Upcoming Retreats


Exploring Buddhism

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

June 16 - December 14, 2025
Registration Now Open for the next module Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate at Ocean of Compassion, starting September 15th!    Exploring Buddhism is the newest foundational-level course co-developed by FPMT Education Services and senior FPMT teachers, including Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, and Venerable Joan Nicell. Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok serve as the main contributors. The program has been revised from the original pilot offered at various FPMT centers.   It was conceived as a bridge between the FPMT Discovering Buddhism and the FPMT Basic Program. The EB program presents selected topics that provide…

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   About IDMT Although grounded…

Approaching the Buddhist Path

Venerable Gyalten Chimé

September 25 - November 13, 2025
Thursdays: Sept 25 through Nov 13, 2025 6:00-7:30 pm (PT) Location: Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz and ONLINE The Galleria, Suite 240 COMMUNITY ROOM 740 Front Street, Santa Cruz​ ​​ Vajrapani Institute is honored to host this course in collaboration with Land of Medicine Buddha and The Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz. In hopes of building community and making the Dharma as accessible as possible, this course will be held in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz at the Wisdom Center. Thank you to the Wisdom Center!   This 8-week training includes 1.5 hours per week of instruction, practice, lectures, skill-building, and…

North American Regional Merit-Making Friday, October 3rd 2025

Venerable Angie Muir, Don Handrick and Venerable Amy Miller

October 3, 2025
Please join the North American Region as we joyfully practice together to collectively generate merit for our region and each of our own centers, projects, services, and study groups.   ● All are welcome - these practices are free, please invite others in the community. ● Join us for one or more sessions - drop in any time! ● Each 40-minute practice will begin at the top of the hour followed by a 20-minute break. ● The practices listed below are tentative and will be shared on the Zoom screen. We expect to do a variety of practices, including incorporating…

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