Vajrapani Institute Retreat Center - Boulder Creek, California

Ana Cristina Giaquinto

The best New Year's Purification Retreat ever. Vajrapani is located in the middle of a lush Redwood forest.Teacher Elaine Jackson is so knowledgeable, kind, generous and has a fantastic sense of humor. The center offers so many wonderful opportunities to connect with yourself through meditation, nature, hikes and even hot outdoor showers. The vegetarian meals are so delicious and the staff is eager to help you feel welcome and at home. I can't recommend it enough.

Helena GT

Stayed here for a 3 day silent/private retreat during winter.
It is 1 hr drive south of San Jose
Everything I needed to decompress and reassess what is most important.
-Mountain spring water
-Heated room and bathroom
-tasty healthy vegetarian food brought to your stay
-beautiful trails
-rejuvenating
-peaceful
-quiet
-high vibration
-plenty of literature to reference lifetime pros on meditation from beginner-fundamentals to advanced deep diving.
-yoga deck (maybe for warmer weather)
I’ve gone to many places that look nice and new but seem to lack something.
I felt the heart, intention, and sincerity built in this place. It feels like a home away from home. Perfect staycation with ethereal vibes.

Nicole Zhou

I love this place for meditation even though meditation should not be limited to places and time. This place gives a high frequency and peaceful ambience. The sunshine, the warm room, and the green forest are something that I can frequently think of in my own meditation at home.

Melissa Angiel

My experience staying at Vajrapani Institute for an 8 day retreat is unmatched. Every aspect of the center exceeded my expectations. The directors, staff and students were all genuinely warm and very approachable. The retreat teachings were profoundly transformational and the monastics and teacher created an energy of warmth and receptivity. All were approachable for questions. The physical beauty is hard to describe. Picture giant redwood trees that tower over the cozy cabins, dorms and private rooms, everything clean and comfortable - with well-marked hiking trails just steps away; humming birds everywhere, stupas, prayer wheels, statues, a large library of books, open gompa time, open access to tea, coffee fresh fruit any time day or night. The perfect conditions for a deeply restorative and contemplative week. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Theresa Nicholas

From the moment I arrived at Vajrapani, I felt an immediate sense of peace and calm. The staff warmly greeted me and showed me around the grounds. I camped during my retreat and I loved it. The silence for 5 days was such a relief for my soul. The food was nutritious and delicious! I gleaned so much from our meditation teacher and really saw a deepening in my understanding of meditation. I left deeply trusting the center with the types of teachers that they fly in from around the world.

The majestic towering redwoods and the various trails and paths brought me great joy during my stay. I would definitely recommend doing a retreat at Vajrapani and I will definitely return!

David H. Gleit (Gedawei 葛大為)

I stumbled upon this beautiful place after driving a couple miles on a semi-paved Kings Creek Road. It is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat in the redwood forest, similar to its "sister" retreat called Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel. It is now (11/2020) closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff was gracious enough to allow me to wander around the stupa area and take some pix. You may not be that lucky.

Jeff Highfill

Excellent retreat from busy life that is not hours away from the Bay area. Friendly staff, clean facilities, beautiful nature and amazing peace!

Janet LG

It's a bit of a rugged road getting there but once you get there it's a beautiful place and people are very kind.