Doing Retreat at Pema Osel Ling

Vajrayana Foundation seeks to make retreats open to everyone, regardless of financial situation. For those unable to attend in person, we offer live streaming of all retreats, except Children's Retreat.

Registering for a retreat

Please fill out a registration form online. Please review our Payment and Cancellation Policies here.

Methods of payment

- Credit card (Visa and Mastercard only)
- Paypal (link on website)
- Check (made out to Vajrayana Foundation) and mailed to Vajrayana Foundation, 2013 Eureka Canyon Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

 

Should your check not be accepted for payment by the bank, you will be charged a 7% monthly fee on your remaining balance and billed for any bank fees. ) 

Cancellation Policy

Please review our Payment and Cancellation Policies here.

 

Financial Assistance

If you require financial assistance, we have some work-study positions available during each retreat as well as liberal payment plan options. Contact the office as early as possible to make arrangements. Please do not let your financial situation be the determining factor in your coming to retreat or not.

Bringing Children

Children are very welcome here. We ask that parents take full responsibility for their children’s welfare when on the land. Children are welcome in the Shrine Room as long as parents ensure that disturbance to others is kept to a minimum.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept responsibility for unaccompanied children. Youth under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times, including for Youth Retreat.

 

Bringing Pets

We have a no-pets policy.

What to bring

- Flashlight
- Any medication or toiletries you will need (some toiletries are available in the bookstore)
- Ear-plugs (?)
- Warm- and cool-weather comfortable clothing (layers work best)
- Sensible shoes – some terrain is uneven

 

*Note --- we have cushions in the shrine-room. Chairs are also available for those unable to sit on the floor.

Accommodation

We provide indoor housing with 2-4 people per room, and a few single rooms. Each bed comes complete with sheets, a light comforter and pillow with case. You are also welcome to bring your own tent and camp (weather permitting). We have a couple of hook-ups for RVs. Housing is assigned first-come-first-served for group retreats.

Parking

Generally, park in front of the office only to register. After that move your car to Parking Lot A (sign-posted). You may park by the Sangha House if you are staying there. Please do not park in front of the pond or down by the cabin area. 

Food

We serve both meat and vegetarian dishes at meals. Special requests cannot be accommodated.

Work Assignments 

We ask everyone to contribute an hour of work a day towards the smooth running of our retreats. These assignments will be given at onsite registration. If physical or other limitations affect your ability to do this, please let us know beforehand.

Restrictions

- Fires, candles, and incense are absolutely not permitted except under the clear direction of Pema Osel Ling staff. 
- Smoking is strictly forbidden at all times
- The use of alcoholic drinks and recreational drugs are not permitted on the property at any time. 

Phone and Computer Use 

There is minimal cell-phone reception at Pema Osel Ling.

 

Our office number (831) 761-6266 can be given to friends and relatives as an emergency contact. 

There is a phone in the Information Booth that can be used to make local calls or to be used with a calling card. It does not require change.

You can check your email at the Dining Hall or at the bench area outside the office if your computer or phone have internet access. Guest passwords are provided onsite. Office computers are not available for private use.

Dharma Treasures Bookstore 

The store stocks practice items, sadhanas, photos, books, gifts, cards, CDs, thangkas and other art work, a selection of clothing including chubas, snacks, basic toiletries and items such as flashlights.

Contact details: (831) 761-6274 store@dharmatreasures.com

Offerings  

Traditionally, an offering is made to the lama (s) and translator (s) after teachings, etc. Tibetan offering scarves (khatas) can be purchased at the Dharma Treasures store, and envelopes for monetary offerings will be provided. Please bring cash with you as the bookstore can provide a maximum of $80 cash back, and we do not have an ATM on the land.

Email office@vajrayana.org with questions you may have on coming here to do retreat.

Thank you for your consideration!