This February, AIT hosted a transformative retreat at the enchanting Xo Ki’in retreat center, nestled in the heart of the Sian Ka’an biosphere near Tulum, Mexico. This pristine refuge was founded in the 1980s by Anna Woods who had previously been studying with our root teacher Namgyal Rinpoche. It embodies harmony with nature: Xo Ki’in is self-sustaining, powered by solar energy, using filtered rainwater, and featuring a water preserving composting toilet system.
“Here, one really learns the meaning of impermanence and the importance of non-clinging”, Anna points out. In the last 20 years hurricanes have become more frequent because of climate change. Buildings have been destroyed and had to be rebuilt. There are visible signs of erosion, and the sea has come closer and closer over the last 40 years. An opportunity for AIT to practice Eco-Dharma: the retreat participants collected huge amounts of plastic waste that had been washed onto the beach. A big contrast and a symbol of how humanity interferes with untouched nature to the point of destruction.
The retreat guided by Lama Linda was inspired by Namgyal Rinpoche’s teachings and reflections on the Diamond Sutra captured in the book Suchness. Suchness invites us to see “things as they are”. The Diamond Sutra being a “pithy” element of Mahayana Buddhism, the book is testimony to Namgyal’s universalist, “Rime” approach that encompasses different Buddhist schools and traditions - and even the Western Mysteries.
Lama Linda’s wisdom, paired with Tilopa’s timeless six words of advice - “Don’t recall, don’t imagine, don’t think, don’t analyze, don’t control. Just rest, relax” - set the tone for a week of profound practice and reflection.
“The natural beauty of Xo Ki’in and the generosity and creative planning of its founder made it relatively easy to balance deep inner meditative work with joyful karma yoga and ‘resting, relaxing and resting’”, said one of the participants who immersed themselves in loving-kindness and Zazen meditations, as well as other awareness practices that cultivated a deeper connection to the present moment. Lama Linda also emphasized the transformative power of loving-kindness, which Namgyal highlights as an essential practice to recognize suchness.
Between classes and meditations, the group embarked on awe-inspiring excursions into the biosphere, marveling at the vibrant bird life and animals that call this UNESCO World Heritage Site home. These journeys were more than adventures—they were living lessons in witnessing “things as they are.”
Bodhi reflected: “Being in a place like Xo Kiin made the teachings of Suchness come alive. In a place beyond worldly cravings, it was easy and natural to see things as they were and to directly contact these profound teachings.”
On the last day, the group engaged in karma yoga to help with clearing space for a campground and building a structure to better position the solar panels on the roof of the main house.
Every moment of the retreat, from the deep stillness of meditation to the hands-on Eco-Dharma activities, was imbued with the essence of Suchness. The piece of paradise Anna shared with the group was truly the perfect place to follow Tilopa’s advice to just rest and relax while receiving Lama Linda’s beautiful teachings of suchness which seemed fundamental and enlightened the participants in many different ways.
“My retreat experience was a beautiful mix of transformational healing, mindful awareness, deep gratitude, laughter, learning and friendship in a truly gorgeous and meaningful setting”, summarized Tara.
“My experience at the Suchness retreat was profound, with the environment providing an enhanced awareness of the sacredness of the natural world, the teachings by Lama Linda deepening my practice, and the sangha connecting me with greater joy in a wonderful community”, added Edie.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu!
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