Upcoming Retreats


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…

Buddhist Mind Science: Cultivating Lasting Happiness

Elaine Jackson

November 8 - 15, 2025
Vajrapani Institute is delighted to announce Buddhist Mind Science: Module One with Elaine Jackson in person at the Wisdom Center and online.  This new FPMT course is great for beginners and is part of a collaboration with Land of Medicine Buddha and the Wisdom Center to offer beginner-friendly Saturday morning classes, available both online and in person in the heart of Santa Cruz. https://vimeo.com/1123793679?share=copy   Buddhist Mind Science: Cultivating Lasting Happiness with Elaine Jackson Dates: Four Saturdays-  Oct. 4, 18th (cancelled), 25, and Nov 8 & 15 (no class Oct 11, 18 or Nov 1) Times: 9:30-11:00 AM (PT) followed…

Lhabab Duchen Medicine Buddha Puja with light offerings

Venerable Angie Muir

November 11, 2025
Tuesday, November 11th at 8:30am (PT) Join us for a special Medicine Buddha Puja on Lhabab Duchen, one of the four great holy days of the Buddhist calendar. This sacred day celebrates Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s return to Earth from the God Realm of the Thirty-Three after teaching Dharma for several months to the gods, including his mother, Mayadevi, who had died a week after Buddha’s birth and had been reborn there.   Lhabab Duchen is known as a merit-multiplying day — when the results of virtuous actions are said to be amplified 100 million times! It’s an extraordinary time to…

Vajrayogini Self Initiation

Venerable Angie Muir and Elaine Jackson

November 13, 2025
  When: November 13 - 4:00PM to 8:00PM (PT) Where: Venerable Angie Muir and Elaine Jackson will lead the Vajrayogini Self Initiation ONLINE via ZOOM. Feel free to make offerings on your personal alter.   Prerequisites: This practice is restricted to those who have completed a Vajrayogini approximation retreat with fire puja.   We will be using the text, The Intermediate Practices of Vajrayogini, published by the FPMT. Please download a copy of the text from the FPMT foundation using the link below:   Download the text here     Since you are joining on Zoom, you will need to…

Training the Mind, Awakening the Heart

Geshe Thubten Sherab

November 28 - 30, 2025
GREAT NEWS! We have added online participation for this special retreat!!! Join us for a weekend of insight, reflection, and renewal as we explore the timeless wisdom of Seven Point Mind Training with beloved teacher Geshe Thubten Sherab. This profound yet practical approach to inner transformation has inspired spiritual seekers for centuries. With warmth, clarity, and gentle humor, Geshe Sherab will guide us through teachings and meditative practices that help us shift everyday challenges—like stress, anger, or disappointment—into opportunities for compassion, patience, and greater peace of mind. Whether you're navigating a life transition, seeking deeper meaning, or simply wanting to…

Our Services


GROUP RETREATS

Group Retreats allow you to join other students in gaining experience, knowledge, and skills under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

PRIVATE RETREATS

Retreat is especially relevant and useful in today’s busy, agitated world. Retreat offers many different benefits, for a wide variety of people.

FACILITY RENTALS

Our facilities, including a meditation hall, accommodations, and blessed land are available for rental to spiritual groups of all traditions.

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