Teachers

Elaine Jackson

Elaine Jackson is a founding member of Vajrapani Institute and has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism since 1977. She has studied with many of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Thubten Yeshe, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche and many others too numerous to list. Elaine is known for the warmth and humor with which she teaches. In particular, she loves sharing the wealth of practical insights she has gained from her years of retreat and service within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Elaine served as Executive Director of Vajrapani Institute for over five years and has also completed a three-year meditation retreat. She lives a contemplative life off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz mountains while offering Dharma teachings and meditation support.

Testimonials about Elaine:
“Elaine’s teachings touched me deeply. She embodies the spirit of the teachings.” (Andrea – New Years Retreat 2018)
“Elaine has changed the trajectory of my life.” (Jamie – New Years Retreat 2018)

Events with Elaine Jackson

Buddhist Mind Science: Cultivating Lasting Happiness
October 4 - November 8, 2025

Vajrapani Institute is delighted to announce Buddhist Mind Science: Module One with Elaine Jackson in person at the Wisdom Center and online.  This new FPMT course is great for beginners and is part of a collaboration with Land of Medicine Buddha and the Wisdom Center to offer beginner-friendly Saturday morning classes, available both online and in person in the heart of Santa Cruz.     Buddhist Mind Science: Cultivating Lasting Happiness with Elaine Jackson Dates: Four Saturdays-  Oct. 4, 18, 25, and Nov 8 (no class Oct 11 or Nov 1) Times: 9:30-11:00 AM (PT) followed by an Optional 30…

New Year's Vajrasattva Practice Retreat
December 29, 2025 - January 1, 2026

Join us for our popular New Year’s Vajrasattva Retreat with Elaine Jackson where we will practice Tibetan Buddhist purification to release old patterns and obstacles and welcome new insights through experiential meditation. No initiations are required to attend this retreat, students of all levels will benefit.    About the Retreat The path to enlightenment is a gradual, proven process whereby one’s mind is transformed to abide in never-ending contentment. In Tibetan Buddhism, this is called wisdom – a deep knowing of reality, as it is, through direct perception. Most of us operate from profound ignorance, a solid misknowing. This ignorance…