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Retreaters during a Tara active compassion retreat in the main templeWith Buddhism gaining popularity in the West, people from all walks of life come to our programs. The ancient teachings of the Buddha may be just what you need to transform your life into one of contentment, compassion, wisdom and joy.

Here is what our students are saying about our program:

 

"Going on retreat truly has changed my life... After the retreat I realized that Buddhism was something I wanted to incorporate in every aspect of my life...Its funny too because growing up I was so against organized religions because I learned about all the wars they caused but as I've gotten more in Buddhism I've found how religion is just another tool.  It can be used for good or for evil, its all up to the person using it... Retreats can be a very scary thing but it can also be a very transformative thing.  I think the best way for me to describe a retreat is its like looking at your own inner demon, smiling at it and then finding another one right behind and just repeating the process.  Its something that you don't even really notice you're doing until you leave the retreat and you feel this deep level of inner peace you never knew you could have."

Patrick S. 24
Instructional Aide, Santa Cruz, Ca

 

"I am counting on my solo and group retreats at Vajrapani changing this and future lives.  The conditions are conducive:  being taken care of in a quiet, beautiful place graced by extraordinary beings, past and present..."

Lynne S. 70
Artist, San Francisco, Ca 

 

"Retreat has been the most inspiring, transformative experience I have had as an adult. Reading about philosophy or religious ideas was always interesting to me but actually experiencing the ideas firsthand was a completely different level of authenticity that I had no idea was there. Ideas stayed ideas as long as I simply read. When I went on retreat, I actually lived it and it went from ideas to reality, which has changed everything. Life's meaning and my entire purpose has shifted to something so wholesome and amazing... I can never say thank you enough. 

Jacob L. 29
Student, Los Angeles, Ca 

"The most meaningful and life-inspiring insights I have gained have come from retreat times.  Vajrapani Institute has many years of experience in supporting wisdom-heart-seekers.  In this world, to have such a place and such and opportunity is so rare!  The method for making a peaceful person and a peaceful world.  I try to retreat from work several times each year to re-prioritize and stay inspired to live a meaningful life." 

Eryn B. 40
Teacher, Yosemite, CA

"Going on retreat has enabled me to have a "time out" from engagement in the habits and patterns of daily life. This withdrawal has awakened a fuller expression of my spiritual self. I discovered that this "self" is the only one worth cultivating. This discovery has been and continues to be profoundly and deeply life altering. My family and friends have been directly benefited by my choice to go on retreat. The teachings have been invaluable to me and have irrevocably transformed both my own view and those with whom I have relationships." 

Takiko L. 50
Teacher/Counselor, Mendocino, CA