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

Unlocking the Power of Ritual, Mantra, and Mudra

Venerable Angie Muir and Venerable Katy Cole

November 8 - 10, 2024
**New Start Date** This course has been shortened and condensed to allow for easier online participation.   In the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, practicing ritual is a powerful method to develop positive mind states and subdue the negative ones, while serving as a compelling foundation for your spiritual practice to flourish.     For those new to Buddhism or those who have yet to fully grasp the profound benefits of these rituals, the rituals may seem overwhelming. We might lack confidence in engaging with these valuable practices, especially while practicing in groups.  This retreat is designed to explore the depth and benefit…

Full Moon Tara Puja

Venerable Angie Muir

November 15, 2024
Full Moon Tara Puja: For Protection and Fulfillment   Please join us for a Full Moon Tara Puja on Nov. 15th with Ven Angie Muir from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (PT) on Zoom. Full Moon days are merit multipliers, strengthening the power of the Puja. This puja will be in English.   Tara Puja is a devotional practice invoking the blessings of Tara, a female manifestation of all the Buddhas. Embodying enlightened activity, Tara has the power of swiftness to quickly overcome our obstacles and fears and fulfill our temporary and ultimate goals.     Key Elements of a…

Our Blog

  • Spring has officially arrived and with it a sense of renewal, a spark of hope. Trees are leafing and blossoming. So many wildflowers dot the hillsides. Bees are buzzing and early morning birds chatter like townsfolk exclaiming the beauty of this valley.  Living a quiet......

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