General Spiritual Director
Happy minds: meditations in beautiful places
Jul 2, 2026
Happy minds
meditations in beautiful places
Sunshine, nature, meditation, and good company came together in a series of special events across Europe, Africa, and North America.
The River of Peace Retreat in Edinburgh
KMC Edinburgh hosted its River of Peace meditation retreat, offering participants a precious opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and experience deep inner peace.
Open to both new and experienced meditators, the retreat provided a supportive environment for relaxing the mind, gaining fresh perspectives, and connecting with a more peaceful way of being. Participants especially appreciated the opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and spend time reflecting, meditating, and enjoying meaningful spiritual companionship.
Many shared how the retreat helped them develop greater clarity and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Inspired by this positive experience, KMC Edinburgh continues to offer regular meditation classes, evening sessions, and weekend workshops, helping people discover practical methods for finding peace and happiness in daily life.
A Walk AND MEDITATION for Peace in South Africa
Around 50 people came together for a joyful Walk for Peace at the beautiful Alverstone Wildlife Park in South Africa.
The event began with inspiring advice from Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Jampel, who encouraged everyone to develop patience and make all their actions a cause of peace in the world. With these heartfelt intentions, participants enjoyed a peaceful walk through the natural surroundings, reflecting on how inner peace contributes to peace in our communities and beyond.
The walk concluded with joyful conversation, spiritual friendship, and a delicious vegetarian meal. Filled with warmth, positivity, and inspiration, the event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, with others, and with the wish to create a more peaceful world. Everyone is already looking forward to the next Walk for Peace.
Meditating on Ultimate Truth in the Canadian Countryside
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada hosted a peaceful countryside retreat in Orillia, about two hours north of Toronto. The retreat welcomed 30 participants, reaching full capacity and creating a warm and focused atmosphere for spiritual practice.
Guided by Resident Teachers Gen Kelsang Chodor and Kelsang Rigma, participants enjoyed a beautiful sunny weekend while contemplating and meditating on ultimate truth. The tranquil natural surroundings provided ideal conditions for deepening their understanding and experience of wisdom.
By taking these precious teachings to heart, everyone gained greater confidence in applying wisdom to daily life, learning practical methods to let go of problems, reduce suffering, and respond to challenges with a more peaceful and balanced mind.
Participants left feeling refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to deepen their spiritual practice in such a supportive environment.
A Lamrim Retreat in the Peaceful Countryside of Valencia
Practitioners gathered at the beautiful Abadía de San José near Valencia for a special Lamrim retreat.
Over three peaceful days, participants had the opportunity to deepen their familiarity with the stages of the path to enlightenment through guided meditations, contemplation, and study. In the quiet surroundings of the retreat venue, everyone was able to step away from the busyness of daily life and focus on developing inner peace, wisdom, and a heartfelt connection with Kadam Dharma.
Filled with inspiration, joyful spiritual friendship, and meaningful spiritual practice, the retreat provided ideal conditions for taking the teachings deeply to heart and integrating them into daily life. Participants returned home feeling refreshed, encouraged, and inspired to continue their spiritual journey.
The Power of Imagination Retreat in Avignon
KBC Lyon and KBC Marseille came together in Avignon for a special two-day retreat entitled The Power of Imagination.
More than 30 people enjoyed this inspiring retreat in a beautiful setting, surrounded by warm summer weather and a peaceful atmosphere. The retreat provided an opportunity to step away from daily distractions, deepen their meditation experience, and explore the transformative power of the mind.
Filled with meaningful teachings, guided meditations, and joyful spiritual friendship, the retreat offered ideal conditions for participants to gain practical insights and strengthen their spiritual practice. Everyone returned home feeling refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to share such a precious experience together.
