Registration Closed
Experiential Vajrayogini Retreat in California
This Tantric Buddhist retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains is designed for qualified practitioners with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation who wish to deepen their Vajrayogini practice in a focused and supportive retreat environment.
Experience the Living Path of Vajrayogini
Learn how Vajrayogini practice reaches its full power when embraced as a living, integrated path—rooted in ethical principles, meditation, and heartfelt engagement. Join Elaine Jackson on a profound journey as she shares her personal approach and invites a vibrant exchange of insights and experiences.
This retreat goes beyond ritual, offering an opportunity to bring the practice fully into daily life, allowing its subtle yet profound transformative power to awaken clarity, compassion, and insight.
Elaine has said, “How wonderful that we will meet again to explore our relationship with Vajrayogini. I will share my approach to the practice and happily discuss ways to enliven it, soliciting your experiences as well.”
“For tantric practice to perform its miracle, all the ingredients must be assembled, combined, and become one with the mind. What we may consider preliminary practices are an essential foundation for ripening our understanding of reality.”
“Training the mind to manifest Vajrayogini’s mind, creates an alchemical change from the ordinary to the profound. I look forward to spending this time with you.”
Student Level
Enrollment is restricted to those with the appropriate Highest Yoga Tantra initiation and Vajrayogini blessing.
How to Apply
To apply to the retreat, please verify your highest yoga tantra initiation and Vajrayogini blessing by filling out this Application Form
Upon review, you will be sent the passcode and link to register here.
Registration Closes
May 14, 2026
Fees
Commuting – $360.00
Camping – $460.00
Women’s Dorm – $568.00
Men’s Dorm – $568.00
Women’s Quad – $760.00
Men’s Quad – $760.00
Private Room- Twin Bed – $980.00
Private Room- Double bed – $980.00
Private Cabin #1 – “Vajrapani” – $1,100.00
Private Cabin #2 – “Chenrezig” – $1,100.00
Private Cabin #3 – “Vajrayogini” – $1,100.00
Private Cabin #4 – “Chakrasamvara” – $1,100.00
Private Cabin #5 – “Tara” – $1,100.00
Private Cabin #6 – “Yamantaka” – $1,100.00
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)
Retreat registration includes accommodations, three nutritious vegetarian meals each day, and general facility and operating costs. These fees help support the center, allowing us to invite precious teachers and maintain this sacred space of over 70 acres of secluded redwood forest for quiet, contemplative practice.
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.
Upcoming Retreats
You can explore other upcoming meditation retreats at Vajrapani Institute by visiting our retreat calendar.
