Open by Appointment  

If you’d like to visit us, please contact us in advance to make an appointment so that we can arrange for a staff member to meet you. You can reach us via email at or leave a message at (510) 809-1000. 

Attend a free talk

On Sundays, we have free afternoon and evening public programs.

Learn about upcoming free events, free Sunday talks, and donation-based programs:

Discover new books

The Dharma Publishing Bookstore has moved from our location in downtown Berkeley to a beautiful new space at the Nyingma Institute. Our many windows offer us fresh air and a lovely view. In addition to all the Dharma Publishing books, cds, dvds, and art, we carry our buckwheat meditation cushions and mats, books of Tibetan masters, plus hand-hammered singing bowls, prayer wheels, prayer flags and altar items.

The bookstore is open by appointment from 11 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Saturday; closed Sunday. Please email or call us! 

Image of the Meditation Garden

Enjoy the Garden

Perfect for walking meditation, contemplation or reading a book, this peaceful space is open to the public.

Framed by the red leaves of the Japanese Maple in fall and blooming roses in summer, a golden Stupa, symbol of enlightened mind rises above a small waterfall. Housed under red eaves, a prayer wheel activates billions of prayers with each rotation, while brightly colored fish dart in and out among water lilies. 

Stay and relax

Stay in a supportive environment that combines traditional symbols of enlightened awareness with the natural beauty of flowers, trees, and pond, and sweeping vistas of the San Francisco Bay.
Image of fruits and veggies.

Savor the food

Retreatants and residents enjoy vegetarian meals prepared on the premises, served buffet-style for lunch and dinner.

We are a vegetarian kitchen, please note that no meat is allowed on the premises. 

If you’d like to join us for a meal, please make a $12 donation at the Front Desk. 

 

Guide for New Students

Welcome to the Nyingma Institute! Here are a few guidelines to help you orient yourself to the environment and customs here. More questions? Please call the Front Desk at (510) 809-1000 between 10am – 7pm. You can also email us at

Customs: 

  • Please remove your shoes and place them in the shoe racks at the entrances.
  • No food or drinks in the meditation rooms. Please avoid pointing your feet at the altars or sitting with your back to them.
  • Please walk clockwise around the prayer wheel and stupa in the garden.
  • Please avoid placing anything considered sacred (printed prayer, mantra, or sacred image) on the ground or stepping over it.

    Getting Here and Parking:

    Hours of Operation: