Yuthok Nyingthig Ngöndro Retreat:
Seven Day Guided Group Practice
Guided by Christiana Polites
February 21 - March 1 2026
Ngöndro, meaning ‘foundational' or 'preliminary' practices is the root of the tree out of which all other Vajrayana Buddhist practices grow. Yuthok’s ngöndro, traditionally done in the context of a seven day retreat is incredibly transformative to one's mind, health, and life, and is the gateway into the profound path of the Yuthok Nyingthig.
This seven day intensive retreat combines sessions of silent meditation, group mantra recitation, prostrations, visualization and contemplation, as well as instruction in the practice while immersed within the healing natural environment of Pure Land Farms, our Yuthok Ling temple, and Medicine Buddha’s Tanaduk Gardens.
This retreat follows the Losar, the Tibetan lunar new. year and is a profound way to start the new year with spiritual commitment.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5
Check in between 3 and 6pm, Welcome dinner
FRIDAY FEB 6 - WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12
8am: Breakfast
9am - 1pm: Morning Practice Sessions
1 - 3pm: Lunch and Break
3- 7pm: Afternoon Practice Sessions
7pm Dinner
8pm Shanglon Protector Practice(Exact practice schedule is subject to change according to group pace)
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
Check out anytime before 12pm (no program on the 13th, the last day of full practice is the 12th)
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Commuter: $900: Includes retreat + three meals a day (offsite accommodation)
Residential: $1500 - $1900: Includes retreat, three meals a day, and onsite accommodation for eight nights
Limited to 15 residential guests
Please note that this is an intensive retreat with approximately eight - ten hours of practice a day. In order to assess if it is a good fit for you, kindly fill out this brief form. After reviewing your form, you will be sent a link to register for the retreat and select your accommodations. New students may be requested to have a short Zoom call with facilitator prior to registering.
YUTHOK NYINGTHIG
Yuthok Nyingthig, the ‘Heart Essence of Yuthok.' This unique and comprehensive set of Tibetan Buddhist practices was transmitted by Yuthok Yönten Gönpo the Younger, the great 12th century Tibetan physician and meditation adept who is considered to be an emanation of Medicine Buddha. It is a complete system of practice from the Anuttarayogatantra (Highest Yoga Tantra) class of teachings, beginning with Ngöndro (the preliminaries) and progressing through Kyerim and Dzogrim (Creation and Completion Stage practices) to the highest practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen.
The tradition includes concise and essential methods perfectly suited for busy contemporary practitioners that offer both worldly benefits including improved health and longevity for oneself and others, as well as the ultimate benefit of complete spiritual liberation. The Yuthok Nyingthig is the main spiritual tradition connected with Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medicine), and it contains many unique methods to heighten the intuitive, diagnostic, and healing capacities of doctors. It is the only complete cycle of Vajrayana teachings in which Medicine Buddha as a yidam (personal meditative deity).
Yuthok Nyingthig meditation practices are traditionally done in the context of a seven day retreat, making them practical and accessible in these modern busy times.
WENDY LITTNER THOMSON
Wendy Littner Thomson is a dedicated student of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Yuthok Nyingthig Practitioner, Sowa Rigpa Counselor, Sowa Rigpa Yoga Practitioner, and Certified Nejang Yoga Teacher. With a background working in Hospice, Wendy is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a private practice where she specializes in end-of-life, loss, grief, bereavement, and life transition issues. Wendy is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and has taught on a range of mental health topics in her community and internationally.