Accommodation
Cabins
We have seven private cabins situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. There is a shared private indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. The private cabins have single beds and can be set up for double occupancy with the addition of a cot bed.
Capacity: 7 to 14 people
Most Secret
Tucked into a peaceful and secluded setting, the cabin offers a beautiful balance of simplicity, privacy, and comfort. Recently refreshed, it feels renewed while preserving the quiet character that has made it such a favorite over the years.
Features include: Fully functional kitchenette, Hot and cold running water, mini refrigerator, personal shower, private on-site outhouse, dedicated meditation space, greater privacy and seclusion
Ideal for longer stays, Most Secret allows retreatants to settle deeply into practice while enjoying greater comfort during time away from the cushion.
Capacity: 1 to 2 people
Potala Lodge
Capacity: 39-43 people
Main Women’s Dormitory with 14 beds
Main Men’s Dormitory with 12 beds
Two Semi-Private Dorms with 4 beds each
Four Private Rooms with a double bed each
One Private Room with a single bed
Potala Lodge – Dormitories
Main Women Dormitory with 14 beds
Main Men Dormitory with 12 beds
Both dormitories are located on the second floor of the Portola Lodge. The bathrooms are located on the same floor.
Potala Lodge – Semi-Private Rooms
Two Semi-Private Rooms with 4 beds in each room – bunk bed style
Semi-private rooms are located on the second floor. The bathrooms are located on the same floor.
Portola Lodge – Double Rooms
There are four double private rooms situated on the ground floor of the lodge. The bathrooms are accessed by stairs up to the second floor.
Portola Lodge – single room
There is one single room on the ground floor of the lodge. The bathrooms are accessed by stairs up to the second floor.
Teachers House
The Teacher’s House is a beautiful two-bedroom house with its own secluded garden. It has a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
The Teacher’s House is used to accommodate visiting teachers and is not part of our private retreat accommodations
Capacity: 1 to 2 people
Meeting Hall
We have a beautiful Meeting Hall that’s been blessed by 30 years of spiritual practice. The Meeting Hall has a capacity of up to 85 people. Meditation cushions, chairs and teaching thrones are provided. A sound system is available upon request.
Camping
We have 25 camp sites around the land. Size of sites vary and can accommodate a 2-4 person tent.
Capacity: 25 -40 people
Outdoor Showers
The Outdoor Shower Building, situated on the private retreat cabin ridge have spectacular views of the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains. A student from Montana once said: “These showers alone are worth flying in from Montana for”.
Stupas
Stupas are symbolic of the unlimited mind of all enlightened beings. Shakyamuni Buddha taught that performing spiritual practices at a stupa would have the same effect as making offerings to the Buddha himself. There are a number of stupas on the land. The main one is situated within close proximity to the main building. The others are up on Lama’s Ridge where the private cabins are located.
Dining
Vajrapani Institute is renowned for the deliciousness of its vegetarian cooking. Rental includes three meals per day. Our indoor/outdoor eating area capacity is 115 people. The indoor dining area sits up to 40 people.
Library
Vajrapani Institute has a Dharma Library with many out of print books and a sitting area available to all.
Sitting Areas
The land is beautiful to explore. Whilst walking around, there are many places where one can sit, contemplate, and enjoy the view. The stillness of the forest and surrounding mountains has a special quality which generates an expansive spaciousness of mind.
Hiking
Vajrapani Institute offers a number of beautiful hiking opportunities. The Peace Trail circumambulates the land and its holy objects. Another trail meanders into Castle Rock State Park for stunning views of the Monterey Bay.
Wildlife
At Vajrapani, we share the land with remarkable neighbors. Impressive bucks wander at dusk, quail and turkey rustle in the brush, and foxes and bobcats keep to their quiet paths while crows and ravens hold lively conversations overhead. There’s a quiet magic here — a sense the forest is listening, alive with presence and possibility.