Course Liaison Guide

Being a Support

Every retreat needs a Course Liaison. Because our staff is busy cooking, cleaning, and organizing, the Course Liaison is the “go-to” person for communications between the Vajrapani Institute staff and retreatants, including questions and concerns that inevitably arise during the retreat. They also help manage the working meditation jobs performed by the retreatants. You are a vital resource for making the retreat run smoothly.

 

We very much appreciate your contribution to ensure the success of our retreat experience. In addition, you will

 

  • Create amazing merit (positive potential in your mind) by offering service to a dharma center, the teachers, and fellow students.
  • Practice dharma off the cushion and gain real-world skills to effectively help people in a loving an nurturing environment.
  • Strengthen your connection with Vajrapani Institute, a place that cherishes and nurtures all who serve and visit.
  • Receive a 30% discount off the cost of camping or dorm accommodation during retreat.
  • Receive a 10% discount off retreats for one year after serving as course liaison.

Duties and Responsibilities

On the first day of the retreat

 

  • Arrive around noon to have lunch, meet with the staff, and be briefed on the upcoming retreat.
  • Assist with the registration process.

 

During the retreat

 

  • Field questions of retreaters as they arise.
  • Check in with the kitchen, housekeeping and office staff as needed.
  • Check to see that retreatants completed their working meditation jobs.

 

At the end of the retreat

 

  • Facilitate the final clean-up in cooperation with appropriate staff.
  • Ensure that working meditation jobs are completed.

 

Why We Assign Working Meditation Jobs

  • Allows retreaters to give back to Vajrapani Institute and each other, creating merit or “positive spiritual potential.”
  • Creates an opportunity to put the teachings into practice as a group and to see work from a new perspective.
  • Builds a sense of community and interdependence as everyone does their part to facilitate a successful retreat.
  • Assists the Vajrapani Institute staff to better serve large groups.

 

Should any problems arise, feel free to ask one of our staff for help. We are happy to be of service to you.

Upcoming Retreats

North American Community Prayers

Venerable Angie Muir

July 24 - December 26, 2025
Weekly Regional Collective Prayers: For Lama Zopa Rinpoche's Auspicious Return, the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and World Peace   Every Thursday | 8:30 - 9:00 am (PT) | Online Only   All are welcome! This is a precious opportunity for FPMT students, staff, and volunteers across North America to gather in unity, generating collective merit and deepening our regional community bonds. These practices are led by rotating facilitators from centers and projects throughout the region.   Join us each Thursday morning for a short but powerful 30-minute collective practice, which will include a rotating schedule of:…

In-Depth Meditation Training: The Radiant Ground – Emptiness and Buddha Nature

Venerable Losang Gendun

September 6 - November 29, 2025
We’re delighted to announce that Vajrapani Institute is now offering the FPMT program, In-Depth Meditation Training, led by Venerable Losang Gendun. This four year course is designed so that students can join at any time and immediately benefit. Each class includes 60 minutes of guided meditation followed by 90 minutes of lecture, including Q&A. Over 100 students from around the globe come together each week for this transformative program!   Year 3, Term 1 The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature Saturdays: September 6th to November 29th 6:30 AM- 9:00 AM (PST) Online via Zoom NOTE: Saturday November 1st will…

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Vajrapani Institute is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition www.FPMT.org

19950 Kings Creek Rd Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(800) 531-4001 | office@vajrapani.org

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