THUS: Dr. Nida & Bob Thurman
With Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and Robert A.F. Thurman
September 22 - 27, 2026
Join world-renowned Tibetan Medicine doctor, yogi, and Yuthok Nyingthig master Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, together with renowned scholar-practitioner and leading figure on Tibetan Buddhism in the West Robert A.F. Thurman, PhD, for a rare Dzogchen retreat.
This retreat offers an accessible yet profound path to Dzogchen, the Great Perfection teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Rooted in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, the program includes teachings on Trekchöd for cutting through conceptual fixation to experience the nature of awareness, and Tögal practices with sunlight and dark retreat. Dr. Nida will share oral commentary from his personal retreat which are currently available only in Tibetan.
Through daily teachings, guided meditations, contemplative dialogue, and experiential practice, Dr. Nida and Bob Thurman present Dzogchen as a living path, not dependent on intellectual mastery but on direct recognition. Bob Thurman’s framing and commentary will help contextualize the teachings historically, philosophically, and experientially, supporting newcomers while enriching the understanding of seasoned students.
This retreat is appropriate for both dedicated practitioners curious about Dzogchen and its foundations, as well as advanced practitioners seeking lineage-based clarification and deeper experience.
Schedule:
Tuesday, September 22
- 3 – 8 pm Arrival & Check-in
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 pm Welcome and Introductory Teaching
Wednesday, September 23
- 7 – 8 am Yoga Asanas
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
- 4 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 pm Evening Session
Thursday, September 24
- 7 – 8 am Yoga Asanas
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
- 4 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 pm Evening Session
Friday, September 25
- 7 – 8 am Yoga Asanas
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
- 4 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 pm Evening Session
Saturday, September 26
- 7 – 8 am Yoga Asanas
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Session
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Hiking, Relaxation, etc
- 4 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 pm Evening Session
Sunday, September 27
- 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
- 7 – 8 am Yoga Asanas
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Essential Empowerment
- 1:30 – 2:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change at any time.
About the Leaders
Dr. Nida Chenagtsang
Born in Amdo, in North Eastern Tibet Dr. Nida began his early studies Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) at the local Tibetan Medicine hospital. Later he was awarded scholarship to enter the Lhasa Tibetan Medical University, where he completed his medical education in 1996 with practical training at the Tibetan Medicine hospitals in Lhasa and […]
Learn more about Dr. Nida Chenagtsang
Robert A.F. Thurman
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as co-founder and President of Tibet House US and it's Menla Retreat & Spa. A world-wide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, translator of Buddhist texts, and writer of popular Buddhist books. He recently has been awarded […]
Learn more about Robert A.F. ThurmanCategories : Menla Retreat (all retreats), Menla THUS