Experience a Meditation Retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Surrounded by towering redwoods, Vajrapani Institute offers a peaceful natural setting that supports deep reflection and meditation. The quiet beauty of the forest, fresh mountain air, and spacious land create an environment where it becomes easier to slow down, settle the mind, and reconnect with what truly matters. Participants are also nourished with delicious vegetarian meals prepared with care, adding warmth and vitality to the retreat experience.
About the Retreat
Based on his acclaimed book How to Train a Happy Mind, this three-day meditation retreat in California with Scott Snibbe introduces timeless Buddhist wisdom in a way that speaks directly to modern life. Through eight guided meditations, participants learn practical tools to cultivate happiness, strengthen relationships, and respond to life with clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Drawing from the Tibetan Buddhist lamrim—the “stages of the path”—these centuries-old contemplative practices are refreshed for our time. Rather than asking us to step away from modern life, they use reflection, emotion, and critical thinking to help meet it more skillfully. This analytical style of meditation complements mindfulness by actively transforming habits of stress, distraction, craving, and loneliness into deeper contentment, connection, and purpose.
No prior knowledge of Buddhism is required. Each session naturally builds on the last, guiding participants from reflections on the preciousness and impermanence of life to compassion and the deeply interdependent nature of reality—insights that feel especially vital in an age of uncertainty, division, and overwhelm.
For longtime Buddhists, this retreat offers a meaningful renewal of familiar teachings, translating timeless truths into a contemporary language and honestly addressing the questions that arise as ancient paths meet modern Western lives.
Is this retreat for beginners?
This retreat is designed to be fully accessible to beginners. No prior experience with meditation or Buddhism is required. The teachings are presented in a clear, practical, and secular way, making them easy to apply in daily life.
Registration Closes
August 6, 2026
Tentative Schedule
Fees (vary by accommodation)
Commuting – $270.00
Camping – $345.00
RV/Camper Van – $375.00
Women’s Dorm – $426.00
Men’s Dorm – $426.00
Women’s Quad – $570.00
Men’s Quad – $570.00
Private Room – Twin Bed – $735.00
Private Room – Double bed – $735.00
Private Cabin #1 – “Vajrapani” – $825.00
Private Cabin #2 – “Chenrezig” – $825.00
Private Cabin #3 – “Vajrayogini” – $825.00
Private Cabin #4 – “Chakrasamvara” – $825.00
Private Cabin #5 – “Tara” – $825.00
Private Cabin #6 – “Yamantaka” – $825.00
Private Cabin – Most Secret Cabin – $945.00
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)
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.
Teacher’s Offerings
Traditionally, spiritual teachings are considered priceless; remuneration of our teacher(s) is not included in the fee information detailed on this page. Instead, we invite you to consider bringing a cash donation with you to express your gratitude for the teachings. Participants get a chance to present a cash offering to the teachers on the last day of the retreat and this is supplemented by a donation from Vajrapani Institute. Please note that we don’t offer a credit card option for teacher’s fees.
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 also explore other upcoming meditation retreats at Vajrapani Institute by visiting our retreat calendar.
Private Retreats
Looking for a more personal experience? Explore private retreat options at Vajrapani Institute for self-guided time in silence and nature.
History & Lineage
Learn more about the history and lineage that shape the teachings and atmosphere at Vajrapani Institute.
What Participants Are Saying
Many people who have attended retreats at Vajrapani Institute describe the experience as deeply meaningful, peaceful, and transformative.
- Read reviews on Retreat Guru
- Read reviews on Google
