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3-Day Mountain Retreat · July 24–26, 2026
Ancient wisdom for modern life
Three days of meditation, Dharma teachings and community practice with Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche at Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Retreat overview
Step away into a quiet mountain setting
Step away from the busyness of daily life and enter a quiet mountain setting for three days of meditation, Dharma teachings, and community practice.
Guided by Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche, this retreat offers an opportunity to reconnect with inner clarity, mindfulness, and compassion in the peaceful forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The retreat is open to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
- July 24–26 · three days, two nights
- Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California
- Limited to 30 participants
What you will experience
Four elements of the retreat
Meditation practice
Learn and deepen practical meditation in a supportive environment.
Dharma teachings
Receive teachings that connect ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern life.
Nature & reflection
Practice in a peaceful mountain setting surrounded by forest and silence.
Community
Share the retreat with fellow practitioners in a warm and respectful atmosphere.
Your teacher
About Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche
Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche is the head of Ngagyur Dundul Raptenling Monastery in Odisha, India, founded by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche in 1963.
A devoted teacher and ritual master in the Dudjom Tersar tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, he has dedicated his life to preserving this sacred lineage and maintaining its profound spiritual practices.
Through his teachings and guidance, Lama Sonam helps practitioners connect with authentic Dharma teachings and integrate them into daily life. Alongside his teaching activities, he also cares deeply for the monastic community, supporting the education and well-being of the young monks under his guidance.
Learn more about Lama SonamRetreat program
Three days of practice
The July 2026 program, for reference. Future retreats may follow a similar rhythm.
Arrival & opening session
Check-in, settling into the campsite and gathering together to begin the retreat.
Evening practice & teaching
Walking meditation, laughing meditation and an evening teaching on death.
Morning practice
Breath awareness and contemplative practice.
Morning teaching
The Defects of Samsara (འཁོར་བའི་ཉེས་དམིགས།) — teaching and discussion.
Afternoon teaching
Karma: Cause and Effect (ལས་རྒྱུ་འབྲས།) — how actions shape our experience.
Vajra dance practice
Vajra dance, singing and movement meditation — mindfulness through shared practice.
Evening practice
Walking and laughing meditation, a bonfire gathering (weather permitting) and a mindfulness teaching.
Morning practice
Breathing meditation, contemplation on emptiness, quiet sitting and breakfast together.
Closing session
Teaching and practice of the Dudjom Tersar Short Preliminary Ngöndro, group reflection, walking meditation and Vajra dance, and a Guru Rinpoche Tsok offering with dedication prayers. The retreat ends at 3:00 PM.
The location
Sanborn County Park
Nestled in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, Sanborn County Park offers a peaceful natural environment surrounded by towering redwood trees, forest trails, and fresh mountain air.
Located just above Saratoga in the San Francisco Bay Area, the park provides a quiet and secluded setting away from the distractions of daily life.
The retreat takes place in the park’s campsite area, allowing participants to experience the simplicity of nature while engaging in meditation, Dharma teachings, and reflection.
Retreat contribution (2026)
A discounted contribution for the first 15 registrants.
Helps cover meals, campsite rental, logistics and other event expenses.
For those who wish to contribute more to the retreat and the activities of Vajra Lotus Foundation.
Do I need prior meditation experience?
No. The retreat is open to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Basic guidance is provided, and participants are welcome to practice at their own pace.
Where does the retreat take place?
At Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, California, in the peaceful Santa Cruz Mountains. The forest setting provides a quiet environment ideal for meditation, reflection and retreat practice.
Is camping required?
Yes. This is a campsite retreat, and participants stay overnight at the park campsite. Please bring your own tent, sleeping bag and personal camping gear.
Are meals included?
Yes. Simple vegetarian meals are provided during the retreat.
What should I bring?
- Tent and sleeping bag
- Comfortable clothing for meditation and outdoor weather
- Personal toiletries
- Water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Optional: meditation cushion or mat
A detailed preparation email is sent to participants closer to the retreat date.
When is my registration confirmed?
Your spot is confirmed once both the registration form and payment have been completed.
Is there a refund policy?
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as early as possible. Refund requests are considered based on the timing of cancellation and retreat expenses already incurred.
Can I attend for only one day?
The retreat is designed as a full three-day experience. Participants are encouraged to attend the entire retreat if possible.
Who organizes the retreat?
Vajra Lotus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Dharma education and monastic communities.
Who can I contact with questions?
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