Upcoming Retreats


Exploring Buddhism

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

June 16 - December 14, 2025
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 a strong basis for more advanced study. The program is intended for students with a good understanding of basic Buddhism.    What…

July Vajrayogini Self Initiation

Venerable Angie Muir and Elaine Jackson

July 20, 2025
Vajrayogini Self-Initiation   When: Sunday, July 20, 2025 In Person and Online 10:00am - 3:00pm (PT) with a half-hour lunch break. Where: Venerable Angie Muir and Elaine Jackson will lead the Vajrayogini Self Initiation in person in the gompa or online via Zoom, feel free to make offerings on your personal altar.   Prerequisites: This practice is restricted to those who have completed a Vajrayogini approximation retreat with fire puja.     Who is Vajrayogini?  She is the ultimate flowering of the female energy that lies within all of us, a fully enlightened Buddha, the essence of totality- beyond duality,…

Family Camp 2025

July 24 - 27, 2025
This EVENT is CURRENTLY FULL, please join us for Family Camp 2026! A weekend family retreat where participants are given the opportunity to better understand their mind and emotions through a Tibetan Buddhist lens using meditation, discussion, art, nature and play. Set in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, families with children ages 5-12 are encouraged to unplug and reconnect, supported by a community of like-minded families, staff, and volunteers.   First Time at Family Camp? Read all about what to expect at Family Camp at our Family Camp details page              …

Chokhor Duchen Celebration – First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok and Venerable Angie Muir

July 28, 2025
Join Geshe Tenzin Legtsok and Ven. Angie for Chokhor Duchen – First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma June 28th, 5:30- 8:30 AM PST Online Only Chokhor Duchen, one of the four annual holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, takes place this year on July 28th. On these holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, the power of any meritorious action is multiplied by 100 million, as taught in the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic. Known in English as “Turning the Wheel of Dharma,” Chokhor Duchen commemorates the anniversary of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s first teaching. It is said that…

Cultivating Compassion in Daily Life: A Weekend Retreat

Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche II and Dr. Alexander Berzin

August 15 - 17, 2025
***Retreat Update: Expanded Weekend with Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche II and Dr. Alexander Berzin**   We’re delighted to share that what was originally planned as a daylong retreat with Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche II has been expanded into a full weekend retreat! This allows for additional teaching time with Rinpoche! We’re also honored to welcome Dr. Alexander Berzin, who will offer a public talk and Q&A on Sunday. We are incredibly fortunate to welcome the highly revered lama, Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche II, back to Vajrapani for this very special hybrid weekend program! Rinpoche is known for his warmth and humor as well as…

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