Bringing the Soul Home: Soul Retrieval through Spiritual Practice & Ritual 

A Soul Retrieval Training Program in the Yungdrung Bon Tradition of Tibet from September 2025–April 2027

Taught by Lama Kalsang Nyima and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar

From September 2025 through April 2027, this is an opportunity not only to deeply commit to one’s personal healing and transformation, but an opportunity to benefit others. Students who successfully complete this two-year program will be able to do this ritual and practice for themselves. Those who pursue the certification track and pass the final examination will also receive authorization to perform the ritual and practice on behalf of others.

Soul retrieval is one of the most powerful methods for restoring vitality, joy, and spiritual harmony. When we experience trauma, shock, or prolonged emotional pain, parts of our la—the soul’s vital essence—can become lost, damaged or stolen. The practice of Soul Retrieval, La Lu, offers a way to compassionately call these aspects home and integrate them for healing at every level. 

Drawing from the rich, ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition—the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet—this two-year program offers a grounded, accessible path into the practice of Soul Retrieval. These teachings and practices offer powerful tools to those who feel called to help restore themselves and others to wholeness by working with the subtle energies of the soul. Join us for this special training program!

You’ll be guided step by step through traditional soul retrieval techniques that have been used for centuries in Tibet and Nepal to help people heal from trauma, reconnect with their vitality, recover from illness and  rediscover the power of living fully.

✨ No prior experience with Tibetan practices is required—just an open heart and curious mind. 

Click here to watch Lama Kalsang talking about Soul Retrieval practice, its benefits, origins, and power.

You will receive teachings from experienced teachers trained in the Bön tradition on: 

• Soul loss: how it happens and how it can be healed
• The nature of the soul (la), life-force (sok), and the five elements 
• The integration of ritual, mantra, visualization and meditation
• Build relationships with the deity of longevity, Tséwang Rikdzin, worldly protectors, and elemental spirits
• Study and work with tormas (ritual offerings), phurbas (ritual daggers), namkha (thread-crosses), and other kinds of offerings
• Prayers from The Longevity Practice of Tséwang Rikdzin and their meanings
• How to play Tibetan instruments used in this ritual (Conch, drums and bells), and learn the chanted melodies of each practice
• Signs of a damaged, diminished or exhausted soul and/or life-force
• Signs of a successful retrieval and/or reinforcement of the soul and/or life-force

Whether you’re a longtime practitioner, energy worker, or new to the Bön path, join a supportive learning community of kindred spirits in this deeply grounded training program of Bön healing methods for personal transformation and service to others. You will leave with the tools, confidence, and blessings to skillfully engage in this sacred work.

Overview

This training includes four 5-day retreats at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center. There will also be ten monthly sessions on Zoom in between the retreats where Lama Kalsang and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar will be available to support students. Join us for this special opportunity to learn a powerful ritual from the ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition. The final retreat will focus on the review and testing for the certification track. Students not seeking authorization may attend the final retreat on zoom and save the expense of travel and lodging. 

Two tracks: A Certificate of Completion & A Certificate of Authorization to Perform the Ritual for Others

A Certificate of Completion will be given to participants who complete the full program. 

For those who wish to perform the ritual for others, there will be an exam given during the final retreat. Those passing the examination will be awarded a Certificate of Authorization, with permission to perform the Soul Retrieval ritual for others. 

Participants can choose to register for either type of certificate. Neither certificate gives permission to teach the ritual, but only to practice or perform it. 

Training Program Dates*

*If you are staying at Serenity Ridge, registration & check in is at 4pm of the arrival day.
Session 1:
Dates: October 1–5, 2025 (if staying at Serenity Ridge, arrive on September 30)
Topics:

• Soul Retrieval (La Lu)
• Go through the order of the text
• Make tormas
• Learn melodies
• Evenings: learn to play instruments or make tormas

Session 2:
Dates: April 8–12, 2026 (if staying at Serenity Ridge, arrive on April 7)
Topics:

• Review Session 1 topics
• Life Force Retrieval (Chi Lu) and Death Ransom
• Evenings: learn to play instruments or make tormas

Session 3:
Dates: September 30–October 4, 2026  (if staying at Serenity Ridge, arrive on September 29)
Topics: 

• Review Soul Retrieval & Death Ransom
• Mantra Accumulation
• Evenings: learn to play instruments or make tormas

Session 4:
Dates: April 21–25, 2027  (if staying at Serenity Ridge, the arrival day is April 20)
Topics: 

• Review of all topics (online option for those who are interested in the Certificate of Completion. All who will be tested for the Certificate of Authorization are required to attend in person for the full retreat)
• Test

Teachings begin on the morning of the first date listed; For each session taking place at Serenity Ridge, participants arrive the afternoon on the day before the teachings begin. 

Monthly one-hour online sessions

Dates to be announced.
2025: November, December
2026: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, November, December
2027: January, February, March

Attendance Requirements

• Attendance at the four in-person trainings at Serenity Ridge are required in order to receive a Certificate of Authorization. 
• If you are interested in pursuing the Certificate of Completion, the third year’s program in April 2027 may be attended in-person or online. 
• The monthly live practice and teaching sessions on Zoom may be viewed live or via recordings, but live attendance is strongly encouraged.

Completion requirements

• Recitation of 100,000 Long Life mantras by the conclusion of the training program and prior to the final exam for those who wish to receive the certificate to perform the ritual for others. For those who wish to receive the certificate of completion, completion of recitation of 100,000 Long Life mantras in one’s lifetime.
• One week personal retreat focused on the practice of Lama Tséwang Rikdzin

Application & Registration

Click here to fill out the application form. 

Once the application committee reviews and approves your application, you will receive the link to register for the retreat. 

Costs

• There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due upon acceptance to the training program
• The fee for the training program (this includes the $500 non-refundable deposit) is as follows
  • October 2025:  $825, includes meals. The cost of accommodations is extra. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.
  • April 2026: $825, includes meals. The cost of accommodations is extra. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.
  • October 2026: $825, includes meals. The cost of accommodations is extra. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.
  • April 2027: $235 for 3-day online review; $1,325 for 5 day retreat at Serenity Ridge and includes the additional exam and certification and meals. The cost of accommodations is extra. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.
  • There are a number of types of accommodations ranging from $415 (camping) to $1,275 (private room) for each of the 5-day programs. 
  • Payment plans are available

• The fee for the training program includes:
  • Participation in the training program
  • Printed and electronic support materials
  • The text, The Longevity Practice of Tséwang Rikdzin
  • Ritual supplies for making torma (symbolic clay or tsampa sculptures), dadar (Tibetan ritual arrow), and namkha (string sculpture) making at Serenity Ridge
  • In between retreats, once per month, one-hour group Zoom sessions with Lama Kalsang Nyima and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar 
  • Downloadable online video and audio recordings
• Not included in the fee: 
  • Travel cost to and from Serenity Ridge
  • Fee for accommodations at Serenity Ridge
  • Ritual instruments (not required for the ritual, but recommended)
  • Clay to practice torma making at home (clay is provided at all retreats) 
  • Melong (Tibetan ritual mirror), turquoise stone (with no metal setting). (If you have these items at home, bring them with you. The shop at Serenity Ridge has them available for purchase.) 

Payment Due Dates

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due within 30 days notice of your application’s approval. For applications approved within 14 days of the start of the program, payment is due in full at that time. 

Due August 30, 2025: $825 fee for the training program, includes teachings and meals at Serenity Ridge in October 2025 as well as monthly Zoom sessions. Accommodation prices vary for each room type. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.

Due March 7, 2026: $825 fee for the training program, includes teachings and meals at Serenity Ridge in April 2026 as well as monthly Zoom sessions. Accommodation prices vary for each room type. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.

Due August 30, 2026: $825 fee for the training program, includes teachings and meals at Serenity Ridge in October 2026  as well as monthly Zoom sessions. Accommodation prices vary for each room type. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.

Due March 20, 2027: For those pursuing the certificate of completion, a $235 fee is due for the 3-day online review; for those pursuing the certificate of authorization, $1,325 is due for the 5-day retreat at Serenity Ridge in April 2027. Accommodation prices vary for each room type. There is also a commuter rate with a lunch only option.

An option for a payment plan is available during the registration process.

Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds once payment has been received. 

April 9–13, 2025 at Serenity Ridge and online on Zoom

As nature renews itself this spring, a unique opportunity for personal renewal awaits at the “Awakening to Wellness” retreat led by Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. This transformative four-day experience, scheduled for April 9-13, 2025, offers participants a chance to harmonize with nature’s rhythms while exploring ancient wisdom and modern science.

Held at the serene Serenity Ridge Retreat Center with an online option available via Zoom, the retreat brings together an impressive lineup of experts. Joining Rinpoche are Dr. Tawni Tidwell, the first Westerner certified as a Tibetan doctor; Dr. Danny Lewin, a sleep and circadian researcher; and Dr. Wenli Liu, an integrative medicine specialist with extensive experience in cancer treatment.

The retreat’s holistic approach combines meditation, movement, breath work, and nature connection. Participants will start their days with sunrise meditation and Tibetan yoga suitable for all mobility levels. The program includes forest bathing, nature walks, and evening bonfires to foster connection with natural elements. For those seeking additional wellness challenges, optional cold plunges and intermittent fasting are available.

What sets this retreat apart is its integration of traditional Tibetan practices with contemporary health science and practical, take-home knowledge. Presenters will share actionable information on sleep optimization, stress reduction, anxiety management, and energy rebalancing. We will also explore finding balance and healing through connection to nature. The retreat aims to empower participants to make healthier lifestyle choices that enhance overall wellbeing.

This event is intended for everyone, whether you have experience in meditation and wellness or are just beginning your journey.

For those looking to extend their transformative experience, a Tibetan Yoga Retreat with Alejandro Chaoul follows immediately after, with a free night’s stay offered to those registering for both events.

As we emerge from winter, this spring wellness retreat offers a timely reminder that by reconnecting with nature’s patterns and our own inner wisdom, we can discover new sources of vitality, peace, and joy.

Registration is now open for both in-person and online participation.

Learn more

Register for in person participation

Register for online participation