Finding Goodness in a World on Fire
With Lodro Rinzler
January 16 - 19, 2026
In a time when the world often feels chaotic, divided, and overwhelming, it’s easy to lose touch with our own sense of goodness—let alone the goodness in others. This weekend retreat, Finding Goodness in a World on Fire, offers a refuge of connection. Through guided meditations, contemplative practices, dharma talks, and heartfelt discussion, we will explore how to reconnect with our inherent worthiness and compassion, even in the midst of difficulty.
Rooted in the accessible and down-to-earth teachings of Lodro’s international best-selling book The Buddha Walks into a Bar, this retreat invites both new and experienced meditators to discover that basic goodness isn’t a lofty ideal—it’s the ground of who we already are. We’ll look honestly at our personal and collective suffering, not to dwell in despair, but to awaken our capacity to meet it with courage, clarity, and care.
Throughout the weekend, we will cultivate a practice that not only benefits our own hearts and minds, but also sharpens our awareness of the innate dignity in others—friends, strangers, even those we disagree with. In doing so, we begin to shift from burnout and cynicism to a more sustainable, engaged path of compassion and resilience.
Come as you are. Whether you’re feeling hopeful, heartbroken, or just plain exhausted, this retreat is an invitation to slow down, touch into what is real, and rediscover the goodness that still burns bright beneath the surface of things.
Schedule
Friday, January 16
- 3 – 6 pm Arrival & Check-in
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 Welcome Program
Saturday, January 17
- 7 – 8 am Early Morning Program
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 Free Time for Relaxation and Spa
- 4 – 6 Afternoon Program
- 6 – 7 Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Program
Sunday, January 18
- 7 – 8 am Early Morning Program
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 Free Time for Relaxation and Spa
- 4 – 6 Afternoon Program
- 6 – 7 Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Program
Monday, January 19
- 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
- 7 – 8 am Early Morning Program
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.
About the Leader

Lodro Rinzler
Lodro Rinzler is a longtime meditation teacher and the author of seven books, including the international bestseller The Buddha Walks into a Bar. His books Walk Like a Buddha and The Buddha Walks into the Office both received Independent Publisher Book Awards, and his work has been featured widely, including in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Good Morning America, CBS, […]
Learn more about Lodro RinzlerCategories : Menla Retreat (all retreats), Menla THUS