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September 2024 by 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.
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June 2024 by 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.
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January 2024 by Ajay Maurya
Best Places for peace. Also Lord Buddha thought give you positive energy.
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July 2023 by oliver jones
A fantastic place for retreat and contemplation. Near enough to town to be accessible but review enough to feel the space and tranquility of the deep forest.
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June 2023 by Nathanael Scott walsh
Amazing place! Super nice staff and beautiful location!
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May 2023 by P B.
I have been to Vajrapani many times over the years, but this was my first time back since the pandemic. How wonderful to return to such a peaceful, natural environment, perfect for time away from regular life. The cabins on the ridge are thoughtfully designed to allow for all kinds of spiritual and solitary activities (meditation, reading, communing with nature, yoga, writing, etc) with opportunities for walks on the property or nearby state park. And the vegetarian food is as delicious as ever! definitely infused with great care, if not actually with love!
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March 2023 by Helena GT
Stayed here for a 3 day silent/private retreat during winter.It is 1 hr drive south of San JoseEverything 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.
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May 2022 by Lorne Ladner
It would be difficult to imagine a more wonderful place for doing retreat! A quiet, beautiful, deeply spiritual place in the majestic California redwoods. The staff are kind. The food is healthy and great. I’ve found so much peace at Vajrapani over the years while also deeply benefiting from the profound Tibetan Buddhist teachings that I’ve listened to and meditated on in this sacred place. ?
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July 2021 by Jakob Schebler
I attended the Lamrim Retreat, what seems like a lifetime ago.. I am so grateful to have been there at that time.. I've never forgotten what brought me to be there, and what I learned while I was there.. I remember early in the morning, making coffee while I studied, Ven. Drolma lighting the fire in the corner.. I remember Elaine helping me hike up to the Chenrezig Cabin.. I remember standing at Lama Yeshe's stupa for the first time.. I remember the love I felt that I still feel.. I left this place in a state of awe.. A state of awe that is still present to this day.. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn Vajrapani. I have not forgotten..
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December 2020 by 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.
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January 2020 by ChienYu L.
This place is amazing! The dormitory is comfortable and nice. The land itself is beautiful. An amazing experience in every way!
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October 2019 by Gemma R. L.
A wonderful healing place full of magic and wonder. And that is just the trees. Now you have the beautiful art, and people. I was fortunate to meet the Dali Lama here as a child. The power of that meeting, carried over to today. I have been blessed in my healing life to touch back on the experiences here, the events, retreats, wisdom to claim power and serenity in my life. One can only get better here. The beauty seeps into your soul. I went to a day visit with a friend as a guest years ago (one of many visits) during my early battle with cancer. These people are truly healers. The amount of compassion, respect, peace and clarity is real blessing. One can find the universe here. In all its blessings.
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September 2019 by M.H N
Rejoice that there is a place like Vajrapani in these times. Imagine a place where the purpose is entirely to help all sentient beings and to promote and support education and wisdom. I just came back from a calm abiding retreat here and cannot say enough how wonderful the experience was. The institute is situated in a redwood forest adjacent to Castle Rock- the setting was so beautiful and peaceful. When not in sessions, I was able to take day hikes which were themselves worth the entire stay. Many thanks to Steve and Wanda who were so lovely.
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September 2019 by Toby Janson-Smith
I just finished my second private retreat at Vajrapani, which was an amazing experience and three of the most powerful days I've spent during my twenty years of sitting on retreat at various spiritual centers around the world. Vajrapani is an wonderful place for a private retreat - the powerful spiritual energy of the center is palpable, the surroundings and walks beautiful, the healthy food delicious, the rooms clean, cozy and comfortable, with plenty of space for meditating and contemplation, and the staff so helpful and present. I will be coming back soon!
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July 2019 by Tim S.
I was fortunate to experience a second silent retreat here this week. So good to settle in to a quieter, more tranquil state. While there saw a family of turkey, a large brood of quail, many birds, beautiful forest and stars. The silent retreat cabins are just what one needs. The food was again delicious. The library much appreciated. What a unique, truly peaceful, gorgeous place. I hiked into Castle Rock preserve for two hours and saw not a soul. This retreat center was in between group programs and hence very still.
