Buddhist Mind Science: Cultivating Lasting Happiness
Elaine Jackson
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 min Q&A
Where: The Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz and Online Via Zoom*
The Galleria, Suite 240 COMMUNITY ROOM
740 Front Street, Santa Cruz
(Behind Insight Santa Cruz and above Mobo Sushi)
About:
Cultivating Lasting Happiness: What Buddhism and Science Have to Say About It
This experiential course draws on insights from both Buddhist and scientific understandings of the mind, exploring how meditation and mind training can lead to greater well-being, lasting happiness, and a positive impact on oneself and the world.
This four-class series, Cultivating Lasting Happiness, introduces fundamental tools for transforming the mind, including how to:
- Clarify a meaningful direction in life
- Balance the mind with equanimity and compassion
- Nurture warmheartedness and wisdom
- Engage with meditation in practical, accessible ways
While each class builds on the themes of the series, participants are welcome to attend any individual session. Each class stands on its own and offers valuable takeaways in both theory and practice—so feel free to drop in as you’re able!
“Happiness and suffering are dependent upon your mind, upon your interpretation. They do not come from outside, from others. All of your happiness and all of your suffering are created by you, by your own mind.”
–Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Testimonials about Elaine:
“Elaine’s teachings touched me deeply. She embodies the spirit of the teachings.” (Andrea – New Year’s Retreat 2018)
“Elaine has changed the trajectory of my life.” (Jamie – New Year’s Retreat 2018)
Open to all levels—beginners and drop-ins especially welcome.
Register below through the Wisdom Center, and please email your questions to wisdomcenter.sc@gmail.com.
Suggested donation: Standard $20/class
Suggested donation: Student $10/class
No one turned away for lack of funds. Please join us!

About Vajrapani Institute
Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture was one of the first Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Centers in America. Vajrapani aims to provide a friendly and conducive environment for people of all nationalities to learn, put into practice the teachings of the Buddha, and connect with other Dharma practitioners. Located on 70 acres of secluded land within the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz mountains, Vajrapani Institute has been an immersive space for people of all backgrounds to find and deepen their spiritual practices, with the main goal of bridging the gap between the head and heart of practice.
Teacher
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…
Learn more about Elaine Jackson