Our Resident Teacher

Elaine Jackson

Vajrapani Institute has been very fortunate in the great practitioners and teachers who have held the role of Resident Teacher, starting in the early days with Geshe Lobsang Gyatso and Geshe Wangdu. More recently, we’ve been blessed with Ven. René Feusi followed by Ven. Tenzin Chogkyi. We now welcome Elaine in this role. Elaine is loved by and well-known to our community. She was one of the founders of Vajrapani Institute. She served as its Director 2004-2009, and since then, in various roles helping us grow and serve the Dharma. She has been instrumental in the development of the center and its staff.

 

Elaine has been a student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche since 1977. She has studied with many great masters including Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Choden Rinpoche, Kirti Tsenchab Rinpoche and Ribur Rinpoche among others. She completed a three-year retreat in 2014. Since her retreat, she has been teaching at centers in the United States and abroad.

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)…

Sweeping Away Fears and Obstacles: A Green Tara Meditation Retreat

Venerable Angie Muir

February 19 - 22, 2026
A merit-multiplying retreat during the auspicious Fifteen Days of Miracles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGUokiulpWg Who is Green Tara Green Tara is a beloved female Buddha who embodies swift, fearless compassion and the enlightened activity of all the Buddhas in feminine form. Known as the Mother of All the Buddhas, she responds quickly to those who call upon her, offering protection from fears, obstacles, and difficulties—both inner and outer. Meditating on Green Tara is a powerful way to connect with our own innate potential for wisdom and compassion, cultivating confidence, clarity, and success in our spiritual aspirations. Her vibrant green color symbolizes active compassion,…

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