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.

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

Upcoming Retreats

New Moon Tara Puja

Venerable Angie Muir

May 27, 2025
Join us as we welcome Ven. Angie back from Nepal and India! Tara Puja: For Protection and Fulfillment.   Please join us for a Tara Puja on May 27th with Ven Angie Muir from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (PT) on Zoom.  This puja will be in English.   Tara Puja is a devotional practice invoking the blessings of Tara, a female manifestation of all the Buddhas. Embodying enlightened activity, Tara has the power of swiftness to quickly overcome our obstacles and fears and fulfill our temporary and ultimate goals.     Key Elements of a Tara Puja: Mandala Offering:…

Seabright Beach Community Potluck

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

June 8, 2025
Join us at a Beach Potluck to Celebrate our Precious Sangha and welcome Geshe Tenzin Legtsok to the Bay Area community!   When: Sunday, June 8th, 2025  3:00pm-6:00pm   Where: Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz   We’re excited to invite the Bay Area community to a special event celebrating the monastics who so generously serve our local FPMT centers. On Sunday, June 8th from 3:00–6:00 PM, we’ll be gathering at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz for a joyful Beach Potluck in Honor of our Sangha and to celebrate the arrival of Geshe Tenzin Legtsok to our community. This is a heartfelt…

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