Experience a Meditation Retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California
This beginner-friendly retreat offers a clear and practical introduction to meditation, including concentration and analytical techniques, in a peaceful redwood setting.
About the Retreat
Ready to hit pause on the chaos of daily life and actually train your mind? This retreat offers a clear, practical, and experiential introduction to meditation—ideal for beginners who want to learn how to meditate in a structured way. Whether you’re flying solo or continuing your journey through the Exploring Buddhism program, you’ll find a supportive environment to deepen your practice and understanding.
Over the course of the retreat, you’ll explore the why and how of meditation in a way that’s structured, grounded, and—most importantly—accessible. You’ll dive into the two main types of meditation: placement (concentration) and analytical meditation, with a focus on developing calm abiding. Step by step, you’ll learn to cultivate mental stability, clarity, and mindfulness—all skills that transform not just your practice, but your daily life.
Through guided meditations, insightful teachings, periods of refreshing silence, and time for your own practice, you’ll pick up practical tools for handling distraction, strengthening focus, and navigating common meditation challenges. By the end, you’ll walk away confident in your meditation skills and ready to carry them into everyday life.
No prior meditation experience is required.
Key topics we’ll explore:
- How to structure a meditation session that actually works
- The core types and building blocks of meditation
- Techniques for training in calm abiding
- The stages of developing stable and focused mental states
- The four close placements of mindfulness—your roadmap to presence
Think of this retreat as a mental gym: challenging, fun, and deeply rewarding. Come curious, leave with a toolkit that will stick.
Silence During the Retreat
While this is not a fully silent retreat, periods of silence are woven throughout the program to support deeper reflection and meditation. Participants are also welcome to remain in silence for the entire retreat if they wish. A simple “in silence” badge (provided here) can be worn to communicate this intention to others.
Registration Closes
November 5th
Tentative Schedule
Fees (vary by accommodation)
Commuting – $720.00
RV/Camper Van – $875.00
Women’s Dorm – $1,136.00
Men’s Dorm – $1,136.00
Women’s Quad – $1,520.00
Men’s Quad – $1,520.00
Private Room – Twin Bed – $1,960.00
Private Room – Double bed – $1,960.00
Private Cabin #1 – “Vajrapani” – $2,200.00
Private Cabin #2 – “Chenrezig” – $2,200.00
Private Cabin #3 – “Vajrayogini” – $2,200.00
Private Cabin #4 – “Chakrasamvara” – $2,200.00
Private Cabin #5 – “Tara” – $2,200.00
Private Cabin #6 – “Yamantaka” – $2,200.00
Private Cabin – Most Secret – $2,520
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.
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