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Country Retreat - The Healing Power of Compassion
Apr
2
to Apr 5

Country Retreat - The Healing Power of Compassion

Country Retreat

The Healing Power of Compassion


With 3 Senior Kadampa Teachers

Gen Kelsang Chodor

National Spiritual Director for Canada (Toronto)

Gen Kelsang Kunden

Resident Teacher at Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre (Guelph)

Gen Kelsang Rabgye

Resident Teacher at Samudra Kadampa Buddhist Centre (Hamilton)


The Purpose Of This Retreat

Take the time to stop, relax and heal.

Join this Easter weekend country retreat to enjoy the very essence of your life. Compassion is the mind that transforms into the enlightened mind of a Buddha. Experienced Kadampa teachers will guide you to develop your compassion and help you heal your mind. The healing that comes from compassion benefits ourself and all living beings.

No previous experience of meditation is required.

Everyone welcome!

  • At Five Oaks Retreat Centre

    1 Bethel Rd, Paris, ON N3L 3E3

    https://fiveoaks.on.ca

    Google Maps Directions Here

  • 10% Early bird discount if booked by 28th February

    While the actual retreat begins on Friday morning, you have the option to arrive on Thursday afternoon.

    OPTION 1: Arrive Thursday, April 2 (from 3pm): Includes all sessions plus accommodation for 3 nights and 8 meals from supper on Thursday to breakfast on Sunday. Retreat ends on Sunday, April 5 at 11am.

    Single room (A single room with shared bathroom. Price is for 1 person) : $800

    Standard Double Room (2 twin beds with shared bathroom. Price is for 2 people) : $1290

    OPTION 2: Arrive Friday, April 3 (between 8:30 and 9:30am): Includes all sessions plus accommodation for 2 nights and 6 meals from lunch on Friday to breakfast on Sunday. Retreat ends on Sunday, April 5 at 11am.

    Single room (A single room with shared bathroom. Price is for 1 person) : $650

    Standard Double Room (2 twin beds with shared bathroom. Price is for 2 people) : $1050

    Quad (A room with 4 bunk beds with shared bathroom. Price is for 1 person) : $450

    OPTION 3: For locals, a commuter price is offered. Includes all sessions, lunch and supper on Friday and Saturday. Retreat ends on Sunday, April 5 at 11am. All prices are for 1 person.

    Commuter: $290

    Supper for commuters on Thursday 2nd April : $20

    Breakfast : $10 each day

  • THURSDAY, APRIL 2

    3-7pm Optional early arrival

    Begin your retreat sooner. On Thursday afternoon, we will set up the meditation room and do food prep. After supper, we will make prayers and enjoy meditation.

    7pm Supper
    8:30pm Avalokiteshvara Prayers & Meditation|


    GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3 (holiday)

    7-8am Meditation with Gen Chodor
    8am Breakfast
    8:30-9:30am‍ Registration
    10-10:40am‍ ‍Session 1 Introduction & Meditation with Gen Kunden
    11-12:30pm‍ ‍Session 2 with Gen Chodor
    12:30pm Lunch (after lunch, access to rooms)
    2:30-3:30pm‍ ‍Session 3 with Gen Rabgye
    4-5:30pm‍ ‍Session 4 with Gen Rabgye
    6pm Dinner
    7:30-9:30pm‍ ‍Session 5 with Gen Kunden (incl Q&A)


    SATURDAY, APRIL 4

    7-8am‍ ‍Session 6 Meditation with Gen Kunden
    8am Breakfast
    9-10:30am‍ ‍Session 7 with Gen Chodor
    11-12:30pm‍ ‍Session 8 with Gen Rabgye
    12:30pm Lunch
    2:30-3:30pm‍ ‍Session 9 with Gen Kunden
    4-5:30pm‍ ‍Session 10 with Gen Chodor
    5:30pm Dinner
    7:30-9:30pm‍ ‍Session 11 Meditation with Gen Rabgye
    and Q&A with all teachers


    SUNDAY, APRIL 5

    7-8am‍ ‍Session 12 Meditation with Gen Rabgye
    8am Breakfast
    9-11am‍ ‍Session 13 Meditation, Group discussion & Q&A with Gen Chodor

    Retreat ends at 11am on Sunday

  • Cancellations requested up to March 15th are subject to a 25% non-refundable fee. Please note that it can take up to two weeks for your bank or credit card company to process and post your refund. 

    No refunds for cancellations after March 15th.

  • More information to come soon!

  • If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

View Event →
Nyungné Retreat
Apr
14
to Apr 15

Nyungné Retreat

Click here to return to calendar.

Nyungné Retreat

with Gen Kelsang Chodor

This two-day* retreat, done in conjunction with the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara practice, is very powerful for purifying the negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying negative minds. This practice involves taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts—a promise to avoid negative actions for 24 hours—combined with the practice of prostrations. Through this practice, we improve our compassion and develop a pure and light heart.

The retreat is conducted over two days. On the first day, it is customary to abstain from all meals except lunch at 12:30 p.m. On the second day, participants 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 Nyungné Retreat, please email [email protected] to receive essential information before the start of the retreat.

Accommodations are available for those participating in this retreat. Rooms are limited. For further information and to submit a request, please email [email protected]

Vegetarian lunch available for purchase.

*Note: Participants can join just for one day.

  • This event is taking place at:

    Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
    631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1

    Open Google Maps

  • Tuesday, April 14, 2024

    • 6:15 a.m.: Doors open

    • 6:30–7:15 a.m.: Precepts

    • 7:15–8:30 a.m.: Retreat Session 1

    • 10:00–11:15 a.m.: Retreat Session 2

    • 4:00–5:15 p.m.: Retreat Session 3

    Wednesday, April 15, 2024

    • 6:15 a.m.: Doors open

    • 6:30–7:00 a.m.: Precepts

    • 7:00–8:15 a.m.: Retreat Session 4

    • 9:00–10:15 a.m.: Retreat Session 5

    • 4:00–5:15 p.m.: Retreat Session 6

    • 7:00–8:45 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. He is admired by students for his practical knowledge, warm presentations and authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humor. 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, Gen Chodor usually teaches the Sunday morning, Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning classes. As well he also teaches special events, courses and workshops and two in-depth study programmes: the Foundation Programme and the Teacher Training Programme.

  • Regular:
    Tuesday: $15
    Wednesday: $15
    Supporting Members: No cost

    Members’ discount applied during the booking process.

    Retreats are in-person attendance only. Live-streaming is NOT available.


    (click here for more information about membership.)

    How to book: Please book in advance using our booking form below. While we welcome last-minute drop-ins, pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a smoother check-in process and reduce your wait time at the door. Doors will open 30 minutes before the event begins.

    To book in advance, click on the booking button 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 member, you may enter your membership code at the top of the booking form to get your discount.

    Your membership code has been given to you when you first signed up to become a member.

    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.

  • 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

    Open Google Maps

  • 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.

    Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking.

  • If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]

Booking

 
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Canadian National Festival 2026
May
1
to May 5

Canadian National Festival 2026

  • Kadampa Meditation Centre Montreal (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Canadian National Festival 2026

With Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab

May 1-5th, 2026

At Kadampa Meditation Centre Montréal
835 Laurier Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1G2


Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab is a retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU, he has trained closely with Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than forty years. His humility and pure example reflect his many years of reliance on his Spiritual Guide.

An internationally renowned Teacher, he is greatly admired as a sincere practitioner and a powerful Teacher. He is also well-known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Buddha's teachings, and for his pure example of compassion and loving-kindness.

View Event →
Adventure Tour at Summer Festival!
Jul
24
to Aug 8

Adventure Tour at Summer Festival!

Destination: International Summer Festival 2026

At Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre Ulverston, UK

July 24th - Aug 8th (Festival Dates)

Join us for what’s going to be an incredible adventure!

— See all live updates for flights and accommodations here: —



 

“Welcome everybody to the NKT International Festival. The NKT International Festivals are the special method to maintain the International Kadampa Buddhist Union from generation to generation. We should know this Union is very important. With this Union we can fulfill our own and others wishes easily. So please keep my message in your heart.
With much love and prayers,”
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso


A Meaningful Experience & Adventure

  • The International Kadampa Summer Festival 2026 is a joyous gathering of thousands of Kadampas from around the world, coming together to receive blessed teachings and guided meditations at our Mother Centre, Manjushri KMC. This year, we have the rare and extraordinary opportunity to receive the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini.

    During the festival, we'll be able to explore the beautiful Conishead Priory — home of Manjushri KMC — meditate in the first Kadampa Temple for World Peace, and spend inspiring time with the international Kadampa Sangha in a peaceful setting, enjoying beach walks, woodlands, and gardens. We will also explore the nearby town of Ulverston in the Lake District, one of the most beautiful areas in the UK. 

    For many people, attending these festivals in person is a truly life-changing experience. 

    We’re hoping many students from KMC Canada can travel and stay together if it helps them attend the festival. If you would like to travel or share accommodation with others, please visit this form with live updates.

    May this be a smooth, joyful experience for everyone.

Plan ahead for a truly meaningful holiday!

⁠•⁠ Enjoy spiritual renewal and make friends from around the world

•⁠ ⁠Be inspired by our new General Spiritual Director (GSD), Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

•⁠ ⁠Receive the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini

•⁠ ⁠Explore our Mother Centre in historic Conishead Priory

•⁠ ⁠Meditate in the first Kadampa Temple for World Peace

•⁠ ⁠Visit the quaint town of Ulverston, in the Lake District

... and so much more!

Get a glimpse of the International Kadampa Festivals watching these inspiring videos:

 

Flights & Trains

Flight Options (Toronto - Manchester)

We will soon have 2 flight options for the whole Festival and 1 flight option for week 2 only. Please refer to this Google Form for all the latest updates about the selected flights and accommodations!

Trains from Manchester Airport to Ulverston

Going to Ulverston, home of Manjushri KMC, from Manchester Airport is very easy and straightforward. From the Arrivals at the airport, the train station is just a few minutes walk away. From there, hop on the train and enjoy the comfortable 2h ride through the beautiful English countryside!

From Ulverston station, taxis will be available for a quick 5 minutes drive.

Train schedules for the proposed flights:

Coming soon!



Booking Your Festival

Kadampa Festival Accounts

Book your festival at kadampafestivals.org!

To book your festival, you will need to create an account at kadampafestivals.org once the bookings are open.

BOOKING OPENS THURSDAY MARCH 19th 09:00 GMT-4

Attending in Person

Attending an International Kadampa Festival in person is no more less than an amazing experience. It is an opportunity to spend precious time with the International Sangha - people from all corners of the world who have to heart the practice of Buddha’s teachings and the development of inner peace. For many, these festivals become a life changing experience.

If attending the Summer Festival in person, you can book your festival teachings, meals and accommodations (if staying on site), the teachings recordings as well as any other inquiries directly in the booking system of kadampafestival.org.

Attending Online

In order to truly experience the unique and precious benefits of these special gatherings, it is definitely recommended to attend the festivals in person. But sometimes, we simply cannot make it. Yet, due to the kindness of many devoted volunteers, we still have the wonderful and meaningful opportunity to attend all the festival teachings online from the comfort of our homes!

If attending the Summer Festival online, you can book your festival teachings and purchase their recordings directly in the booking system of kadampafestival.org.


Useful Links

Festival & Manjushri KMC Websites

Kadampafestivals.org/summer

Manjushri.org

Train Tickets

Northernrailway.co.uk

Visa / ETA

Gov.uk/eta

UK ETA Google Play App

UK ETA App Store (Apple)


Extra Tips & Infos

  • Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre Ulverston, UK

    Manjushri.org

    kadampafestivals.org/summer

  • Mild to warm temperatures with long daylight hours, and lush green landscapes are to be expected when visiting the Lake District in the months of July and August. While it is generally the warmest time of year, with temperatures often in the high teens or low twenties (Celsius), it remains unpredictable with frequent rain showers. 

  • What to bring depends mostly on your accommodation type and your free time activities.

    Essentials:

    • Passeport and UK ETA Visa

    • UK Electric Plug Adapters (Type G)

    • Waterproof clothing

    • Versatile layers for unpredictable weather

    • Warm clothings for mild evenings

    • Some Sterling Pounds in cash is always good to have (MKMC’s laundry machines require £ coins)

    • Power banks for your electronics

    • You may wish to get an eSIM card for your phone

    If planning on being outside a lot:

    Waterproof clothing such as a good raincoat, rain boots or waterproof shoes are a must have. A warm jacket and pants make the mild evenings comfortable.

    If camping:

    Make sure your tent is well waterproofed. It is good practice to take cardboard from Manjushri’s recycling bins to put under your tent when arriving. This blocks humidity very well. Otherwise, you may want to bring an extra tarp to put under your tent. This is also as to prevent humidity or water flooding from below in case of very bad weather. Nights can be quite cold even in the summer, so make sure to have a trusty sleeping bag and a warm liner.

  • Entry Requirements and Documents

    • ETA/Visa: As of early 2025, many visitors, including Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, costing £10-£16.

    • Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay.

    • Documents: Keep passports secure and carry a digital or physical copy. 

    Transportation and Getting Around

    • Trains: Generally efficient, but book in advance for cheaper fares.

    • Driving: Drives on the left. Rent a car for rural areas (Scotland, Wales, Cotswolds).

    Practical Tips

    • Voltage: 230V, 50Hz, Type G (three-pin) plug.

    • Weather: Highly unpredictable, often rainy. Pack layers, an umbrella, and a rain jacket.

    • Safety: The emergency number is 999 or 112.

    • Vocabulary: Common differences: "loo" (toilet), "lift" (elevator), “rubbish” (trash/garbage).

  • If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

 

KMC Canada is commited to supporting your journey!

Everyone is welcome!

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