Emptiness of Change: Silent Retreat at KMC New York

Emptiness of Change
Silent Retreat at
KMC New York

From June 20–25, nearly 200 people from all over the world gathered at KMC New York for Emptiness of Change: An Ocean of Nectar Silent Retreat with Gen Samten Kelsang.

To begin the retreat, Gen Samten gently reminded us that we are here to change - and that if we put these beautiful and profound teachings in our heart through meditation, memorization, and contemplation, results will come.

The morning meditation sessions each day were led by Gen Kelsang Lhadron, Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center San Diego. Gen Lhadron guided us skillfully, offering us a chance to spend more time mixing our mind with key points and highlights from the previous day.

Then we had the good fortune to engage in three more exquisite sessions of clear, essential, and profound teachings and meditations from Gen Samten on the true nature of all things. Session after session, with great care and precision, Gen Samten provided the conditions and the opportunity for us to gain deeper levels of insight into the beautiful verses of Chandrakirti.

Full silence began Sunday evening, allowing participants to truly immerse themselves in such precious teachings on the ultimate nature of reality. In between sessions, people enjoyed quiet reflection in nature, stillness in the shop and café, or time studying and reading in the Temple library. What a transformative and deeply meaningful experience.

We recognize that these remarkable five days of retreat have come directly from the immense kindness in the heart of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. From the very depths of our hearts, we thank you, Venerable Geshe-la, for everything.