Tibetan Five Elements Practices Retreat

The Tibetan Five Elements Practices Retreat is a three-day spiritual retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area of northern Italy. It is led by Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche and is open to everyone, whether Tibetan healing methods are new to you or already part of your practice. Teaching is in English, with no translation.

The weekend brings together four practices aimed at elemental balance: Lu Jong healing movements, Nine Breaths breath work, Kum Nye massage, and elemental mindfulness meditation. The tradition is Tibetan Buddhism, together with the Tibetan medicine understanding of the body.

What to Expect

The retreat runs from Friday evening through Sunday midday. Friday begins with teaching and practice from 17:00 to 18:30, followed by dinner at 19:00, which serves as arrival and opening.

Saturday is the full day of practice. After breakfast, sessions of teaching and practice run from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 11:30 to 13:00, with a break between. Lunch is at 13:00, and practice resumes from 14:00 to 15:00 and again from 15:30 to 17:00, with another short break in between.

Sunday is the closing practice. Breakfast is followed by teaching and practice from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 11:30 to 12:30, with a break between the two sessions.

About Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche

Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist master, teacher, and author. He was recognized at age 13 as the eighth reincarnation of the Nyentse Lama, a lineage within Tibetan Buddhism. He is known for teaching Tummo inner-heat meditation, Lu Jong Tibetan yoga, and Shiné calm-abiding practice to Western and Asian audiences looking for direct methods of change.

His work draws on the Tantrayana tradition, the esoteric branch of Tibetan Buddhism that uses the body and subtle energy channels as instruments for awakening. He is recognized for making practices once confined to monasteries accessible to lay practitioners. Among them is Lu Jong, a system of Tibetan healing movements designed to balance the body's wind, bile, and phlegm humors, which is one of the four practices taught at this retreat.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, northern Italy. It is a full board stay, with accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, an afternoon snack, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit all included, as well as access to the spa.

Two room options are offered. The shared room is a twin or four-bed room, assigned by same gender. The premium single room is private. Transfers to and from the venue are not included, so plan your own travel to Quarna Sopra.

Before You Go

No previous training or background is required. The techniques are accessible to newcomers and to those with prior experience in Tibetan healing methods.

Teaching is in English only, and no translation is provided.

Meditation cushions, zabuton cushions, yoga mats, and blankets are provided, along with the retreat fee, accommodation, meals, and spa access. Your own transport to and from the center is the main thing to arrange in advance.