Author: Liz Chisler

To my dear Vajrapani Sisters and Brothers, As many of you know, Vajrapani Institute has a very special place in my heart, and has since its founding by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche in 1975. Recently I’ve been reflecting on what makes Vajrapani...

  Engineering a Solid Future A solid spiritual practice needs to be built on good foundations. Eventually we learn that it takes a steady, patient application of effort and attention … And the same can certainly be said for the building and maintenance of retreat centers. When...

Mother Nature has a habit of showing us that we are not invincible and that everything we build and strive for is impermanent. Bizarrely, though, (and the Buddha had a thing or two to say about this) we humans insist on forgetting this basic truth...

.feat-img {width:70%;} Celebrating Our Record Breaking Year This was a record-breaking year. In 2016, you helped us share more retreats with more participants than ever before, spreading the wisdom of the teachings in a world that is so hungry for it. We invite you to take a minute...

  It is my fervent wish and belief that in helping to manifest Lama’s vision we will truly benefit all sentient beings. Soon enough, I will, as will we all, no longer be able to enter the door, to pass beneath the Redwood arch welcoming me...

  The gift of time, attention, presence. Listening. Being. In the traditional Buddhist texts, the presentation of the paramita of generosity includes several components: giving of material things; giving the Dharma; giving protection, or fearlessness; and sometimes the generosity of loving-kindness is included. How do we offer loving-kindness...

  People often ask me why I decided to ordain as a Buddhist nun. “Why did you choose to give up so much?” they ask. “Isn’t it hard? Why do you have to give up pleasure in order to be a nun?” The answer is simplicity. From...

  Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. These words were first published back in August 1973 by E.F. Schumacher, a British economist with a deep...