About Yeru Bön Center

Welcome to the Yeru Retreat Center

A Sacred Haven of Yungdrung Bön in Nature

Latri Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche warmly invites all Bön practitioners to the Yeru Retreat Center—whether for a teaching, a private retreat, or time of personal renewal.

Yeru is more than a retreat center—it is a living sanctuary of the ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition. Here, in the quiet forests of Minnesota, the timeless wisdom of Tibet is carried into the Western world, where students can study, practice, and reconnect with the natural balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit.

A Sanctuary of Nature and Spirit

Set upon the peaceful shores of Garuda Lake, Yeru Retreat Center greets you with stillness and sacred energy the moment you arrive. The lake reflects the open sky; eagles soar above as guardians; loons, owls, and swans sing nature’s prayer songs; and sometimes, if you are blessed, the northern lights dance across the night sky.

This land is not only beautiful, it is alive with spirit. The woods, the waters, and the open sky become companions in your practice, gently reminding you of the Bön teaching of harmony and interconnection with all life.

Mini Tibet in Nature

At the heart of Yeru is our shrine room—intimate, vibrant with sacred statues and thangkas, alive with the presence of blessing energy. Step inside, and you will feel it: warmth, clarity, a sense of being embraced by something greater. Whether seated on a cushion or chair, this sacred space welcomes you to open fully to the authentic teachings of Bön.

Just steps away, our sacred flag stupa invites quiet reflection. Sit within, surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and feel your prayers rise with each breeze, carried across the vastness of sky into the heart of the universe.

And yet, it is important to remember while the Yeru Retreat Center is a spiritually amazing place, it is not the destination on its own. It is part of something larger—the vast stream of blessings that flow from Rinpoche’s retreats and the authentic guidance of Bön masters. The land, the shrine, the lake, and the silence all serve as an extension of the teachings, practices, and blessings. Yeru itself becomes a mirror of the Dharma: a place where practice takes root, and where inner transformation unfolds.

A Place for Families and Sangha

We warmly encourage Bön practitioners to bring their families to Yeru Retreat Center. This sacred space is not only perfect for deepening your practice, but also for creating cherished memories with those you love.

Many practitioners discover the beauty of balance here immersing themselves in retreat sessions while also sharing mornings by the water, evening walks through the forest, or meals filled with storytelling and laughter. Children delight in playing by Garuda Lake, partners enjoy the stillness of nature, and families come together in the peaceful energy of Yeru.

In this way, your spiritual journey becomes a shared gift. Your practice nourishes not only you, but also those closest to your heart, weaving Bön wisdom into the fabric of family life.

Community, Simplicity, and Joy

At Yeru, you are more than a guest, you become part of our Bön family. Meals, lovingly prepared in our kitchen—the Nine Mandala Pub—are shared family-style, creating space for storytelling, laughter, and even spontaneous teachings. These humble moments often become the most cherished memories.

Outside of teachings, you may canoe across Garuda Lake, paddle a kayak, swim in the clear waters, or simply sit on the shore and breathe in the quiet. Evenings often end around the fire, under the stars, with ceremonies of Sang or Sur, deepening connection to practice, family, and community.

A Place Transformed, A Place to Transform

When Yeru first came into our care, it had been abandoned for over a decade. With blessings, dedication, and the collective love of our sangha, the land was reborn. Buildings were restored, the shrine was renewed, and the sacred energy of the place awakened again. Many transformations have happened to this beautiful place. Each guest who comes adds their prayers, their energy, their presence—and in this way, Yeru continues to grow as a living, breathing mandala.

Whether you stay in a cozy cabin or beneath the stars in one of our yurts, you will feel held by the energy of this sacred space. Every detail has been kept intentionally simple, so your focus rests not on distractions, but on what truly matters: the teachings, the community, and your inner journey.

Come Join Us

At Yeru Retreat Center, you are invited to study, to practice, to heal, and to simply be. Whether you come for the guidance of a master, the companionship of sangha, or the joyful presence of family, you will leave renewed—more connected to yourself, to nature, and to the ancient wisdom of Bön.

Come and experience Mini Tibet in Nature.

Let the teachings, the lake, and the forest bring you back into balance.

Retreat Center Additional Details

There are various forms of housing for students to be able to come for a teaching or retreats.

Single or dormitory ~ Except for tent space, all rooms and Yeru Retreat Center tents include mattress, bedding sheets, blanket and pillows.

Rates

• $10.00 a night per person for tent space  (you bring all you need)
• $20 a night for a large Yeru 10x10x8 tent
• $15 a night for shared two persons 10x10x8 tent
• $30 a night per person for 6 to 8 person dorm room
• $40 a night per person for 2-4 person semi-private loft room
• $55 a night per person for double room with 2 twin or one full
• $65 a night per person for single semi-private room
• $55 a night for inside private cabin room for up to 3 people  (bunk room)
• $140 a night private room with king bed, private bathroom  (one available)

Optional –
• $2 a night electricity (for CPAP use)
• $5 a day light housekeeping

Important –  Yeru Retreat Center is located in the woods of Minnesota,  it can rain or snow depending on the time of the year.  Please be mindful of what you might need.  Although we provide sheets and blankets,  feel free to bring a sleeping bag or other essentials you feel you might need.   There are sleeping bags located at the Retreat Center,  call ahead to reserve a sleeping bag, if you wish.

Meals  –  Your fees include meals. Yeru Retreat Center prepares meals family style. Clean healthy foods: Vegetarian, Vegan and regular meals are prepared. If you have a special diet, please contact us or feel free to bring your own easy-to-prepare meals.

There will be coffee/tea/water/milk available.

Transportation to Yeru Retreat Center

Yeru Retreat Center is located:
• 2.5 – 3  hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
• 30 minutes from Brainerd Lakes Airport

You can rent a car on your arrival to Minnesota and take the beautiful drive to Yeru Retreat Center.

Yeru Bon Center offers transportation from the Minneapolis airport.  We rent a van for 7-8 people at the rate of $75 a person for both directions. You will be picked up from the airport and driven to the retreat center.

Pricing varies depending on the amount of people in need of transportation, could be less, but not more than $75.00 per person.

A chat room is provided for people to discuss shared rides or to share a room.

Shuttle timing.   The last van leaves for Yeru Retreat Center at noon the day before the retreat begins  (example:  If the retreat begins on the 21^st, the last van leaves on the 20^th by noon)   Please plan your flights accordingly if you would like to be a part of the shuttle.   –  You may come in a day earlier, but please know, you will be responsible for your own transportation if your flight is delayed or not planned accordingly to come in before 10:00 a.m. the day before the retreat.