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

Online: Bodhicitta, Mind Training and Mahamudra

Venerable René Feusi

May 9 - November 7, 2023
ZOOM CLASS ONLY When Tuesdays, 9:00am – 10:45am (Pacific Time) Begins Tuesday May 9 and will repeat every Tuesday for several months (ending date TBD)     Hosting & Registration Please note this program is being advertised here but hosted by some volunteers outside of Vajrpani Institute.  To register simply fill out the google form at this Registration Link. Once you register you will be added to the email list and the zoom link will be sent out through that list.  Additionally, a reminder will be sent before the session with information on how to access the Zoom meeting. Please…

Six Session Guru Yoga

Bhikshuni Lozang Yönten

July 7 - 9, 2023
The six-session yoga practice is a way of helping us to fulfill our commitments from anuttarayoga tantra initiation, by reminding us of the vows that we’ve taken and also the nineteen samaya to make a close connection with the five Buddha-families, which deal with the various aspects of Buddha-nature.   The Six Session Guru Yoga practice is given to those who have taken a highest yoga tantra empowerment — with the mandate to do it for life. But why is this practice so important, and how do we keep it alive and fresh day after day, year after year?  …

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