
This program is part of the Unity in Diversity Christmas and New Year Symposium, December 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027.
Dive deep into the powerful fusion of Tibetan Buddhist and classical Indic yoga traditions with Vajra Yoga™! Join us as we explore timeless yogic practices, philosophical insights, and “inner neuroscience” to cultivate a richer understanding of our minds and bodies in today’s world. Drawing on teachings from Tibetan Buddhist Guhyasamāja practices and Jey Tsong Khapa’s insights, combined with the classical yogic wisdom of the *Hathayogapradīpikā*, this unique program blends ancient and modern wisdom to inspire holistic wellbeing and a grounded approach to life.
Expect evenings dedicated to relaxation practices that set you up for truly restful sleep, creating space for deeper self-connection and rejuvenation. This experience also marks the debut of Menla Spa Retreat’s own eclectic approach to yogic tradition: Vajra Yoga™—a practice uniting diverse yogic worldviews with a contemporary approach.
Why You Should Attend:
1. Expand Your Perspective: Gain fresh insights by comparing classical Indic reality views with modern science, providing a grounded and expansive understanding of reality.
2. Unlock the Inner Sciences: Discover “inner neuroscience” rooted in the tantric and yogic tradition—a journey into the depths of consciousness through classic Indic inner science (*adhyātmavidyā*).
3. Joy and Connection: Engage in an enriching experience that combines deep learning with the joy of a supportive, like-minded community.
Let Vajra Yoga™ inspire your path to wellness and insight. This is not just a retreat; it’s a transformative exploration of yoga’s potential for our era.
Offered as 3 satsangs and 2 workshops (subject to change).*
*Please note: Robert Thurman will be offering the workshops via livestream from 2pm-3:30pm ET and John Campbell will be giving the morning and evening satsangs in person at the ashram.
The presentations associated with this Yoga Vacation Program begin with an 8pm satsang on the first day of the program and conclude with a 2pm workshop on the last day of the program. Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay. We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your program for the optimal experience.

John Campbell, Ph.D. is a longtime yoga and meditation teacher, scholar of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, and translator of classical Buddhist texts. He holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Columbia University, has been a Fulbright Fellow, and has taught at both Columbia University and the University of Virginia, where he co-founded the Contemplative Sciences Center, dedicated to the study and practice of contemplative traditions. He currently collaborates with Robert Thurman on translations of important tantric Buddhist works from Sanskrit and Tibetan.
John began his yoga studies in 1992 with the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and has spent more than three decades immersed in both yoga and Tibetan Buddhist practice, including study with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A founder of the Vajrayoga initiative at Tibet House US and Menla Retreat Center, he teaches asana, Tibetan yoga, meditation, philosophy, and Sanskrit, helping students explore the rich connections between the yogic and Buddhist traditions.
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