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

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When are tent retreats available and who are they for?

During the warmer Summer months (beginning of June through to end of September) we offer a very limited number of “Tent Retreat” spaces for private individuals wishing to do solo retreat on a tighter budget. Tent retreat is truly a ‘no frills’ option, and due to the rigors of camping, is only appropriate for visitors in a robust state of physical and mental health.

During the Summer months we are able to host three tent retreaters at any one time.

What do you provide tent retreaters with?

In essence, we provide you with somewhere to pitch a tent, access to a propane gas burning stove and water to wash with and drink.  You need to be totally self sufficient and bring absolutely everything else with you. A list of suggested items to bring is included later in this document.  A complete list of what we provide follows:

  1. a tent site;
  2. access to a propane gas burning stove;
  3. access to an outhouse;
  4. access to an outdoor heated shower;
  5. access to running water for washing dishes and for drinking;
  6. access to a supply of chilled ‘blue ice’ packs for your food cooler;
  7. the option of weekly food drops* of ‘mixed seasonal vegetables’ and ‘mixed seasonal fresh fruit’ ($15 per bag) Price correct at time of writing, May 2008. When you book, you will be asked whether you wish to sign up for this service.

* Please note, we do not have the resources to cater to orders for specific fruits or vegetables, everyone will receive a ‘mixed bag’.

Are meals served to tent retreaters?

No.  You must bring absolutely everything you need with you including all the food you will eat. You will share access to the kitchen tent where there is a propane gas camping stove and a good supply of drinking water nearby, but please note this is NOT an equipped kitchen.

Are there restrictions on how long I can stay?

Yes. The minimum duration of stay for tent retreaters is 2 weeks. The tent retreat ‘season’ is from the beginning of June to the end of September. Outside of this period the weather is not suitable for camping.

What do I need to bring with me in order to do a tent retreat?

You will be 100 per cent self sufficient: this means that (with the exception of the propane gas cooking stove, which we provide) you need to bring absolutely everything with you, including your tent and all your food, supplies, etc. 


For additional details about tent retreats, a list of suggestions on what to bring and a self-assessment checklist to help you decide if you would enjoy a Vajrapani tent retreat, please click here.


How much do tent retreats cost?

The weekly fee is $150 and the minimum duration of stay is 2 weeks.

Is there anything else I need to know about tent retreats at Vajrapani Institute?

Yes. Tent retreaters are subject to the same policies & guidelines as all other private retreaters at Vajrapani, and in particular we would like to highlight our fire safety policy to you. Due to the heightened fire risk during the summer months, tent retreaters are not permitted to make light offerings (candles) or incense offerings anywhere on the land. On arrival, you will be briefed more thoroughly on fire safety by our resident caretaker.

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.

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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