Employment and Volunteering

Working and Growing

We are first and foremost a spiritual community committed to helping retreaters and staff develop their minds. By joining our team you will

 

  • Offer your talents and skills to an organization dedicating to serving others
  • Nurture a sense of service within yourself
  • Participate in a mindful and contemplative work culture
  • Stimulate your mind by having access to our regular program

 

“I feel as if I have found a precious little oasis, where I have the opportunity to work, study and practice amidst an enchanting redwood forest. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and serenity, which I find are very good conditions to cultivate a peaceful mind. Serving a Buddhist community feels very rewarding.”

– Cristian

Our Community

Living in community in an isolated place creates long-lasting friendships and a real sense of teamwork. Co-workers feel more like family. Everyone contributes what they can above and beyond what is required. The “family feeling” Lama Yeshe spoke of still lives on and prospers at Vajrapani Institute.

 

What We Are Looking For

Ideal candidates will

 

  • Possess strong communication skills
  • Be content with rugged and rustic conditions
  • Be comfortable with prolonged relative isolation
  • Have a mature personal spiritual practice
  • Possess an attitude of altruism and generosity
  • Be proactive and organized

Being a Buddhist is not a requirement for working here. We welcome practitioners from all traditions.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to our remote location all staff and volunteers need to have their own vehicles.

 

Study the Dharma

Our staff and volunteers are welcome to attend any of our programs if it doesn’t conflict with their work schedules. Make sure to mention ahead of time what programs you are most interested in so we can try to make arrangements for you to attend. We have an extensive library with many out of print books, as well as a video library of teachings and documentaries. We have senior practitioners on the land and on staff that are available for interviews and discussions.

Volunteer Program

Employment Opportunities

Lead Cook
The Cook is a supportive role to the Kitchen Manager, and steps in as the lead for the kitchen team in the managers absence. The Kitchen Team meets both retreater and staff needs as it relates to meal service and kitchen organization. This position is a precious opportunity to share one’s culinary skills while connecting with a community of dedicated spiritual practitioners. At VPI, we strive to cultivate a contemplative environment. The kitchen department is at the heart of this endeavor.
October 31, 2025
Temporary Cleaner/Caretaker
Temporary 8 week position with potential for becoming permananent. Our cleaner/caretaker helps the Housekeeper and Land Team to keep our center organized, tidy, and clean, inside and out. We believe that our ability to keep VPI well kept and cared for is a direct reflection of our values.
November 3, 2025

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

October 25 - November 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.     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…

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