Arya Tara (Tib. Drol-ma), the “Liberator,” swiftly delivers the blessings of the buddhas and bodhisattvas to those who make their minds receptive through deep practice, particularly in a retreat setting. She is able to do this because she is the manifestation of the purified action-wind of all the buddhas.
During tumultuous times, Cittamani Tara practice becomes especially vital for clearing inner and outer obstacles and bringing protection. Through this Cittamani Tara retreat, we draw closer to her while strengthening our altruistic motivation and our ability to directly benefit ourselves and others.
This approximation retreat is open to all who have the prerequisites outlined below. It also provides an opportunity for those who have recently received the Cittamani Tara initiation from Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche, together with the commentary to be offered in September/October 2026 (to be confirmed over 4 Saturday mornings), to undertake and complete the 100,000-mantra recitation.
The main purpose of this approximation retreat is to experience Cittamani Tara practice through the actual practice of the sadhana and the completion of the mantra commitment. This will be the primary focus of the retreat. Consequently, apart from personal questions that you may have, which Ven. Angie will be available to help with, there will not be formal Q&A sessions. We will maintain silence for the majority of the retreat in order to support a deep and sustained retreat experience.
The teachings offered by Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche, together with the accompanying materials and suggested reading, are intended to provide the necessary support and context for the retreat. Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these materials in advance so that the retreat itself can remain primarily focused on practice.
On the final day of the retreat, we will perform the purifying fire puja, followed by an afternoon self-initiation practice. We also plan to offer this self-initiation as an online group practice on a regular basis following the retreat, giving practitioners an ongoing opportunity to purify their vows and maintain their samayas.
Cittamani Tara is a unique and profound practice of Highest Yoga Tantra, deeply revered and practiced by Tibetan Buddhists throughout the world. The practice has been embraced and upheld by great masters and living examples of Tara’s enlightened activity, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa himself.
The Cittamani Tara approximation retreat is a prerequisite for subsequent body mandala initiation.
Retreater Requirements
This retreat will be conducted in the formal Highest Yoga Tantra Enabling Action Retreat format, including the 100,000 accumulation of mantras and the purifying fire puja. Because of this, all participants must meet the following prerequisites. These requirements are intended to help everyone gain the greatest benefit from the retreat while avoiding obstacles for themselves and the group.
- In addition to having received the Cittamani Tara initiation, you must have maintained your daily tantric commitment of Six-Session Guru Yoga since receiving your most recent Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment of any deity.
- You must attend all retreat sessions each day for the entire duration of the retreat, even if you complete your required mantra accumulation early. This is essential for maintaining a supportive and cohesive group retreat atmosphere.
- You must stay on site for the entire duration of the retreat.
- Participants must have stable mental and physical health sufficient to undertake the retreat.
- If you have questions concerning broken samaya, please consult your own Lama for advice before registering for the retreat.
How To Apply
To apply for the retreat, please verify your previous highest yoga tantra initiation by using this application form.
Personal Supplies
- Electronics: Electronics are permitted only for retreat-specific purposes, such as reading Cittamani Tara commentaries on a tablet or setting a morning alarm. Devices must remain on airplane mode throughout the retreat.
- You may not send texts or emails, make phone calls, or use social media during the retreat — what a relief!
- Malas: Please bring two malas. Your retreat-specific mala should have its own small bag and will remain in the Gompa throughout the entire retreat. The second mala is for your other practices.
- Dorje and bell: Please bring a dorje and bell. A damaru is optional.
- Inner offering: Please bring your inner offering, or bring a small jar of alcohol so that an inner offering pill can be added to it.
Additional Suggested Reading/Study Resources
1. The Secret Revelations of Cittamani Tara by Pabongka Rinpoche, Translated by David Gonsalez (available for purchase from Amazon)
2. Commentaries by Lama Yeshe and Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tsephel (will be sent to participants after registration)
Registration Closes
January 13, 2027
Fees (vary by accommodation)
Women’s Dorm – $1,490
Men’s Dorm – $1,490
Women’s Quad – $2,000
Men’s Quad – $2,000
Private Room- Twin Bed – $2,570
Private Room- Double bed – $2,570
Private Cabin #1 – “Vajrapani” – $2,880
Private Cabin #2 – “Chenrezig” – $2,880
Private Cabin #3 – “Vajrayogini” – $2,880
Private Cabin #4 – “Chakrasamvara” – $2,880
Private Cabin #5 – “Tara” – $2,880
Private Cabin #6 – “Yamantaka” – $2,880
Most Secret Cabin – $3,300
Additional Information
- Check in is between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on the first day of the retreat
- Departing approximately 2:00 PM on the last day of the retreat after the group lunch
- You can see information about our accommodations in the registration process
- FAQ page – helpful information for preparing for a group retreat and living on the land
About Vajrapani Institute
Vajrapani Institute was the first Tibetan Buddhist retreat center established in the United States. For nearly fifty years it has provided a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can study and practice the teachings of the Buddha. Located on 70 acres of secluded land in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Vajrapani Institute offers meditation retreats, teachings, and opportunities for spiritual practice rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Its mission is to support the cultivation of wisdom and compassion while helping bridge the gap between intellectual understanding and lived experience.
About Retreat Fees (includes accommodation, 3 meals a day and facility costs)
The retreat registration fee includes accommodations, three nutritious vegetarian meals each day, and general facility and operating costs. Retreat registrations help support the center to keep everything operating, allowing us to invite so many precious teachers, and to hold this sacred space of 70+ acres of secluded redwood forest to allow guests to have the quiet, contemplative space to continue spiritual growth.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
We want to make retreat accessible to everyone. If needed, we are happy to work with you to arrange a payment plan. If additional support is required, a limited number of scholarships are available.
The scholarship application deadline is one month before the retreat begins. Please email office@vajrapani.org to inquire about financial assistance.
Our sincere wish is to make the opportunity for retreat available to as many beings as possible.
