How to Train a Happy Mind
Scott Snibbe
August 13 - 16, 2026
Based on his acclaimed book How to Train a Happy Mind, this three-day retreat with Scott Snibbe re-introduces ancient Buddhist wisdom in a way that speaks directly to the modern mind and the challenges of contemporary life. Through eight carefully crafted meditations, participants learn practical ways to cultivate their best qualities, strengthen relationships, and respond to today’s world with clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Drawing from the Tibetan Buddhist lamrim—the “stages of the path”—these centuries-old contemplative practices are refreshed for our time. Rather than asking us to step away from modern life, they use reflection, emotion, and critical thinking to help meet it more skillfully. This analytical style of meditation complements mindfulness by actively transforming habits of stress, distraction, craving, and loneliness into deeper contentment, connection, and purpose.
No prior knowledge of Buddhism is required. Each session naturally builds on the last, guiding participants from reflections on the preciousness and impermanence of life to compassion and the deeply interdependent nature of reality—insights that feel especially vital in an age of uncertainty, division, and overwhelm.
For longtime Buddhists, this retreat offers a meaningful renewal of familiar teachings, translating timeless truths into a contemporary language and honestly addressing the questions that arise as ancient paths meet modern Western lives.
Registration Closes
August 6, 2026
Additional Information
- Check-in is between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on the first day of the retreat
- Departing approximately 2:00 PM on the last day of the retreat after the group lunch
- FAQ page – helpful information for preparing for a group retreat and living on the land
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.
About Retreat Fees (includes accommodation, 3 meals a day, and facility costs)
The collected registration fees include all accommodations, 3 nutritious vegetarian meals a day, and general facility/operating costs. Retreat registrations help support the center to keep everything operating, allowing us to invite so many precious teachers, and to hold this precious space of 70+ acres of secluded redwood forest to allow guests to have the quiet, contemplative space to continue spiritual growth.
Teacher’s Offerings
Traditionally, spiritual teachings are considered priceless; remuneration of our teacher(s) is not included in the fee information detailed on this page. Instead, we invite you to consider bringing a cash donation with you to express your gratitude for the teachings. Participants get a chance to present a cash offering to the teachers on the last day of the retreat and this is supplemented by a donation from Vajrapani Institute. Please note that we don’t offer a credit card option for teacher’s fees.
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Financial Aid/ Scholarships
We want to make retreats available to everyone. With this in mind, we will gladly work out a payment plan with you if needed. If more assistance is necessary, we offer several scholarships. Please note that the scholarship deadline is one month before the retreat begins.
- For detailed information on setting up a payment plan, please see Financial Aid: Payment Plans
- To see if you’re eligible for a scholarship, and how to apply for scholarships, please see Financial Aid: Scholarships
Our utmost goal is to help as many beings as possible to have the gift of retreat. If you have additional questions after reviewing the guidelines for payment plans and/or scholarships, please email the Office at office@vajrapani.org.
Teacher
Scott Snibbe is a 25-year student of Tibetan Buddhism whose teachers include Geshe Ngawang Dakpa, Choden Rinpoche, Ven. Rene Feusi, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Inspired by his teachers, he leads meditations worldwide infused with science, humor, and the realities of the modern world. Snibbe is the author and host of the popular How to Train a Happy Mind book and podcast, and his new media art can be found in the collections of New York MoMA and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Learn more about Scott Snibbe


