Vajrapani Institute is a nonprofit Buddhist retreat center offering meditation retreats throughout the year in the peaceful Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Surrounded by towering redwoods, our retreats provide an opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life, deepen meditation practice, and explore timeless teachings on compassion, wisdom, and the nature of the mind.
We offer a variety of retreats for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Some introduce the foundations of meditation and mindfulness, while others explore the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism through study, reflection, and contemplative practice. All are designed to support personal growth, inner peace, and meaningful transformation within a supportive retreat environment.
As a nonprofit organization, retreat fees directly support our spiritual programs and help cover accommodations, vegetarian meals, teachers, staff, and the ongoing care of our 70-acre redwood property.
Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat, a weeklong meditation retreat, or a deeper immersive experience, we invite you to join us in the peaceful redwoods and discover the benefits of retreat.
Browse our upcoming retreats or explore the full retreat calendar.
