August Yoga Retreat, Second Module

Imagine stepping into a four-day sanctuary where ancient wisdom meets embodied practice, where each breath and movement becomes a doorway to understanding the nature of suffering and genuine well-being. This August Yoga Retreat in Pomaia, Tuscany, is the second module in a linked series, offering a complete immersion into the Dhammapada—one of Buddhism's most psychologically precise and ethically luminous texts. Whether you arrive seeking refuge from the noise of summer, or you're a practitioner deepening your study across both modules, this retreat at the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa provides the rare opportunity to marry classical yoga philosophy with contemporary Buddhist scholarship, all set within the contemplative landscape of Tuscany's rolling hills.

The Dhammapada speaks to questions that touch every human heart: What is the difference between fleeting pleasure and lasting well-being? How do we cultivate wisdom when confusion clouds our perception? How do we meet aging, illness, and mortality with grace? Rather than offering abstract answers, this retreat embodies these teachings through daily practice. Two hatha yoga sessions bookend each day, preparing your body and settling your mind for deeper meditation work. You will sit in silence, walk mindfully, and gather for evening teachings that illuminate the bridge between philosophy and lived experience. The instruction draws from both East and West, honoring the precision of classical yoga texts while incorporating contemporary insight into how these ancient teachings address modern life.

This is a practice space designed for sincere seekers at any stage of the path—whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner. The retreat's structure is flexible enough that three days or all four offer a complete, nourishing experience. One lighter practice day is woven into the schedule to allow integration, while morning meditation continues throughout, anchoring your experience.

What to Expect

Each day unfolds with morning meditation, followed by hatha yoga practice that attunes body and breath. Afternoons hold study sessions and guided reflection on Dhammapada verses, grounded in both Buddhist and yogic philosophy. Walking meditation and seated practice deepen the afternoon, leading into evening teachings and group practice. The atmosphere balances rigor with warmth—you're held in a serious container for transformation, yet with compassion for the human experience unfolding on the mat and in the meditation hall. You'll leave with a living relationship to the Dhammapada's core teachings, a steadier meditation practice, and a clearer sense of how yoga philosophy addresses the deepest questions of how to live well.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, Tuscany—a dedicated Buddhist study and practice center nestled in the Tuscan countryside. The event runs Thursday, August 13–16, 2026. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for yoga practice and meditation; bring a meditation cushion if you have one (cushions are available on-site). The venue is accessible by car; public transportation options are limited, so plan accordingly. For specific accessibility needs, contact the organizers directly.