Upcoming Retreats

Fees
  • Commuting – $100.00
  • RV/Camper Van – $242.00
  • Women's Dorm – $250.00
  • Men's Dorm – $250.00
  • Women's Quad – $300.00
  • Men's Quad – $300.00
  • Private Room- Twin Bed – $350.00
  • Private Room- Double bed – $350.00
  • Defunct -- Private Retreat Cabin – $19,998.00

Note: For information on subsidized fees, see bottom of page.

New Year’s Vajrasattva Practice Retreat

Elaine Jackson

December 30, 2022 - January 1, 2023

“Truly an amazing place to recharge and do retreat … A great place to start a New Year.”

Doris L, Vajrasattva New Year’s Retreat Participant, Jan 2020

Level

All Levels

 

Silence Level

Partial silence

 

What is it?

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 mis-knowing. This ignorance – that happiness and unhappiness come from somewhere “out there” – blocks us from seeing our clear light mind.

 

The Vajrasattva practice purifies our mind from grasping so strongly onto a mistaken view. Using time-tested visualization and meditation, deluded states – pain, sorrow, hatred, pride, jealousy, doubt – lose their power. Our mind is purified. We then have the opportunity to realize that we ourselves have the power to transform our world into an enlightened paradise.

 

On Friday evening, December 30th, we’ll begin with an introduction and a practice session as we explore why this powerful Vajrasattva practice actually works, and how we might use it in our daily life to grow our happiness. 

 

On Saturday, we’ll have several sessions throughout the day. Our New Year’s Eve session will begin at 7:00 pm with our beloved Lama Yeshe’s practice of Vajrasattva Tsog and will culminate in a joyful celebration with stories and music. Happily, we’ll be joined by George Galt, our dear friend and musician extraordinaire, who will lead us in song. Feel free to bring your dancing slippers. 

 

On Sunday morning we’ll have a final session, set our intention for the new year, rejoice in the good energy we have created, and dedicate that positive energy so that all our dharma wishes come true. 

 

Vajrapani Institute is a wonderful place to practice. It’s full of the blessings of many, many amazing masters and meditators. Just to be in this blessed place brings peace. Relaxing in this beautiful redwood forest, may you “enjoy as much as possible, without grasping,” as Lama Yeshe used to say. 

 

Who is it for?

Although this retreat can be attended by beginners, a prior background in Buddhism is helpful to gain the most out of this retreat.

 


 

Want to drop in just for the New Year’s Eve evening Tsog and stories session?

Please email office@vajrapani.org with the New Year’s Eve Tsog in the subject.  We will need to keep a headcount of those dropping in to make sure Tsog bags are prepared.

 


 

Covid Policy – Rapid Tests

To ensure everyone stays healthy and can participate in the retreat, we require everyone to take a home rapid covid test within 24 hours of arrival. Guests should take the test before coming, and can share a negative result by emailing office@vajrapani.org or showing a the negative test upon arrival.

Please note that it is the guest’s responsibility to get a rapid test (usually available at a local pharmacy) and take it before arrival.  While we do stock some rapid tests, the supply goes down quick and it’s harder for us to get to town.   PCR test results are also accepted.  Vaccine/Booster status does not negate the need for a negative rapid test result.

We appreciate your consideration and  kindness while we all try to stay safe for a wonderful event.

 


 

Additional Information

 

Fees (includes accommodation, 3 meals a day, and facility costs)

The base fees listed above reflect the true cost of hosting visitors and are higher as a result. If you are financially able, we encourage you to please pay these fees.  That said, we also offer subsidized fees designed to allow as many people as possible to attend. These fees are supported by generous contributions to Vajrapani Institute. You can access those fees by using a discount code that will be provided to you at registration checkout. The accommodations are the same for both options.

 

 

Financial Aid/ Scholarships

We want to make retreat available to everyone. With this in mind, we will gladly work out a payment plan with you.If you need even more assistance, we offer several scholarships. Please note that the scholarship deadline is one month before retreat begins.

If you have additional questions after reviewing the guidelines for payment plans and/or scholarships, please email the Office at office@vajrapani.org

 

 

Teacher’s fees

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.

 

 


 

Teacher

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…
Learn more about Elaine Jackson