Victoria Cary has been practicing Insight Meditation and studying the Dharma since 2006. In 2017 she completed Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program and went on to become a fully empowered Dharma Teacher. In 2016 she co-founded the San Francisco People of Color Insight Sangha and continues as one of the core teachers. She is a San Francisco Bay Area Native. She left her workplace of 20 years in 2017 to deepen into the Dharma. Since then she has spent time in and out of intensive silent meditation practice, including a 3-month retreat at IMS, 6-week amd 3-month retreats at Panditarama Monastery (in Lumbini, Nepal, birthplace of the Buddha) and a month long retreat at Spirit Rock. Victoria is particularly interested in the integration of the Mindfulness in everyday life. Victoria is (among other things) a bi-racial (black identified), queer, cis-gender woman, nature lover, and vegetarian.
Events with Victoria Cary
July 6 - 13, 2025
When we get still and make space to connect with ourselves, we can remember what supports our well being. Held by the land at Vallecitos, nature and by the Dhamma, we will listen deeply to our own internal knowing and wisdom. On this seven-night silent Insight Meditation BIPOC retreat, our sacred time be will be spent sitting and walking and being on the land; supported by Dhamma talks, practice discussions and chanting. Through deepening in our practice and understanding of the Dhamma we will remember how to rest, love ourselves and be in wise relationship with the way things are.…
August 15 - 19, 2025
In honor of our 25th year we are trying something we’ve never done before. Most non-profit organizations have fancy galas to raise much needed funds but at Vallecitos, as a Buddhist and ecological refuge, we do things differently. We’re offering a unique practice opportunity to directly support one of our most essential initiatives – tending to and protecting the treasured ecosystem of Vallecitos. This retreat will blend silence, community and celebration with additional special features, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their practice through silence and in-depth conversation with Erin, Victoria and Brian, all with a fully inclusive registration fee. …
August 20 - 27, 2025
Join us for a seven-night silent retreat in LGBTQIA+ community on the beautiful land of Vallecitos. This year we will immerse ourselves in the heart practice of lovingkindness, or Metta, supported by the natural world, the Dhamma, and queer community. We will build a continuity of practice together cultivating this friendliness towards ourselves, others, and ultimately towards all beings. In this practice we will reconnect with our belonging and essential goodness as LGBTQIA+ people. We will offer Dhamma talks, still and walking meditation, guided exploration on the land, and chanting. These practices will be offered mostly outdoors, in a container…
Deep Dive Dharma: Essential Teachings on The Sure Heart's ReleaseOctober 25, 2025 - May 23, 2026
Vallecitos is pleased to announce a special eight-month online program for experienced practitioners during the off-season with Erin Treat, Pamela Weiss, and Victoria Cary. Program Details Deep Dive Dharma is an online program offering for experienced practitioners. This deep dive into essential Buddhist teachings on liberation explores: The Three Characteristics Emptiness and Suchness Dependent Origination The Two Truths The Nature of Mind Awareness and Awakening Through meditation and interactive inquiry, we will bring these complex teachings alive into our daily lives. The program begins and ends with half-day sessions, in addition to monthly meetings which include dharma talks and discussion.…