For 80 years, 741 Edgewood Avenue in the historic Inman Park district of Atlanta was an automotive garage dedicated to fixing motor cars. This weekend, completely renovated and transformed, it opened its doors as the new home of KMC Georgia, dedicated to fixing minds.

 

KMCGA is a truly inspiring example of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s vision to bring Modern Kadampa Buddhism to people where they live and work by transforming commercial spaces into urban temples.

Using award-winning architects the old workshop was converted into a light, spacious meditation center that can accommodate over 100 people in its main room.

There is also a smaller meditation room that will be used for the Kadampa Kids class and retreats, and as an overflow for large events.

In addition the new center has a residential side that can accommodate 5 residents.

Auspicious beginning
The center was formally opened by Kadam Morten Clausen, the Eastern US National Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, who performed the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizing removing the darkness of ignorance and entering into the light of wisdom.

Over the weekend the center hosted the Southern Dharma Celebration during which Kadam Morten gave the blessing empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni and teachings on the Liberating Prayer. On the Sunday he gave a public talk entitled “The Key to Happiness”, which was attended by 150 people – an auspicious start for the new center!

“It was an amazing weekend. The moment I stepped through the doors of KMCGA I was overcome with joy.” Paul Chen, KMCGA

Comprehensive programme
The new center will offer daily meditation classes, day courses, study programs and retreats for all levels of practice. Its main focus will be providing accessible meditation techniques that can have a peaceful influence over our modern, busy lives.

As Gen Kelsang Mondrub the Resident Teacher KMCGA says, “We offer many scientific methods to solve our modern human problems and find peace of mind in a challenging world. This reveals a boundless source of happiness from within. In this way we can make our daily lives more fulfilling and meaningful, improving all our relationships.”

Great place to live
Having undergone decades of restoration and renewal, Inman Park is regarded as a highly desirable intown neighborhood with a mixture of rental and owner-occupied houses and condominiums. It has a lively social and dining scene and street market, and straddles the Eastside BeltLine Trail, a converted railway line popular with walkers and cyclists. It is a perfect neighborhood for those wishing to live close to a modern Kadampa Dharma centre.

For more information on KMCGA visit meditationingeorgia.org.