Vajrapani Institute
P.O. Box 2130
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-6654 

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Private Retreats

Treat Yourself to a Private Retreat at Vajrapani Institute

The Importance of Retreat- Lama Zopa Rinpoche (PDF)

The Benefits of Doing Retreat by Ven. Thubten Pemo (PDF)

The Benefits of Private Retreat
By Jon Landaw

Although it is strongly recommended that aspiring practitioners initial experiences of meditation retreat take place in a group setting, great benefit is received from moving on, when sufficiently prepared, to the even deeper experiences of solitary retreat.

The most significant aspect of Buddhist practice in general and of retreat in particular is our confrontation with our own mind, and when we are in solitary retreat this confrontation is especially vivid. Normally, when a delusion arises in our mind—such as anger, for example—we tend to look for an external object that we can point to as its source. "I am angry at her because she did such-and-such to me." In other words, we fail to take full responsibility for the way our mind functions. But when anger or any other delusion arises while we are in solitary retreat—and this is certainly very likely to happen—there is no one else there we can realistically blame it on for the simple reason that no one else is there. This gives us the rare and precious opportunity of seeing how our mind is constantly shaping our reality.

And the same holds true for the enjoyable experiences we may have in retreat; we can realize that whatever bliss happens to arise is also the product of nothing other than our own mind. Our Buddhist studies may have already given us an intellectual understanding that mind is the primary creator of our reality, but the kind of direct experience we can have of this fact while in solitary retreat goes much deeper than mere intellect. Indeed, it has the possibility of effecting a profound impact upon our entire being. Whether such a life-altering experience is awaiting us or not is impossible to say, and it is certainly a good idea to put aside any exaggerated expectations before we enter any kind of retreat situation. But if we are truly interested in coming face-to-face with our own mind, solitary retreat offers us an excellent, unrivalled opportunity of doing just that.

Individual Retreat Cabins

Our six individual cabins are ideal for meditation retreat or study, offering a quiet, safe and secluded environment. Each 12- by 16- feet cabin is equipped with a single bed, meditation cushions and altar, comfortable reading chair, kitchen counter with a gas stove for heating up water for tea. The cabins share a private indoor bathhouse and fabulous outdoor showers. Each cabin has a sliding glass door which opens onto a redwood deck and a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The cabins are situated close to hiking trails and Castle Rock State Park.

Delicious vegetarian meals stored in insulated meal bags individually labeled are delivered daily by the kitchen staff to the Ridge area where cabins are situated. A fridge fully stocked with milks, bread, fruits etc. is also available at the Ridge.

Cabin Private Retreat Fees
Fees inclusive of meals and meal bag delivery
 
Standard Rate
Week night $80.00
Week-end night (Fri-Sat) $95.00
Per week $590.00
 
Long Term Discount
10% off on retreat over two weeks
Per week $530.00
30% off on retreats > 1 month
Per week $412.00
 
Sangha Rate (Ordained) Click for Details
50% off standard rate
Per week
 
$295.00
 

CLICK HERE for Private Retreat Testimonials 


"Vajrapani is my all time 
favorite retreat center!" 
~Adyashanti

Most Secret Cabin
“Most Secret” has so been named because its seclusion and as such over the years has been the cabin of choice for our longer term retreatants. Like our other six cabins, it is equipped with a single bed, meditation cushions and altar, closet and storage shelves, counter and other furnishings. It has however, a more elaborate kitchenette area with plenty of extra cupboards and an indoor sink. It has its own shower situated on the deck and its own comfortable outhouse - although for those who would rather, the shared indoor bathhouse is a short walk away. “Most Secret” also has a sliding glass door which opens onto a redwood deck and a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.

Most Secret Private Retreat Fees
Fees inclusive of meals and meal bag delivery
 
Standard Rate
Week night $90.00
Week-end night (Fri-Sat) $105.00
Per week $660.00
 
Long Term Discount
10% off on retreat over two weeks
Per week $594.00
30% off on retreats > 1 month
Per week $462.00
 
Sangha Rate (Ordained) Click for Details
50% off standard rate
Per week
 
$330.00
 

The ‘Geshe’ House
This truly wonderful house is where our senior Lamas and Geshes stay during their visits to Vajrapani. It is very peaceful and is ideal for private retreats of one to three people. It has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and its own private garden. As with the individual cabins, meals are delivered to you daily.  

Geshe House Private Retreat Fees
Fees inclusive of meals and meal bag delivery
 
Standard Rate
Single Occupancy $140.00
Double Occupancy $230.00
Triple Occupancy $270.00
 
Long Term Discount
Contact the office for more info.
 

Private Retreat Cancellation and Refund Policy (Revised December 2007)

If you should need to cancel or change the dates of your stay for any reason, our refund policy is as follows: with at least two weeks’ notice you may cancel all or some of your reservation and receive a refund for the dates in question, less a $25 processing fee. If you cancel two weeks to one week prior to your retreat, we will hold your net deposit, less the $25 processing fee, for up to one year so you can put it towards another program or retreat specified by you at the time of cancellation. No refunds or credits are given for cancellations one week prior to your arrival date, or less.

Cutting Short Your Stay

If you decide to cut short the duration of your stay you need to tell us 2 weeks prior to the dates you are changing, otherwise you are fully liable for the cost of the dates you have reserved. In the event that we take a replacement booking, we may, at our discretion, refund you for the dates you cancel.

Why are our prices so affordable?

In an effort to create financial accessibility to all, our prices are calculated to cover only minimum expenses. Funds for capital improvements must be found elsewhere. We greatly appreciate additional donations toward your accommodation. This not only helps us maintain our high standards, but also helps keep our prices affordable so that more people may enjoy access.

Click this link for Transportation Information

Tent Retreats may also be availiable durring the Summer months. Click here or call us for more info.

Vajrapani Institute
P.O. Box 2130
Boulder Creek, California 95006 USA
(831) 338 6654   Fax (831) 338-3666
e-mail: vajrapani@vajrapani.org
www.vajrapani.org