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

In-Depth Meditation Training

Venerable Losang Gendun

February 7 - April 18, 2026
Year 3, Term 2 The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature   This four year course is designed so that students can join at any time and immediately benefit. Each class includes 60 minutes of guided meditation followed by 90 minutes of lecture, including Q&A. Over 100 students from around the globe come together each week for this transformative program!   Year 3, Term 2: 11 Saturdays February 7 – April 18, 2026 6:30am – 9:00am Pacific Time NOTE: On March 21st and 28th we will have class from 7:30am to 10:00am   Online Only    In-Depth Meditation Training (IDMT)…

New Moon Losar Medicine Buddha Puja with Light Offerings

Venerable Angie Muir

February 18, 2026
8am - 9am (PT) - Online Only   Join us as we welcome the Tibetan New Year (Losar) with a special New Moon Losar Medicine Buddha Puja led by Ven. Angie. This puja will be especially powerful since it is said that karmic results are multiplied by one hundred million times during Losar and the subsequent 15 Days of Miracles.   The Medicine Buddha Puja invokes the healing energy of all enlightened beings, bringing purification and blessings on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. It is especially beneficial for those who are ill or have recently passed.   You may also sponsor…

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