Kadampa Communities Making Time For Retreat
Jun 20, 2026
From time to time Kadampa practitioners throughout the world step away from their usual daily activities to do some retreat.
Recently this happened in four places across two continents — the temple in Malaga, Spain; Kailash International Retreat Center in the Swiss Alps; a cabin in the Georgia mountains, US; and our Temple in upstate New York. Different teachers, different themes, different languages. The same spiritual family.
In Málaga, practitioners from KMC Granada gathered at KMC Spain for a retreat on Being Happy in Difficult Times, guided by Gen Kelsang Pandita — practical, grounded advice for finding happiness even when circumstances refuse to go the way you want them to.
The theme of the event unfolded slowly across a weekend of meditation, walks, and shared meals.
In the Swiss Alps, at Kailash IRC, Resident Teacher at KMC Geneva, Gen Jigkyob guided a retreat on Powa called Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully.
"It was such a joy to chant the “OM MANI PAME HUM” mantra for the benefit of all living beings, as it echoed through the beautiful mountain scenery of Kailash IRC and its surroundings." - Retreater
"Having the opportunity to discuss death - our own and that of our loved ones - helps us prepare for the difficult times ahead, and is an extremely precious gift." - Retreater
"Thank you Geshe-la for these precious teachings." - Retreater
In the North Georgia mountains, Gen Kelsang Dechok guided a retreat on the special breathing meditation using the mantra Om Ah Hum, from The New Meditation Handbook by Venerable Geshe-la called Finding Healing Through Mantra.
Throughout the retreat there was space for teachings, meditation, reflection, quiet moments in nature, connection, and meaningful conversations.
And in upstate New York, three communities — Menlha KMC, KMC Philadelphia, and Dharmachakra KBC — gathered at KMC New York for their annual retreat, The Peace Of Concentration. The group commented on how powerful and enjoyable the experience was, including very positive feedback from new practitioners.
"This was my first retreat ever, and overall, it was a fantastic experience. Kudos to you and the entire organizing team, volunteers, and of course our two amazing teachers." - Retreater
Four retreats, four locations, four topics. One Spiritual Guide. Thank you Venerable Geshe-la for everything you have given us.
From time to time Kadampa Communities take a few days out of their usual routines to take Dharma deeper into their hearts.