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Thanksgiving Weekend Retreat: Training the Mind, Awakening the Heart

Name: Thanksgiving Weekend Retreat: Training the Mind, Awakening the Heart
Start: 2025-11-28
End: 2025-11-30
Location: Vajrapani Institute
Rating: 4.9

4.90275 reviews

Up to 35 in group

Nov 28 - 30, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Teachings on Seven Point Mind Training with Geshe Thubten Sherab
A rare opportunity to study with Geshe Sherab before his extended retreat
A meaningful alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving weekend
Time for quiet reflection amid the majestic redwood forest
Supportive environment with nourishing vegetarian meals
Guidance to transform challenges into compassion, clarity, and peace
Warm, engaging teachings filled with humor and heart
Space to reconnect with purpose and inner stillness

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Geshe

Details of this retreat

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 reconnect with your heart’s natural resilience, this retreat offers tools to awaken kindness toward yourself and others. Through guided meditation, accessible teachings, and a supportive community, you'll discover how ancient wisdom can meet you right where you are—offering calm amidst chaos, and clarity in uncertain times.

Who is this for?
No prior experience with Buddhism or meditation is needed; all are welcome.

Registration Closes
November 21, 2025

Tentative Schedule (bolded times are in person and online)

Friday, November 28

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Check in
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Working Meditation Training
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm --6:30 pm Cleanup
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Vajrapani Orientation
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Introductory Session

Saturday, November 29

7:15 am --8:00 am Meditation
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast and cleanup
9:30 am – 10:30am: Session 1
10:30am -- 11:00am: Tea Break
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Session 2
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Session 3
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Tea Break
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Session 4
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner and Cleanup
7:00 pm – 7:45 pm Meditation

Sunday, November 30

7:15 am --8:00 am Meditation
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast, cleanup, pack up
9:30 am – 10:30 am Session 1
10:30am - 11:00 am Tea
11:00am - 12:00 pm Last Session
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Vajrapani Thank you and Close
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch (End of Retreat)

** Please note schedule is subject to change **

Additional Information

Please plan on arriving between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on the first day of the retreat

Please plan on departing at approximately 2:00 PM on the last day of the retreat

Accommodation information is visible during the registration process

For more detailed information, please see our FAQ

About Vajrapani Institute
Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture was one of the first Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Centers in America. Vajrapani aims to provide a friendly and conducive environment for people of all nationalities to learn and put into practice the teachings of the Buddha and connect with other Dharma practitioners. Located on 70 acres of secluded land within the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz mountains, Vajrapani Institute has been an immersive space for people of all backgrounds to find and deepen their spiritual practices, with the main goal of bridging the gap between the head and heart of practice.

Teacher's Offerings
Traditionally, spiritual teachings are considered priceless; offerings to our teachers are not included in the fee information detailed on this page. Instead, we invite you to consider bringing a cash donation with you to express your gratitude for the teachings.

The Buddha encouraged the practice of generosity as it develops non-attachment, loving-kindness, and compassion and deepens the awareness of our interconnectedness. Offering Dana to our teachers, a Pali word for “generosity,” is said to benefit both the giver and the receiver, helping the giver to practice generosity and the receiver to practice acceptance. Your offering of Dana can be whatever feels generous to you in your heart and your particular financial situation. If you can’t afford to give a cash offering as Dana, a thank you note is perfectly generous.

Participants will get a chance to present a cash offering to the teachers on the last day of the retreat and this is supplemented by a donation from Vajrapani Institute. Please note that we don’t offer a credit card option for Dana.

Financial Aid/ Scholarships
We want to make retreats available to everyone. With this in mind, we will gladly work out a payment plan with you if needed. If more assistance is necessary, we offer several scholarships. Please note that the scholarship deadline is one month before the retreat begins.

For detailed information on setting up a payment plan, please see Financial Aid: Payment Plans
To see if you’re eligible for a scholarship, and how to apply for scholarships, please see Financial Aid: Scholarships

Our utmost goal is to help as many beings as possible to have the gift of retreat. If you have additional questions after reviewing the guidelines for payment plans and/or scholarships, please email the Office at office@vajrapani.org.

Schedule

Tentative Schedule

Friday, November 28

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Check in
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Working Meditation Training
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm --6:30 pm Cleanup
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Vajrapani Orientation
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Introductory Session

Saturday, November 29

7:15 am --8:00 am Meditation
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast and cleanup
9:30 am – 10:30am: Session 1
10:30am -- 11:00am: Tea Break
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Session 2
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Session 3
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Tea Break
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Session 4
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner and Cleanup
7:00 pm – 7:45 pm Meditation

Sunday, November 30

7:15 am --8:00 am Meditation
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast, cleanup, pack up
9:30 am – 10:30 am Session 1
10:30am - 11:00 am Tea
11:00am - 12:00 pm Last Session
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Vajrapani Thank you and Close
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch (End of Retreat)

** Please note schedule is subject to change **

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Vajrapani Institute

Directions

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Boulder Creek, CA at the end of a five-mile dirt road on the border of Castle Rock State Park. While secluded, we are relatively close to the San Jose and San Francisco airports. About an hour to an hour and a half drive respectively.

If you are using a navigation system in your car or on your phone we recommend inputting the address of one of our local businesses, The Mountain Store at 125 Pool Drive in Boulder Creek CA 95006. Once your navigation system takes you there, you will drive less than a quarter of a mile on Pool Drive, turn left on Kings Creek Road, and follow Kings Creek Road for 5 miles. You should see occasional signs that let you know the distance left to travel and some prayer flags hanging over the road to let you know you are on the right path!

Accommodation

Zoom Only

Option for signing up for Zoom attendance only.

Commuting

For those staying off the land. Includes 3 meals a day, all sessions and retreat fees. Please plan on attending all retreat sessions (typically the first morning session begins at 7 am and the last evening session ends at 9:30 pm).

RV/Camper Van

Booking for anyone wishing to sleep in their camper van or small RV. PLEASE NOTE: Sorry we cannot accommodate trailers

Women's Dorm

Large room with 14 private bunks (extra long twin-sized mattresses) available to anyone identifying as a woman. We will provide you with sheets and a pillow. In colder months, please plan on bringing a comforter or sleeping bag with you, as well as your own bath towel. Shower and Toilet facilities are just next door. Please Note: All Dormitories are on the second floor of the Potala Lodge.

Men's Dorm

Large room with 12 private bunks (extra long twin-sized mattresses) available to anyone identifying as a man. We will provide you with sheets and a pillow. In colder months, please plan on bringing a comforter or sleeping bag with you, as well as your own bath towel. Shower and Toilet facilities are just next door. Please Note: All Dormitories are on the second floor of the Potala Lodge.

Women's Quad 1

Semi-private dorm with 4 bunks (extra long twin-sized mattresses) available to anyone identifying as a woman. We will provide you with sheets and a pillow. In colder months, please plan on bringing a comforter or sleeping bag with you, as well as your own bath towel. Shower and Toilet facilities are just next door. Please Note: All Dormitories are on the second floor of the Potala Lodge.

Women's Quad 2

Second semi-private dorm with 4 bunks (extra long twin-sized mattresses) available to anyone identifying as a woman. We will provide you with sheets and a pillow. In colder months, please plan on bringing a comforter or sleeping bag with you, as well as your own bath towel. Shower and Toilet facilities are just next door. Please Note: All Dormitories are on the second floor of the Potala Lodge.

Private Room- Twin Bed

Located on the first floor of the dormitory building (Potala Lodge), this cozy private room sleeps one person in an extra long twin-sized bed. Your bed will be neatly made and all you'll need to bring with you is a bath towel. Please Note: Shared shower and toilet facilities are located on the second floor of the building.

Private Room- Double bed

Located on the first floor of the dormitory building (Potala Lodge), these cozy private rooms have full sized beds. They can be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) Your bed will be neatly made and all you'll need to bring with you is a bath towel. Please Note: Shared shower and toilet facilities are located on the second floor of the building.

Private Cabin #1 - "Vajrapani"

Cabin 1 is one of the more remote cabins, it is located along the ridge line and furthest from the shared bathrooms. Our cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. Each 192 sq. ft. cabin has everything you'll need for a successful meditation retreat. They offer an extra long twin-sized bed which will be neatly made for you, as well as your own private deck. There is a shared indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. Private cabins can both be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. When a private cabin is booked for double occupancy, Vajrapani Institute provides a comfy futon on the floor for the second occupant. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) *Please note: private cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Main Building (where all retreat activities are held). You will need to climb stairs. If you are interested in booking a private cabin and have limited mobility, please contact the Main Office at 1(800)531-4001 x1 before booking.*

Private Cabin #2 - "Chenrezig"

Cabin 2 is one of the more remote cabins, it is located along the ridge line and one of the further cabins from the shared bathrooms. Our cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. Each 192 sq. ft. cabin has everything you'll need for a successful meditation retreat. They offer an extra long twin-sized bed which will be neatly made for you, as well as your own private deck. There is a shared indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. Private cabins can both be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. When a private cabin is booked for double occupancy, Vajrapani Institute provides a comfy futon on the floor for the second occupant. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) *Please note: private cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Main Building (where all retreat activities are held). You will need to climb stairs. If you are interested in booking a private cabin and have limited mobility, please contact the Main Office at 1(800)531-4001 x1 before booking.*

Private Cabin #3 - "Vajrayogini"

Cabin 3 is at the middle of the ridge line and has a good balance of seclusion and closeness to the shared bathrooms. Our cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. Each 192 sq. ft. cabin has everything you'll need for a successful meditation retreat. They offer an extra long twin-sized bed which will be neatly made for you, as well as your own private deck. There is a shared indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. Private cabins can both be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. When a private cabin is booked for double occupancy, Vajrapani Institute provides a comfy futon on the floor for the second occupant. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) *Please note: private cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Main Building (where all retreat activities are held). You will need to climb stairs. If you are interested in booking a private cabin and have limited mobility, please contact the Main Office at 1(800)531-4001 x1 before booking.*

Private Cabin #4 - "Chakrasamvara"

Cabin 4 is located right behind Lama Yeshe's cremation stupa, and closest to the shared bathrooms. About Our Cabins Our cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. Each 192 sq. ft. cabin has everything you'll need for a successful meditation retreat. They offer an extra long twin-sized bed which will be neatly made for you, as well as your own private deck. There is a shared indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. Private cabins can both be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. When a private cabin is booked for double occupancy, Vajrapani Institute provides a comfy futon on the floor for the second occupant. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) *Please note: private cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Main Building (where all retreat activities are held). You will need to climb stairs. If you are interested in booking a private cabin and have limited mobility, please contact the Main Office at 1(800)531-4001 x1 before booking.*

Private Cabin #5 - "Tara"

Cabin 5 is located just below the shared bathrooms along the trail to the ridge, this cabin is secluded and nice views of the lodge and prayer wheel. Our cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. Each 192 sq. ft. cabin has everything you'll need for a successful meditation retreat. They offer an extra long twin-sized bed which will be neatly made for you, as well as your own private deck. There is a shared indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. Private cabins can both be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. When a private cabin is booked for double occupancy, Vajrapani Institute provides a comfy futon on the floor for the second occupant. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) *Please note: private cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Main Building (where all retreat activities are held). You will need to climb stairs. If you are interested in booking a private cabin and have limited mobility, please contact the Main Office at 1(800)531-4001 x1 before booking.*

Private Cabin #6 - "Yamantaka"

Cabin 6 is one of the more remote cabins, is located along the trail up to the ridge set back further than others to make for peaceful solitude. Our cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge above the Potala Lodge. Each 192 sq. ft. cabin has everything you'll need for a successful meditation retreat. They offer an extra long twin-sized bed which will be neatly made for you, as well as your own private deck. There is a shared indoor bathhouse as well as outdoor showers with a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. Private cabins can both be booked either for single occupancy or for double occupancy with a friend or partner also attending the retreat. When a private cabin is booked for double occupancy, Vajrapani Institute provides a comfy futon on the floor for the second occupant. (The fees for double occupancy reservations are structured so that the second occupant pays approximately two-thirds of the fee paid by the primary occupant.) *Please note: private cabins are situated on a beautiful ridge which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Main Building (where all retreat activities are held). You will need to climb stairs. If you are interested in booking a private cabin and have limited mobility, please contact the Main Office at 1(800)531-4001 x1 before booking.*

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Vajrapani Institute is renowned for the deliciousness of its vegetarian cooking. Our meals are fully vegetarian and nutritionally balanced to offer you a supportive retreat experience. We can accommodate gluten, dairy, and soy allergies, as well as those on a vegan diet. We also have hot tea, pour-over coffee, and fresh fruit available at all times. Breakfast: Includes hot porridge, stewed fruit, granola, yogurt, boiled eggs, and toast. Lunch: The largest meal of the day, includes a grain, vegetable dishes, vegetarian protein, and salad. Dinner: A lite meal with soup, salad, cheese, hummus, bread, and gluten-free crackers.

What's Included

3 meals a day
2 nights
Teachings and guided meditations
Spiritual nourishment and tools to navigate life's challenges

What's Not Included

Transportation

Customer Reviews

4.90 out of 5.0 average rating

Kathy • Nov 11, 2025

5.0

Verified

peaceful spiritual space in the beautiful redwoods

The warm and friendly atmosphere created by everyone made me feel truly welcome from the moment I arrived. Each meal was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. I stayed in a silent retreat cabin on the ridge. It was a gorgeous setting. Deer were roaming around along with many birds. I loved sitting out on my deck enjoying the beautiful trees and hearing all the wildlife. I feel very blessed to have stayed here.

Anonymous • Nov 04, 2025

5.0

Verified

Self retreat experience at Vajrapani

I just finished my first 10-day self retreat experience at Vajrapani. All of my expectations were surpassed in every way. I had the most transformational experience. The cabin was amazing. I loved the seclusion where I saw very few people over the 10 days. I was able to spend a lot of time in nature as well which was very rejuvenating. Deer would pass by my deck daily at dawn and dusk. The daily meal bag was plenty and very tasty, albeit be prepared for a calorie restricted diet that is supposed to support meditation. Overall, an incredible experience which I definitely plan to repeat.

Dave • Oct 06, 2025

5.0

Verified

Beautiful retreat

What a beautiful retreat with Venerable Rene. The setting is very peaceful, deep in the redwood forest. The food was very good and health. It is a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Anonymous • Sep 22, 2025

5.0

Verified

A wonderful time

From the idyllic setting to the wonderful facility Vajrapani is a marvelous place to go deep. The incredibly supportive staff and the high quality teachings support this process in a most impressive way.

Anonymous • Sep 22, 2025

5.0

Verified

Beautiful and Peaceful Center 🙏🙏🙏

I attended Six-Session Guru Yoga and Mahamudra retreat in September 2025 and was wonderful!

Venerable Rene Feusi is Amazing🙏🙏🙏 I’m blessed to be able to study dharma from Venerable Feusi.

Vajrapani is a beautiful and peaceful retreat center surrounded by many many tall redwood trees.

Wonderful Staff!!! Ryan, Suzy, Kira, Christan, Cody, Max, kitchen staff!!!

Food(vegetarian)was excellent.

Men’s dormitory and bathroom were very clean.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to study Buddhism🙏🙏🙏

Lastly, Vajrapani staff, thank you very much! I am looking forward to seeing all of you in the near future!

Thanksgiving Weekend Retreat: Training the Mind, Awakening the Heart

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Geshe Thubten Sherab

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions