Ling’s Sacred Landscape
• 8:00 am — Breakfast
• 9:15–10:15 am — Gardening as Practice: Introduction to the Ratna Ling Garden Project
• 10:15 am–12:00 pm — Hands-On Garden Practice in the Ratna Ling Gardens
• 12:15–2:30 pm — Lunch Break
• 2:30–3:30 pm — Discussion: Intersections of Buddhism and Permaculture
• 4:00–5:15 pm — Hands-On Garden Practice in the Ratna Ling Gardens
• 5:30 pm — Dinner
• 7:00–8:00 pm — Gentle Yoga and Meditation

SUNDAY

• 8:00–9:00 am — Meditation
• 9:00–10:00 am — Reflection and Closing Circle
• 10:00 am — Brunch
• 12:00 pm — Check-out and Farewell

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, jetted bathtub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. 
• Vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

What people are saying about our retreats: