Refuge Retreat ～ Shelter from the Storm
Shelter from the Storm
Meditations for Inner Strength & Protection
Refuge Retreat with Gen Kelsang Chodor
We usually try to find stability and protection from unpleasant feelings by surrounding ourselves with people and things that make us feel happy, comfortable and safe. In reality, people and things are impermanent, lacking the power to truly shield us from suffering and problems. Only the Three Jewels - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha - can protect us permanently from the sufferings of this and our countless future lives.
This retreat provides a special opportunity to deepen our experience of refuge, the gateway to the Buddhist path. We will be guided in profound meditations that will help us develop real inner strength, protection, stability and resilience. By learning to go for refuge, we can create a feeling of peace, joy and freedom within our heart, which we can then share with others. Each session will include a teaching, chanted prayers and a guided meditation. No previous experience of meditation or Buddhism is needed. Everyone is welcome!
This retreat will be fully guided by Gen Kelsang Chodor & other teacher. Partial booking is available for this retreat. Please see the section ‘Retreat Fees’ below for details.
*Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.*
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Saturday, April 20, 2024
- Retreat Session 1: 3:00 - 4:15 pm
- Retreat Session 2: 5:00-6:15 pmSunday, April 21, 2024
Session 1: 9:00-10:15 am (Guided by Pauline Chua)
- Morning Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
- Retreat Session 3: 3:00 - 4:15 pm
- Retreat Session 4: 5:00 - 6:15 pm -
Gen Kelsang Chodor is our Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada. He has been ordained and has studied under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than twenty-two years.
He has taught extensively in both the UK and the US, and is now teaching in Canada. He is admired by students because of his practical knowledge, warm presentations and authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humour. He is skilled at putting everyone at ease and helping them solve their problems and anxieties with practical Dharma advice.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, he usually teaches the Sunday morning class, the Tuesday evening class, the Wednesday morning class, as well as special courses, retreats, and two in-depth study programs; the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program.
***
Pauline has been studying and practising Buddhism for over 20 years and has worked at KMC Canada as well as KMC Winnipeg. She is a devoted volunteer and is a student of the Teacher Training Programme. She is appreciated for her easy-going nature and calm approach.
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Full Retreat:
Regular: $65 / person
GP class @11am: includedClass Pass Holders: please book sessions individually
Per Session:
Regular: $10 / person / session
Class Pass Holders: $5 / person / retreat session(click here for more information about the monthly class pass)
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Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.
-
Please familiarize yourself with our terms & conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket. For more information, please click here.
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By public transport: We are located at an equal distance from either the Christie or the Ossington subway station.
By car: We are located close to the intersection Bloor & Christie, on Crawford Street, which is a one way street from Harbord to Bloor.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Parking spaces are limited in the area. For this reason, it is easier to come by public transport if this is an option for you.
It is possible to find parking in the nearby streets. However, it is generally not possible to park for more than 3 hours during the day. It is necessary to have a permit in order to park overnight in the area.
Temporary day parking spots nearby: Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking, Spot Hero.
Temporary on-street permit parking in Toronto: Provided space is available, a temporary parking permit may be purchased by residents and their guests to park a motor vehicle on a street designated under the permit parking program of the city of Toronto. This program generally services those residential areas where driveways are not common. If you choose this option, please avoid parking on Crawford St. if possible. You may get a ticket as it is complaint driven and the residents have limited space for their own street parking on Crawford St.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Nyungne Retreat ～ Special Purification & Fasting Practice
Special Purification & Fasting Practice
Nyungne Retreat with Gen Kelsang Chodor
This two-day retreat, done in conjunction with Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara practice, is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. This practice involves taking the Eight Mahayana precepts, a promise to avoid all non-virtue for 24 hours, combined with the practice of prostrations. Through this we improve our compassion and develop a pure and light heart.
This practice is done over two days. On the first day, it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch at 12:30 p.m. On the second day, we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for 24 hours. This traditional retreat is offered each year around the 15th of April, Buddha's Enlightenment Day. Although this is an in-depth Buddhist practice, it is open to everyone. *If this is your first time attending a Nyungne Retreat, please email: [email protected] to receive essential informations before the start of the retreat.*
*Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.*
**Vegetarian lunch available for purchase.
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Sunday, April 14, 2024
- 6:15 a.m: Doors open
- 6:30 a.m - 7:15 a.m: Precepts & Introduction
- 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m: Retreat Session 1
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m: Retreat Session 2
- 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m: Retreat Session 3Monday, April 15, 2024
- 6:15 a.m: Doors open
- 6:30 a.m - 7:00 a.m: Precepts
- 7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m: Retreat Session 4
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m: Retreat Session 5
- 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m: Retreat Session 6
- 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Offering to the Spiritual Guide -
Gen Kelsang Chodor is our Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada. He has been ordained and has studied under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than twenty-two years.
He has taught extensively in both the UK and the US, and is now teaching in Canada. He is admired by students because of his practical knowledge, warm presentations and authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humour. He is skilled at putting everyone at ease and helping them solve their problems and anxieties with practical Dharma advice.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, he usually teaches the Sunday morning class, the Tuesday evening class, the Wednesday morning class, as well as special courses, retreats, and two in-depth study programs; the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program.
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Regular: $30 / person
Class pass holders: $15 / personSingle day: $15 / person
(click here for more information about the monthly class pass) -
On the Sunday morning, Gen Kelsang Chodor will give an introduction to the retreat and a short commentary to the practice of Nyungne.
We will then have the opportunity to engage in three retreat sessions of this beautiful traditional practice, over each of the two days.
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Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.
-
Please familiarize yourself with our terms & conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket. For more information, please click here.
-
By public transport: We are located at an equal distance from either the Christie or the Ossington subway station.
By car: We are located close to the intersection Bloor & Christie, on Crawford Street, which is a one way street from Harbord to Bloor.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Parking spaces are limited in the area. For this reason, it is easier to come by public transport if this is an option for you.
It is possible to find parking in the nearby streets. However, it is generally not possible to park for more than 3 hours during the day. It is necessary to have a permit in order to park overnight in the area.
Temporary day parking spots nearby: Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking, Spot Hero.
Temporary on-street permit parking in Toronto: Provided space is available, a temporary parking permit may be purchased by residents and their guests to park a motor vehicle on a street designated under the permit parking program of the city of Toronto. This program generally services those residential areas where driveways are not common. If you choose this option, please avoid parking on Crawford St. if possible. You may get a ticket as it is complaint driven and the residents have limited space for their own street parking on Crawford St.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Retreat ～ Long Life, Merit & Wisdom
Long Life, Merit & Wisdom
Annual Amitayus Retreat with Kelsang Dipam
The greatest obstacles to the fulfilment of our wish to experience pure happiness are death and ignorance. Death destroys our opportunity to take the essence of our precious human life, and ignorance destroys our opportunity to develop a pure experience of Buddha’s teachings, the Dharma. To overcome these obstacles, we need to increase our lifespan and our wisdom. The principal method for doing this is the yoga of Buddha Amitayus, which is also a special method for increasing the positive power of our mind, or merit.
With a long life, we can complete our spiritual path in this very life. We can also engage in this special practice on behalf others when they are sick or in danger of dying. This traditional retreat is offered each year, usually in January or February. Although this is an in-depth Buddhist practice, it is suitable to everyone. No prior experience of Buddhism or meditation is required. Everyone is welcome!
*Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.*
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Friday, February 23, 2024
- 6:30 p.m: Doors open
- 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m: IntroductionSaturday, February 24, 2024
- 8:30 p.m: Doors open
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m: Retreat Session 1
- 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m: Refreshments
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m: Retreat Session 2
- 12:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m: Lunch Break
- 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 pm: Retreat Session 3 -
Kelsang Dipam is a sincere, dedicated student on the Teacher Training Program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada.
He is known for his love of Buddha’s teachings, his contagious enthusiasm, his joyful effort in his practice and positive outlook, as well as for his kindness, wisdom and compassionate approach to his teaching.
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Regular: $25 / person
Class pass holders: $12.50 / person
(click here for more information about the monthly class pass) -
On the Friday evening, Gen Kelsang Chodor will give an introduction to the retreat and a short commentary to the practice of Buddha Amitayus.
On Saturday, we will have the opportunity to engage in three sessions of this beautiful traditional practice.
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Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.
-
Please familiarize yourself with our terms & conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket. For more information, please click here.
-
By public transport: We are located at an equal distance from either the Christie or the Ossington subway station.
By car: We are located close to the intersection Bloor & Christie, on Crawford Street, which is a one way street from Harbord to Bloor.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Parking spaces are limited in the area. For this reason, it is easier to come by public transport if this is an option for you.
It is possible to find parking in the nearby streets. However, it is generally not possible to park for more than 3 hours during the day. It is necessary to have a permit in order to park overnight in the area.
Temporary day parking spots nearby: Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking, Spot Hero.
Temporary on-street permit parking in Toronto: Provided space is available, a temporary parking permit may be purchased by residents and their guests to park a motor vehicle on a street designated under the permit parking program of the city of Toronto. This program generally services those residential areas where driveways are not common. If you choose this option, please avoid parking on Crawford St. if possible. You may get a ticket as it is complaint driven and the residents have limited space for their own street parking on Crawford St.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Retreat ～ Crystal Clear Mind
Crystal Clear Mind
Removing Obstacles to Happiness & Spiritual Progress
Vajrasattva Retreat with Gen Kelsang Chodor & Others
We spend most of our time and energy trying to solve problems by making changes to our worldly life. However, our unhappiness and difficulties are not caused by the external world. They are caused by the ripening of negative karma we’ve created in past lives when our mind was under the influence of deluded thoughts.
Fortunately, this negativity is not part of our pure, essential nature. By relying upon Buddha Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification, we can purify ourselves of all our negative karma, freeing ourselves from obstacles and the resultant unhappiness. Consequently, we’ll experience a peaceful, pure mind and find it much easier to make progress in our spiritual development. We will naturally become happier and lighter. Our meditations will improve and we will feel much better overall. This retreat will emphasize the four opponent powers of negative karma, the recitation of the mantra of Vajrasattva and special meditations and visualizations. Everyone is welcome!
This retreat will be partially guided by Gen Kelsang Chodor and other Teachers. Partial booking is available for this retreat. Please see the section ‘Retreat Fees’ below for details.
*Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.*
Please note: There has been a schedule change for this event recently. Please refer yourself to the schedule below for the updated schedule information.
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Saturday, Dec 16, 2023
- Retreat Session (Guided): 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Sunday, Dec 17, 2023
- Morning Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Guided): 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Guided): 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Monday, Dec 18, 2023
- Retreat Session (Guided): 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
- Retreat Session (Guided): 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Guided): 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Guided): 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023
- Retreat Session (Guided): 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
- Retreat Session (Self-Guided): 11:30 am - 1:00 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Self-Guided): 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Evening Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023
- Retreat Session (Guided): 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
- Morning Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Self-Guided): 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Self-Guided): 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec 21, 2023
- Retreat Session (Guided): 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
- Retreat Session (Self-Guided): 11:30 am - 1:00 p.m.
- Retreat Session (Self-Guided): 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. -
Gen Kelsang Chodor is our Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada. He has been ordained and has studied under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than twenty-two years.
He has taught extensively in both the UK and the US, and is now teaching in Canada. He is admired by students because of his practical knowledge, warm presentations and authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humour. He is skilled at putting everyone at ease and helping them solve their problems and anxieties with practical Dharma advice.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, he will teach the Sunday morning class, the Tuesday evening class, the Wednesday morning class, as well as special courses, retreats, and two in-depth study programmes; the Foundation Programme and the Teacher Training Programme.
-
Full Retreat
Regular: $175
Class Pass Holders: $50
Foundation Programme Students: $45
Teacher Training Programme Students: includedIndividual Retreat Sessions (Guided)
Regular: $10 / person / session
Class Pass Holders: $5 / person / session
Teacher Training Programme Students: includedIndividual Retreat Sessions (Self-Guided)
Regular: $5 / person / session
Class Pass Holders: no charge
Teacher Training Programme Students: includedWeekly Drop-in Meditation Classes (Supplemental Retreat Classes: Sunday 11:00 a.m, Tuesday 7:00 p.m, Wednesday 11:00 a.m.)
Regular: $15 / person / class
Class Pass Holders: no charge(click here for more information about the monthly class pass)
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Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.
-
Please familiarize yourself with our terms & conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket. For more information, please click here.
-
By public transport: We are located at an equal distance from either the Christie or the Ossington subway station.
By car: We are located close to the intersection Bloor & Christie, on Crawford Street, which is a one way street from Harbord to Bloor.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Parking spaces are limited in the area. For this reason, it is easier to come by public transport if this is an option for you.
It is possible to find parking in the nearby streets. However, it is generally not possible to park for more than 3 hours during the day. It is necessary to have a permit in order to park overnight in the area.
Temporary day parking spots nearby: Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking, Spot Hero.
Temporary on-street permit parking in Toronto: Provided space is available, a temporary parking permit may be purchased by residents and their guests to park a motor vehicle on a street designated under the permit parking program of the city of Toronto. This program generally services those residential areas where driveways are not common. If you choose this option, please avoid parking on Crawford St. if possible. You may get a ticket as it is complaint driven and the residents have limited space for their own street parking on Crawford St.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Retreat ～ Meditations for a Happy, Meaningful Life
Meditations for a Happy, Meaningful Life
Lamrim Retreat with Gen Kelsang Chodor
We all want to live a life of great meaning. We also wish for lasting peace and happiness. This retreat will introduce profound Buddhist meditations that have the power to create peace and happiness from within, making our life extremely meaningful.
The stages of the path to enlightenment or 'Lamrim' are a powerful series of contemplations and meditations that reveal hidden spiritual truths which awaken our love, compassion and wisdom. Meditation topics will include: our precious human life, impermanence, karma, and the true source of suffering. We will also engage in a series of meditations that open our heart of universal love and compassion. Each session will include a teaching, chanted prayers and a guided meditation. No previous experience of meditation or Buddhism is needed. Everyone is welcome!
This retreat will be fully guided by Gen Kelsang Chodor and other Teachers. Partial booking is available for this retreat. Please see the section ‘Retreat Fees’ below for details.
*Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.*
Please note: There has been a schedule change for this event recently. Please refer yourself to the schedule below for the updated schedule information.
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Saturday, Sept 2, 2023
- Retreat Session: 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.Sunday, Sept 3, 2023
- Retreat Session: 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
- Morning Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.Monday, Sept 4, 2023
- Retreat Session: 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
- Retreat Session: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Tuesday, Sept 5, 2023
- Retreat Session: 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
- Retreat Session: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
- Evening Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Wednesday, Sept 6, 2023
- Retreat Session: 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
- Morning Meditation Class (Supplemental Retreat Class): 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
- Retreat Session: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.Thursday, Sept 7, 2023
- Retreat Session: 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
- Retreat Session: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog (Retreat Conclusion): 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. -
Gen Kelsang Chodor is our Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada. He has been ordained and has studied under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than twenty-two years.
He has taught extensively in both the UK and the US, and is now teaching in Canada. He is admired by students because of his practical knowledge, warm presentations and authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humour. He is skilled at putting everyone at ease and helping them solve their problems and anxieties with practical Dharma advice.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, he will teach the Sunday morning class, the Tuesday evening class, the Wednesday morning class, as well as special courses, retreats, and two in-depth study programmes; the Foundation Programme and the Teacher Training Programme.
-
Full Retreat
Regular: $215
Class Pass Holders: $85
Foundation Programme Students: $75
Teacher Training Programme Students: includedIndividual Retreat Sessions
Regular: $10 / person / session
Class Pass Holders: $5 / person / session
Foundation Programme Students: $5 / person / session (except Monday, 7:00 p.m. which is included)
Teacher Training Programme Students: includedWeekly Drop-in Meditation Classes (Supplemental Retreat Classes: Sunday 11:00 a.m, Tuesday 7:00 p.m, Wednesday 11:00 a.m.)
Regular: $15 / person / class
Class Pass Holders: included(click here for more information about the monthly class pass)
-
Accommodations are available for those engaging in this retreat. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.
-
Please familiarize yourself with our terms & conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket. For more information, please click here.
-
By public transport: We are located at an equal distance from either the Christie or the Ossington subway station.
By car: We are located close to the intersection Bloor & Christie, on Crawford Street, which is a one way street from Harbord to Bloor.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada 631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1
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Parking spaces are limited in the area. For this reason, it is easier to come by public transport if this is an option for you.
It is possible to find parking in the nearby streets. However, it is generally not possible to park for more than 3 hours during the day. It is necessary to have a permit in order to park overnight in the area.
Temporary day parking spots nearby: Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking, Spot Hero.
Temporary on-street permit parking in Toronto: Provided space is available, a temporary parking permit may be purchased by residents and their guests to park a motor vehicle on a street designated under the permit parking program of the city of Toronto. This program generally services those residential areas where driveways are not common. If you choose this option, please avoid parking on Crawford St. if possible. You may get a ticket as it is complaint driven and the residents have limited space for their own street parking on Crawford St.
-
If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
How to Live a Spiritual Life (Retreat)
How to Live a Spiritual Life
Following the Buddhist Path
Annual Refuge Retreat
with Gen Kelsang Thekchen & others
During this retreat, we will spend time developing the beautiful mind of refuge, our actual protection from pain and problems. Through the practice of going for refuge, we gradually build a stable peace, joy and freedom within our own heart, giving us the confidence and strength to make authentic spiritual progress that we can then share with others.
We attain permanent freedom from suffering by sincerely relying upon the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Dharma is like medicine that protects us from the sufferings caused by our delusions. Buddha is the doctor who gives us this medicine, and the Sangha are the nurses who assist us. Understanding this, we go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
Even though this retreat is part of the commitments of the Teacher Training Programme, it is suitable for everyone. Each session will emphasize a different aspect of the practice of going for Refuge, using clear instructions from books written by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, such as, Joyful Path of Good Fortune. Although each session will build up on the previous one, they are all self-contained and can be attended individually.
Both afternoon sessions on Sunday, and the first session on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will be guided by our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen. All other sessions will be guided by Teachers currently studying on the Teacher Training Programme (TTP) at KMC Canada. Everyone is welcome!
** Accommodation is available for this event. Please visit the Accommodation page for more information and to submit a request. **
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Sunday, June 25th
Session 1: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - guided Gen ThekchenMonday, June 26th
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - guided by TTP student
Session 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by TTP studentTuesday, June 27th
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - guided by TTP student
Session 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by TTP studentWednesday, June 28th
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by TTP student
Session 3: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - guided by TTP student -
The main Teacher for this retreat is our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen. He will be guiding both afternoon sessions on Sunday, and the first session on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. All other sessions will be guided by Teachers currently studying on the Teacher Training Programme (TTP) at KMC Canada.
Gen Kelsang Thekchen is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). He began practising Kadam Dharma in Toronto in 1995 and has been a Kadampa monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 24 years.
He has been the Resident Teacher at Kuluta Buddhist Centre in Kingston, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada as the National Spiritual Director, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver as well as Madhyamaka KMC and Bodhisattva KMC in the UK. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha’s teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, Gen Thekchen usually teaches the Sunday and Wednesday morning, and Tuesday evening classes. He also teaches at special events, courses and workshops as well as our two in-depth study programs, the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program.
Click here for more information about the Teacher Training Programme.
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Regular: $10 / person / session
Class Pass Holders: $5 / person / session
(click here for more information about the monthly class pass)
Teacher Training Programme Students: IncludedHow to book: You can book in advance via our website or simply drop in and register upon arrival. Pre-registration is encouraged to allow a smoother registration process and decrease your wait time at the door. Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of the event.
To book in advance, click on the booking button below and fill out the booking form. At the end of the booking process, you will receive an email confirming your booking.
Promo code: If you are a class pass holder, you may enter your promo code at the top of the booking form to get your discount.
Your promo code has been given to you when you first signed up to become a class pass holder.
It is the letters in the first part of your email address (before the @), excluding dots ( . ), hyphens ( - ) or underscore ( _ ) and with a maximum of 16 digits.
Payment methods: For pre-registration via our website, we accept credit cards. For registration on site upon arrival, we accept cash, debit and credit cards.
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Some books and prayer booklets might be useful during this retreat.
- Prayer booklets: We will be using the sets of prayers: Essence of Good Fortune and Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche from his Faithful Disciples.
- Books: This retreat will be mainly based on the instructions in the book: Joyful Path of Good Fortune, Modern Buddhism and the New Meditation Handbook, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
All suggested prayer booklets and books are available at the Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada Bookstore & Giftshop.
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Accommodation is available for this retreat. For more information and to submit a request, please click here.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Offering our Faith
Offering our Faith
Retreat in Honour of our Spiritual Guide and Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Every day we remember the extraordinary kindness of Venerable Geshe-la, our Root Guru and Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU).
But on the auspicious day of June 4th, at Kadampa centres around the world, with minds of rejoicing and gratitude, we offer him our faith through using the Special Prayer Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso from his Faithful Disciples and collecting our Guru’s name mantra in a one-day retreat.
Our Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen will give a brief introduction to the retreat the previous evening, Saturday June 3rd at 7:30 p.m. There will then be three unguided retreat sessions using the prayer booklet The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land According to Highest Yoga Tantra and the Special Request Prayer. In the evening, the retreat will conclude with Offering to the Spiritual Guide Prayers.
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Saturday, 3 June, 2023
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Introduction - with Gen Kelsang ThekchenSunday, 4 June, 2023
9:00 - 10:30 a.m: Retreat Session 1 (unguided)
2:00 - 3:30 p.m: Retreat Session 2 (unguided)
3:30 - 4:30 p.m: Refreshments
4:30 - 6:00 p.m: Retreat Session 3 (unguided)
7:30 - 9:30 p.m: Offering to the Spiritual Guide Prayers -
The Saturday evening introduction to the retreat will be guided by our Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen.
Gen Kelsang Thekchen, is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). He began practising Kadam Dharma in Toronto in 1995 and has been a Kadampa monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 24 years.
He has been the Resident Teacher at Kuluta Buddhist Centre in Kingston, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada as the National Spiritual Director, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver as well established Kadampa Centres, Madhyamaka KMC and Bodhisattva KMC in the UK.
He is well known for his ability to present Buddha’s teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
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There is no charge for this event.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Great Treasury of Merit
Great Treasury of Merit
Annual Guru Yoga & Mandala Offerings Retreat
with Gen Kelsang Thekchen & others
For those who wish for a deep inner transformation, this annual meditation retreat offers an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with two in-depth Buddhist practices: Guru Yoga and Mandala Offerings. Both practices are powerful ways to fill our mind with merit, or good fortune, and to receive profound and transformative blessings. They are indispensable for those who are serious about attaining authentic spiritual realizations, in particular the state of full enlightenment.
The practice of Guru Yoga is a special way of relying upon our Spiritual Guide with faith and correct imagination, in order to receive his or her blessings. The practice of Mandala Offerings is an offering of the entire universe visualized as a Pure Land, with all its inhabitants as pure beings.
Even though this retreat is part of the commitments of the Teacher Training Programme, it is suitable for everyone. Each session will emphasize a different aspect of these two practices, using clear instructions from the book, Great Teasury of Merit, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Although each session will build up on the previous one, they are all self-contained and can be attended individually.
The first session every day will be guided by our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen. All other sessions will be guided by Teachers currently studying on the Teacher Training Programme (TTP) at KMC Canada. Everyone is welcome!
** Accommodation is available for this event. Please visit the Accommodation page for more information and to submit a request. **
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This event is taking place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Monday, May 1st
Introduction & Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher
Session 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by another TeacherTuesday, May 2nd
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher
Session 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by another TeacherWednesday, May 3rd
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher
Session 3: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - guided by another TeacherThursday, May 4th
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher
Session 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by another TeacherFriday, May 5th
Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - guided by Gen Thekchen
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher
Session 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher
Session 4: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - guided by another Teacher -
The main Teacher for this retreat is our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen. He will be guiding the first session every day. All other sessions will be guided by Teachers currently studying on the Teacher Training Programme (TTP) at KMC Canada.
About Gen Kelsang Thekchen
Gen Kelsang Thekchen is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). He began practising Kadam Dharma in Toronto in 1995 and has been a Kadampa monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 24 years.
He has been the Resident Teacher at Kuluta Buddhist Centre in Kingston, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada as the National Spiritual Director, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver as well as Madhyamaka KMC and Bodhisattva KMC in the UK. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha’s teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, Gen Thekchen usually teaches the Sunday and Wednesday morning, and Tuesday evening classes. He also teaches at special events, courses and workshops as well as our two in-depth study programs, the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program.
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Regular: $10 / person / session
Class Pass Holders: $5 / person / session
(click here for more information about the monthly class pass)
Teacher Training Programme Students: IncludedHow to book: You can book in advance via our website or simply drop in and register upon arrival. Pre-registration is encouraged to allow a smoother registration process and decrease your wait time at the door. Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of the event.
To book in advance, click on the booking button below and fill out the booking form. At the end of the booking process, you will receive an email confirming your booking.
Promo code: If you are a class pass holder, you may enter your promo code at the top of the booking form to get your discount.
Your promo code has been given to you when you first signed up to become a class pass holder.
It is the letters in the first part of your email address (before the @), excluding dots ( . ), hyphens ( - ) or underscore ( _ ) and with a maximum of 16 digits.
Payment methods: For pre-registration via our website, we accept credit cards. For registration on site upon arrival, we accept cash, debit and credit cards.
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Some items might be useful during this retreat.
- Mandala Kit: Mandala offerings can be done either mentally, through imagination, or mentally and physically, by using a traditional mandala kit and some rice.
- Prayer booklets: We will be using the sets of prayers: Offering to the Spiritual Guide and Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche from his Faithful Disciples.
- Books: This retreat will be mainly based on the instructions in the book: Great Treasury of Merit, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, but we will also study a few extracts from the books, The New Guide to Dakini Land and Joyful Path of Good Fortune, also by the same author.
All suggested prayer booklets and books, as well as mandala kits and precious stones are available at the Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada Bookstore & Giftshop.
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Accommodation is available for this retreat. For more information and to submit a request, please click here.
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Nyungne
Nyungne ~ Fasting & Purification Retreat
Praises & Prayers to Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara with Gen Kelsang Thekchen
This two-day retreat, done in conjunction with Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara practice, is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. This practice involves taking the Mahayana precepts (a promise to avoid all non-virtue for 24 hours), combined with the practice of prostrations. Through this we improve our mind of compassion. In order to participate in this retreat, you must take precepts at 6:30 a.m. each morning you participate. You may engage in one or two full days of the retreat.
This practice is done over two days, with the eight Mahayana precepts being taken at the beginning of each day. On the first day, it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch. On the second day, we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for 24 hours. On both days, we do three sessions of meditation, combining prostrations with chanted meditation. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can participate in the sessions on the second day, provided they take the Mahayana precepts on that day. The lunch we have on the days we are eating must be free from so called “black foods” which include meat, garlic, eggs, spices and garlic.
Introduction to the Practice: Our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen, will give an introduction to the Practice and the Retreat on Friday morning, April 14th, in the first session. No previous experience of Buddhism or meditation is required. Everyone is welcome!
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This event will take place at:
Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
Friday, April 14, 2023
6:15 a.m: Doors open
6:30 a.m: Precepts
7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m: First session
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m: Second session
4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m: Third session
Saturday, April 15, 2023
6:30 a.m: Precepts
7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m: Fourth session
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m: Fifth session
4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m: Sixth and final session
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Offering to the Spiritual Guide
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Our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen, is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). He began practising Kadam Dharma in Toronto in 1995 and has been a Kadampa monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 24 years.
He has been the Resident Teacher at Kuluta Buddhist Centre in Kingston, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada as the National Spiritual Director, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver as well established Kadampa Centres, Madhyamaka KMC and Bodhisattva KMC in the U.K.
He is well known for his ability to present Buddha’s teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
At Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada, he usually teaches the Sunday morning class, the Tuesday evening class, as well as special events, courses and workshops and two in-depth study programs; the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program.
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*Please note: These fees include the retreat fees and the precepts lunch on Friday, April 14th.
Regular: $30 / person
Class pass holders: -50% for class pass holders ($15 / person)
(click here for more information about the monthly class pass)How to book: You can book in advance via our website or simply drop in and register upon arrival. Pre-registration is encouraged to allow a smoother registration process and decrease your wait time at the door. Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of the event.
To book in advance, click on the booking button below and fill out the booking form. At the end of the booking process, you will receive an email confirming your booking.
Promo code: If you are a class pass holder, you may enter your promo code at the top of the booking form to get your discount.
Your promo code has been given to you when you first signed up to become a class pass holder.
It is the letters in the first part of your email address (before the @), excluding dots ( . ), hyphens ( - ) or underscore ( _ ) and with a maximum of 16 digits.
Payment methods: For pre-registration via our website, we accept credit cards. For registration on site upon arrival, we accept cash, debit and credit cards.
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SOLD OUT
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If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Long Life, Wisdom & Merit
Long Life, Wisdom & Merit ~ Annual Retreat on the Yoga Buddha Amitayus ~ with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen