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

New Moon Tara Puja

Venerable Angie Muir

May 27, 2025
Join us as we welcome Ven. Angie back from Nepal and India! Tara Puja: For Protection and Fulfillment.   Please join us for a Tara Puja on May 27th with Ven Angie Muir from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (PT) on Zoom.  This puja will be in English.   Tara Puja is a devotional practice invoking the blessings of Tara, a female manifestation of all the Buddhas. Embodying enlightened activity, Tara has the power of swiftness to quickly overcome our obstacles and fears and fulfill our temporary and ultimate goals.     Key Elements of a Tara Puja: Mandala Offering:…

Seabright Beach Community Potluck

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

June 8, 2025
Join us at a Beach Potluck to Celebrate our Precious Sangha and welcome Geshe Tenzin Legtsok to the Bay Area community!   When: Sunday, June 8th, 2025  3:00pm-6:00pm   Where: Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz   We’re excited to invite the Bay Area community to a special event celebrating the monastics who so generously serve our local FPMT centers. On Sunday, June 8th from 3:00–6:00 PM, we’ll be gathering at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz for a joyful Beach Potluck in Honor of our Sangha and to celebrate the arrival of Geshe Tenzin Legtsok to our community. This is a heartfelt…

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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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