Elaine Jackson

Elaine Jackson is a founding member of Vajrapani Institute and has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism since 1977. She has studied with many of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Thubten Yeshe, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche and many others too numerous to list. Elaine is known for the warmth and humor with which she teaches. In particular, she loves sharing the wealth of practical insights she has gained from her years of retreat and service within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Elaine served as Executive Director of Vajrapani Institute for over five years and has also completed a three-year meditation retreat. She lives a contemplative life off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz mountains while offering Dharma teachings and meditation support.

Testimonials about Elaine:
“Elaine’s teachings touched me deeply. She embodies the spirit of the teachings.” (Andrea – New Years Retreat 2018)
“Elaine has changed the trajectory of my life.” (Jamie – New Years Retreat 2018)

Upcoming Programs by Elaine Jackson

Vajrayogini Self Initiation - Online

Also Venerable Angie Muir

February 11, 2026

  When: February 11 - 3:00PM to 7:00PM (PT) Where: Venerable Angie Muir and Elaine Jackson will lead the Vajrayogini Self Initiation ONLINE via ZOOM. Feel free to make offerings on your personal alter.   Prerequisites: This practice is restricted to those who have completed a Vajrayogini approximation retreat with fire puja.   We will […]

Lama Yeshe Losar Celebration (in person and online)

February 22, 2026

1:30pm - 3pm Vajrasattva Tsog and Lama Yeshe Stories   Online Only Registration Here    You are warmly invited to join Elaine Jackson for a Losar celebration of the anniversary of Lama Yeshe’s passing into Parinirvana. This event will begin with a Vajrasattva Tsog followed by inspiring storytelling.   Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935-1984) was a […]

Experiential Vajrayogini Retreat

May 21 - 25, 2026

Experience the Living Path of Vajrayogini Learn how Vajrayogini practice reaches its full power when embraced as a living, integrated path—rooted in ethical principles, meditation, and heartfelt engagement. Join Elaine Jackson on a profound journey, where she will share her personal approach and invite a vibrant exchange of insights and experiences. This retreat transcends ritual, […]

New Year's Vajrasattva Practice Retreat

December 29, 2026 - January 1, 2027
Most of us operate from profound ignorance, a solid mis-knowing. This ignorance – that happiness and unhappiness come from somewhere “out there” – blocks us from seeing our clear light mind. The Vajrasattva practice purifies our mind from grasping so strongly onto the mistaken view. Utilizing time-tested visualization and meditation, deluded states – pain, sorrow, hatred, pride, jealousy, doubt – lose their power. Our mind is purified. We’ll explore why this powerful Vajrasattva practice actually works, and how we can use it in our daily life to grow our happiness.