Join us for our popular New Year’s Vajrasattva Retreat with Elaine Jackson where we will practice a traditional Tibetan Buddhist purification technique to release old patterns and obstacles and welcome new insights through experiential meditation. No initiations are required to attend this retreat, students of all levels will benefit.
About the Retreat
The path to enlightenment is a gradual, proven process whereby one’s mind is transformed to abide in never-ending contentment. In Tibetan Buddhism, this is called wisdom – a deep knowing of reality, as it is, through direct perception. Most of us operate from profound ignorance, a solid misknowing. This ignorance – that happiness and unhappiness come from somewhere “out there” – blocks us from seeing our clear light mind.
The Vajrasattva practice purifies our mind from grasping so strongly onto a mistaken view. Using time-tested visualization and meditation, deluded states – pain, sorrow, hatred, pride, jealousy, doubt – lose their power. Our mind is purified. We then have the opportunity to realize that we ourselves have the power to transform our world into an enlightened paradise.
Some Vajrasattva retreats emphasize mantra recitation. Instead, in this retreat we will focus on the results of Vajrasattva meditation practice and the states of mind that ensue. Weather permitting, we’ll also engage in walking meditation outside. Regardless, we’ll have time to enjoy relaxation in this beautiful redwood forest.
Registration Closes
December 22, 2026
Tentative Retreat Schedule
On Tuesday evening, we will begin with an introduction and a practice session as we explore why this powerful Vajrasattva practice actually works, and how we might use it in our daily life to grow our happiness.
On Wednesday, we will have several practice sessions, meet in discussion groups, and have time to meditate and reflect on the practice and this year’s challenges and triumphs in a gorgeous redwood setting.
On Thursday, we will have several sessions throughout the day. Our New Year’s Eve session will begin at 7:00 pm with our beloved Lama Yeshe’s practice of Vajrasattva Tsog and will culminate in a joyful celebration with stories and music. Happily, we’ll be joined by George Galt, our dear friend and musician extraordinaire, who will lead us in a sing-along. Feel free to bring your dancing slippers.
On Friday and Saturday, we’ll continue with practice and teaching sessions, set our intention for the New Year, rejoice in the good energy we have created, and dedicate that positive energy so that all our dharma wishes come true.
Vajrapani Institute is a wonderful place to practice. It’s full of the blessings of many, many amazing masters and meditators. Just to be in this blessed place brings peace. Relaxing in this beautiful redwood forest, may you “enjoy as much as possible, without grasping,” as Lama Yeshe used to say. Join us in celebrating our good fortune to have shared time together cultivating our precious human life’s highest potential.
Who is it for?
Past experience with this practice is helpful, but not necessary. Everyone will benefit. Lama Yeshe said that just by attending a retreat with a warm heart we are already successful. The simple practice of pausing to see what is actually true in the moment works to retrain the mind. Then grace may arise as love, compassion and all the other noble qualities of our awakened humanity.
Fees (vary by accommodation)
Commuting – $360.00
RV/Camper Van – $500.00
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
Private Cabin – Most Secret Cabin – $1,260.00
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
