Group Retreats

“Retreat offers a situation where it’s possible to fulfill our basic human potential and develop all the positive qualities within ourselves.”

– Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Learning Together

Group Retreats allow you to join other students in gaining experience, knowledge, and skills under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

Group retreats vary in length and focus. They can last from a few days to several weeks and cover a wide variety of topics. You can find and register for our upcoming group retreats on our event page.

Benefits

  • Direct feedback and authoritative answers to questions as they arise
  • Sharing of experiences and ideas through discussion
  • Extra stamina and momentum from a shared group dynamic
  • Increased confidence in your own ability and skill in the practice
  • Meeting like-minded individuals for companionship on your spiritual journey

Choosing a Program

All levels: Relevant to people of any experience level.
Introductory: Most suitable for those who haven’t received instruction before and have little to no experience with meditation. These programs are also great for those who want to do an introductory review.
Intermediate: Most suitable for those with at least a cursory understanding of lam-rim and some basic experience with meditation.
Advanced: Most suitable for those with a good understanding of lam-rim or tantra, and considerable meditation experience.

Levels of Silence

The practice of maintaining silence helps individuals go deeper in the retreat experience. While we do encourage full silence during most retreats, the level of silence maintained in a retreat can vary at the discretion of the retreat leader. The following silence levels therefore help to give you a general idea of silence held per retreat.

 

Full: Silence is held for the full retreat. Depending on the retreat there may be talking during discussion groups or during sessions with the teacher. However, during all break times, meals, mornings and evenings, silence is held.
Partial: The amount of silence held can vary in amount, but generally consists of half-day silence. Silence is held from after the last session in the evening until after lunch.
None: Silence is only held by the group during working meditation times.

 

Have more questions? First retreat? Check out our FAQ

Please note that we have recently updated out Cancellation Policy: You can read more about this under our FAQ section. The Cancellation Policy is also stated at the time of registration payment.

 

Questions about financial aid? Review our financial aid page.

 

If you are interested in serving as Course Liaison for a group retreat, please apply here.

Upcoming Retreats

Exploring Buddhism

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

June 16 - December 14, 2025
Registration Now Open for the next module Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate at Ocean of Compassion, starting September 15th!    Exploring Buddhism is the newest foundational-level course co-developed by FPMT Education Services and senior FPMT teachers, including Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, and Venerable Joan Nicell. Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok serve as the main contributors. The program has been revised from the original pilot offered at various FPMT centers.   It was conceived as a bridge between the FPMT Discovering Buddhism and the FPMT Basic Program. The EB program presents selected topics that provide…

North American Community Prayers

Venerable Angie Muir

July 24 - December 26, 2025
Weekly Regional Collective Prayers: For Lama Zopa Rinpoche's Auspicious Return, the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and World Peace   Every Thursday | 8:30 - 9:00 am (PT) | Online Only   All are welcome! This is a precious opportunity for FPMT students, staff, and volunteers across North America to gather in unity, generating collective merit and deepening our regional community bonds. These practices are led by rotating facilitators from centers and projects throughout the region.   Join us each Thursday morning for a short but powerful 30-minute collective practice, which will include a rotating schedule of:…

Vajrapani Institute is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition www.FPMT.org