Foundation Programs at Kadampa Centers around the world
Nov 15, 2024
10 March 2023
The three International Festivals are precious opportunities to receive teachings and empowerments from the Gen-las, and this experience is greatly enhanced if we can spend some time after the Festival in retreat improving our understanding of the teachings and taking their meaning to heart.
Post-festival retreats are organised by Kadampa centers around the world after each of the three International Festivals. See below for details of retreats following the 2023 Spring Festival.
Jun 2 – 6
The Source of Happiness and Goodness – How to develop Faith in Buddha
With Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at IKRC Grand Canyon
Following Gen-la Dekyong’s transmission and teachings at the International Spring Festival, Gen-la Jampa will guide essential meditations on faith and the stages of the path to enlightenment, Lamrim. This retreat gives you the great opportunity of taking the meaning of the holy words of "Liberating Prayer" to heart and explore its hidden meanings. As Venerable Geshe-la said, this is the best method to develop faith in Buddha and his teachings, which is our spiritual life and the root of all Dharma realizations.
Jun 1 – 5
Meeting Buddha – A meditation retreat on Buddha Shakyamuni
with Gen-la Kelsang Thubten, International Kadampa Internet Director
Following the Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, Gen-la Kelsang Thubten will guide a retreat based on the teachings and commentaries given. This will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding of the practice of Buddha Shakyamuni, increasing our faith and understanding, which is the root of all our Dharma realisations.
Jun 2 – 6
Our Refuge and Protector, the Source of All Happiness and Goodness
With Gen Kelsang Ananda, National Spiritual Director for Germany and Resident Teacher in Berlin and Tharpaland KMC.
Based on teachings from the Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, Gen Ananda will guide a 4 days retreat in the incredible and blessed new KMC Madrid in the mountains of Guadarrama, with the Liberating Prayer commentary.
Jun 2 – 5
A Source of Happiness
with Gen Kelsang Tonglam, National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism for East Asia and the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Hong Kong and Taiwan
Based on teachings from the Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, Gen Tonglam will guide a weekend retreat, sharing the explanation of Gen-la Dekyong of the commentaries that Venerable Geshe-la has given on the meaning of different verses of the Liberating Prayer over many years.
Jun 1 – 7
Refuge Retreat
Gen Kelsang Rabten, National Spiritual Director of Australia and Resident teacher at KMC Leeds in the UK
The practice of refuge is how Buddhists protect themselves from suffering, now and in the future. With deep experience of this practice, we stop worrying and embrace a rich and meaningful spiritual life.
Jun 2 – 4
Deepening our Faith in Buddha
With Gen Kelsang Chokga, Spain and Portugal National Spiritual Director and Resident Teacher of KMC Spain
Based on teachings from the Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, Gen Chokga will guide a weekend retreat that will give you the opportunity to deepen your faith through meditation in a peaceful, beautiful and blessed environment.
Jun 2 – 4
Drawing closer to Buddha
with Gen Kelsang Chodor, Resident Teacher at KMC London
A relaxing weekend focusing on drawing closer to Buddha and coming under the umbrella of his Dharma teachings based on the teachings from the International NKT-IKBU Spring Festival. Suitable for all levels of experience, this is a perfect opportunity for those who couldn’t attend the festival to receive the benefit of these fresh instructions, or for those who attended to deepen their experience.
Jun 1 – 7
The Source of All Happiness and Goodness
with Gen Kelsang Devi, the Principal Teacher of Kailash International Retreat Centre and Kadampa Meditation Centre Switzerland.
Based on teachings from the Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, this retreat will provide the opportunity to go deeper with our experience and understanding of the Liberating Prayer and the vast practice of Refuge with Gen Devi. The beautiful and blessed surroundings of Madhyamaka KMC offer the perfect environment to take these teachings to heart and develop a deeper experience of Refuge in the company of Kadampa family and friends.
Jun 3 – 4
Supreme Unchanging Friend
with Kadam Dianna Lau
In this post festival retreat, we will realize the incomparable virtues of Buddha Shakyamuni by learning the profound meaning included in the Liberating Prayer. Through this, we shall develop strong faith in this supreme unchanging friend, and receive his blessings and protection.