Upcoming Retreats


Buddhist Mind Science: Cultivating Lasting Happiness

Elaine Jackson

October 25 - November 15, 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, 18th (cancelled), 25, and Nov 8 & 15 (no class Oct 11, 18 or Nov 1) Times: 9:30-11:00 AM (PT) followed…

Long Life Prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche

Venerable Angie Muir

November 2 - December 7, 2025
The four Bay Area FPMT centers (Land of Medicine Buddha, Ocean of Compassion, Tse Chen Ling, and Vajrapani) will offer Long Life Prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa on the first Sundays of each month.  Please check the schedule below to see the organizer for each event, and how to participate. space Sunday, Nov 2, 2025 Ven. Carol Tse Chen Ling Online Only Register Here Space Sunday, Dec, 7, 2025 Ven. Angie Muir Vajrapani Institute Online Only Register On This Page Space May the glorious lamas live long. May happiness and well-being arise…

Exploring Buddhism: Exploring the Path Retreat

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

November 6 - 14, 2025
Register for Exploring the Path Weekend:  Nov 6-9, 2025   To proceed on the stages of the path to enlightenment, it is important to have a good roadmap. Exploring the Path allows us to get an overview of all topics of contemplation for the entire spiritual journey.   Exploring the Path delves more deeply into the Lamrim, the step-by-step path to enlightenment.  Students will learn how to integrate this profound yet practical wisdom into daily life—cultivating greater peace, happiness, and compassion. The retreat includes insightful teachings, engaging discussions, and a variety of meditation practices, such as concentration meditation for mental clarity,…

Lhabab Duchen Medicine Buddha Puja with light offerings

Venerable Angie Muir

November 11, 2025
Tuesday, November 11th at 8:30am (PT) Join us for a special Medicine Buddha Puja on Lhabab Duchen, one of the four great holy days of the Buddhist calendar. This sacred day celebrates Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s return to Earth from the God Realm of the Thirty-Three after teaching Dharma for several months to the gods, including his mother, Mayadevi, who had died a week after Buddha’s birth and had been reborn there.   Lhabab Duchen is known as a merit-multiplying day — when the results of virtuous actions are said to be amplified 100 million times! It’s an extraordinary time to…

Training the Mind, Awakening the Heart

Geshe Thubten Sherab

November 28 - 30, 2025
GREAT NEWS! We have added online participation for this special retreat!!! Join us for a weekend of insight, reflection, and renewal as we explore the timeless wisdom of Seven Point Mind Training with beloved teacher Geshe Thubten Sherab. This profound yet practical approach to inner transformation has inspired spiritual seekers for centuries. With warmth, clarity, and gentle humor, Geshe Sherab will guide us through teachings and meditative practices that help us shift everyday challenges—like stress, anger, or disappointment—into opportunities for compassion, patience, and greater peace of mind. Whether you're navigating a life transition, seeking deeper meaning, or simply wanting to…

Our Services


GROUP RETREATS

Group Retreats allow you to join other students in gaining experience, knowledge, and skills under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

PRIVATE RETREATS

Retreat is especially relevant and useful in today’s busy, agitated world. Retreat offers many different benefits, for a wide variety of people.

FACILITY RENTALS

Our facilities, including a meditation hall, accommodations, and blessed land are available for rental to spiritual groups of all traditions.

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Vajrapani Institute is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition www.FPMT.org