The Yoga of Luminous Awakening

A Retreat with Rod Stryker & Robert Thurman

Join Rod Stryker and Robert Thurman for a rare retreat intended to make the unimaginable heights of yoga more imaginable. Opportunities to study with either of these two teachers are rare, making this retreat a unique chance to experience the meeting of two profound contemplative traditions. This unique gathering brings together one of the world’s most respected scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the West’s leading teachers of Tantra Yoga, meditation, and Yoga Nidra offering participants a powerful opportunity to deepen and expand how they understand and approach practice.

This immersive weekend draws from the classical teachings of Haṭha Tantra Yoga and the contemplative traditions (as well as internal and external practices) of Tibetan Buddhism to reveal yoga as a complete path of embodied wisdom. We will collectively explore masterful practices consisting of āsana, prāṇāyāma, bandha, mudrā, and meditation will be explored alongside the reflective and contemplative dimensions emphasized in the great Tantra Yoga texts.

Each morning begins with prāṇāyāma and meditation. After breakfast, Rod guides sessions weaving together dynamic and subtle yoga-āsana, breathwork, energetic practices, and meditation with particular emphasis on the contemplative modalities embedded in the Haṭha tradition, including forgiveness, compassion, charity, and discernment. These practices are designed to stabilize the body, refine perception, and deepen the flow of prāṇa so that practice becomes a pathway to inner freedom and clear perception.

Bob will illuminate key philosophical and contemplative insights from Tibetan Buddhism that relate to the teachings found in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, including the transcendent practice of Mahāmudrā, often
translated as “The Great Seal,” and sometimes interpreted more freely as “The Great Embrace”, as well as insights into the luminous nature of mind and the inner science of contemplative realization. With warmth, depth, and humor, Bob brings the profound heights of the contemplative traditions into clear and inspiring perspective. Together, Rod and Bob will engage in shared dialogue, Q&;A, and evening sessions, offering participants a rare opportunity to experience the meeting of two great contemplative traditions.

A special element of the retreat will include pujās offered in honor of H.H. the Dalai Lama’s birthday during the retreat period—ceremonies invoking wisdom, compassion, and the flourishing of the contemplative traditions in our world.

Daily Rhythm
The retreat unfolds in a rhythm that balances practice, learning, reflection, and community.

Opening Session (Thursday evening)
Bob and Rod welcome you and introduce the spirit and context for the weekend.

Morning Practices with Rod
After breakfast each day, Rod leads an integrated practice weaving contemplation, āsana, prāṇāyāma, and meditation.

Late Morning Teachings with Robert Thurman
Bob joins us with illuminating teachings and reflections.

Afternoon Talks
Bob offers engaging afternoon sessions exploring Buddhist philosophy, tantra, and the path of awakening.

Evening Sessions
Rod and Bob come together for dialogue, participant questions, and guided Yoga Nidra.

Closing Practice
The retreat concludes Sunday morning with a final integrated session led by Rod and later joined by Bob.

What You’ll Experience

• Integrated practices of Tantra Yoga and meditation
• Teachings on Mahāmudrā and the luminous nature of mind
• Insights from classical texts including the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā
• Pujā ceremonies honoring H.H. the Dalai Lama and the living traditions of wisdom, offered as prayers for the renewal of compassion and our shared social fabric
• Dialogue and inquiry with two renowned teachers
• Deep integration through Yoga Nidra, embodied practices, and contemplative reflection

Rarely do two masters from complementary traditions come together in this way. This retreat is a powerful opportunity to explore the deeper purpose of yoga and meditation, and to glimpse the living path of awakening in practice.

Schedule:

Thursday, July 2

• 3 – 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Welcome Program

Friday, July 3

• 7 – 8 am Meditation
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 2 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program – Can also be split into free time and program.
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Program or Activity

Saturday, July 4

• 7 – 8 am Meditation
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 2 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program – Can also be split into free time and program.
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Program or Activity

Sunday, July 5

• 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.