Through reflection, discussion, and guided practice, this retreat invites you to experience how small shifts in intention and perspective can lead to lasting inner change—supporting a more open heart, a calmer mind, and a life guided by compassion.
Held at the peaceful mountain retreat center of Vajrapani Institute in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, this meditation retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily distractions and immerse yourself in meditation, reflection, and Buddhist teachings on karma and compassion.
Warm, approachable, and deeply rooted in tradition, Geshe Tenzin Zopa brings Buddhist teachings to life in a way that feels clear, relevant, and accessible. This is a precious opportunity to spend meaningful time with a respected teacher while deepening your meditation practice.
Geshe Zopa will be touring North America from January 24 to April 5. For more information, please visit the Geshe Tenzin Zopa FPMT North America Tour.
Registration Closes
March 30, 2026
Fees
Commuting – $190.00
Camping – $230
RV/Camper Van – $260.00
Women’s Dorm – $300.00
Men’s Dorm – $300.00
Women’s Quad – $402.00
Men’s Quad – $402.00
Private Room- Twin Bed – $528.00
Private Room- Double bed – $528.00
Private Cabin #1 – “Vajrapani” – $586.00
Private Cabin #2 – “Chenrezig” – $586.00
Private Cabin #3 – “Vajrayogini” – $586.00
Private Cabin #4 – “Chakrasamvara” – $586.00
Private Cabin #5 – “Tara” – $586.00
Private Cabin #6 – “Yamantaka” – $586.00
Tentative Schedule
Friday, April 3
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Registration and Check in
- 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Working Meditation Training
- 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner
- 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm Cleanup
- 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Vajrapani Orientation
- 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Introductory Session
Saturday, April 4
- 7:15 am – 8:00 am Meditation
- 8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast and cleanup
- 9:00 am – 12:30am: Session 1 (with tea break)
- 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch/cleanup/Rest
- 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Session 2 (with tea break)
- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner and cleanup
- 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm Meditation
Sunday, April 5
- 7:15 am – 8:00 am Meditation
- 8:00 am – 9:30 am Breakfast/cleanup/pack up
- 9:30 am – 12:00 am Last Session (with tea break)
- 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Vajrapani Thank you and Close
- 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch (End of Retreat)
** Please note schedule is subject to change **
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.
Upcoming Retreats
You can also explore other upcoming meditation retreats at Vajrapani Institute by visiting our retreat calendar.
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
Experience a Meditation Retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Surrounded by towering redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, 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.
