All Events

Including regular classes, community events and chanted prayers.

Filtering by: “Special Events”
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.

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Doors Open Toronto (Free Event)
May
23
to May 24

Doors Open Toronto (Free Event)

Doors Open Toronto (Free Event)

We’re excited to announce that KMC Canada will be part of Doors Open Toronto this year! As part of this city-wide weekend event, we’ll be opening our doors to everyone – and you’re warmly invited to stop by.

What is Doors Open Toronto?

It’s a city-wide event that gives you rare access to some of Toronto’s most unique and interesting buildings – places you might not normally get to explore.

2026 Theme - The World in a City

With more than half of its population born overseas, Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. This Doors Open looks at how diversity has been Toronto’s strength since its founding.

Whether through architecture inspired from global cultures, histories that reflect the many societies and traditions who call Toronto home or the ways in which buildings act as community gathering spaces, this Doors Open considers Toronto’s past and future, together.

What would you experience here:

Come explore our beautiful space, take a guided tour of the meditation room, learn about its history (the building is a former church transformed into a Meditation Temple), and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

We’ll also be offering
- short guided meditation sessions and
- audio tour of the meditation room.

You can try out tasty snacks and a chance to meet the friendly KMC Canada community.
It’ll be a relaxed, welcoming event – and totally kid-friendly too!

  • 631 Crawford St, Toronto, ON M6G 3K1

 
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Special Event ~ Offering Our Faith on Turning the Wheel of Dharma Day
Jun
4

Special Event ~ Offering Our Faith on Turning the Wheel of Dharma Day

Offering Our Faith
Prayers to the Holy Spiritual Guide

on
Turning the Wheel of Dharma Day

Annual Retreat in Honour of 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.

There will then be three sessions of retreat 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.

Our Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Chodor will give a brief introduction to the retreat at the start of the 9am session.

This event is free of charge. Please register to let us know that you are attending.

  • This event is taking place at:

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

    Open Google Maps

  • Thursday, 4 June, 2026
    Session 1: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m
    Session 2: 2:00 - 3:30p.m
    Session 3: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m

    Offering to the Spiritual Guide:
    7:00 - 8:30 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 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.

  • 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.

    Temporary day parking spots nearby: 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]

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Finding the Source of True Happiness- Spring Course
Jun
5
to Jun 7

Finding the Source of True Happiness- Spring Course

Finding The Source of True Happiness

With special Guest Teacher Gen Kelsang Delek
Resident Teacher of KMC Vancouver

Individual days can be attended


Fill your heart with positive thoughts, good intentions, and Buddhist wisdom.

Join us for this very accessible meditation course, where you’ll learn practical methods to cultivate inner peace, authentic happiness, and greater patience, empathy, and compassion in daily life.

This course is based on the well-loved traditional Buddhist teaching Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by Geshe Langri Tangpa. These teachings have inspired generations of meditation practitioners for nearly a thousand years, bringing peace, inspiration, and serenity to countless people.

Through practicing these methods, you can gradually develop a stable and lasting experience of happiness, as well as greater resilience.

The Meditation Sessions

The sessions include practical instructions, guided meditations, and Q&A time. Between sessions, there is time to relax, rest, and spend time with like-minded people in our cafe area. The peaceful surroundings of Kadampa Meditation Center Canada help individuals create a comfortable space within their own minds.

All of the meditation sessions are based on the internationally acclaimed book New Eight Steps to Happiness – The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness, by Buddhist Meditation Master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

No previous experience of meditation is required.

Everyone welcome!

  • This event is taking place at:

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

    Open Google Maps

  • Gen Kelsang Delek, the Resident Teacher of KMC Vancouver, is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). She has been a Kadampa Buddhist nun and Teacher under the guidance of her Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, for almost 30 years and has been the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Centres in Canada, Japan and the UK.

    Gen Delek’s extensive experience and excellent example are well appreciated by her students. With her practical approach and clear explanations of even the most profound of Buddha’s teachings, Gen Delek inspires us to put Dharma into practice in our daily lives. We are very fortunate to be able to study and meditate with such an experienced Teacher.

    Gen Delek is also the Resident Teacher of KMC Fraser Valley.

  • Full weekend: $100 / person
    Friday only: $15
    Saturday only: $45
    Sunday only: $40


    Supporting Members: Discount 50%

    Members’ discount will be applied during booking process.
    Live-streaming option is available to Supporting Members.

    (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 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.

  • Friday

    7:00 - 8:30 PM:
    Introduction

    Saturday

    10:00 - 11:15 AM:
    Guided Meditations & Talk

    11:15 - 11:45 AM:
    Refreshments

    11:45 AM - 1:00 PM:
    Guided Meditations & Talk

    1:00 - 3:00 PM:

    Lunch Break

    3:00 - 4:30 PM:
    Guided Meditation / Discussion / Q&A

    Sunday

    9:30 - 10:30 AM:
    Guided Meditation & Talk

    10:30 - 11:00 AM:
    Refreshment Break

    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM:
    Meditation Class

    2:30 - 4:00 PM:
    Guided Meditation / Q&A

  • More info to come.

  • 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, please email: [email protected]

View Event →
Country Retreat - The Wisdom of Letting Go
Jun
19
to Jun 21

Country Retreat - The Wisdom of Letting Go

Country Retreat

The Wisdom of Letting Go

“There is no greater method for experiencing peace of mind and happiness than to understand and meditate on emptiness.” - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso


Guided by:

Gen Kelsang Chodor

National Spiritual Director & Resident Teacher at KMC Canada in Toronto.

Kelsang Rigma

Resident Teacher at KBC Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre.


Coming Home to the Heart

Discover an Ocean of Peace Within

We often say “home is where the heart is” - and never is this more true than when, through meditation, we bring our awareness home to our heart centre, discovering a sense of stillness, joy, and inner peace

In this relaxing three-day guided retreat, we will learn how to use meditation on the mind - known as Mahamudra meditation - to gently guide ourselves back to the stable ground of our heart centre, opening our heart to greater peace, love, and connection with others.

We will also be introduced to the Buddhist practice of Heart Jewel. These essential practices help prepare the mind for Mahamudra meditation by setting a positive motivation, releasing negativity, and filling the mind with inspiration and positive energy.

Everyone welcome!

Please
-book the
retreat here with Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
-book your accommodation directly by telephoning Lakeside Inn Orillia (705) 325 - 2514
-meals are not included. Eateries are located close by.


For details, please scroll down to Fees & Booking below.

  • Lakeside Inn Orillia

    86 Creighton St S, Orillia, ON L3V 1B2

    https://lakesideinnorillia.ca/index.html

    Google Maps Directions Here

  • PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

    Retreat portion only (excluding accommodation and meals):
    $100
    Please use the booking form at the bottom of the page.

    Accommodation is not included.
    Please book directly with Lakeside Inn Orillia and pay for your own room.
    In their website, rooms are blocked off from the public and reserved for retreat attendees.
    Please call (705) 325 - 2514 and mention the ‘Kadampa Retreat’ to book your room.

    Meals are not included.
    Some rooms are equipped with microwave or fridge or kitchenette.
    Eateries are short distance around the Inn.

  • Friday, June 19th
    7:30 – 9:00 PM — Introductory Teaching (with Gen Chodor)

    Saturday, June 20
    (Morning in silence until lunch)

    7:00 – 8:00 AM — Personal Quiet Meditation Time
    9:00 – 10:15 AM — Session 1 (with Kelsang Rigma)
    10:15 – 10:45 AM — Refreshment Break
    10:45 AM – 12:00 PM — Session 2 (with Gen Chodor)
    12:00 – 3:00 PM — Lunch & Break
    3:00 – 4:15 PM — Session 3 (with Kelsang Rigma)
    4:15 – 4:45 PM — Refreshment Break
    4:45 – 6:00 PM — Session 4 (with Gen Chodor)
    6:00 – 8:00 PM — Dinner
    8:00 – 9:00 PM — Group Discussion and Q&A

    Sunday, June 21
    (Morning in silence until lunch)

    7:30 – 8:45 AM — Session 5 (with Kelsang Rigma)
    8:45 – 9:15 AM — Refreshment Break
    9:15 – 10:30 AM — Session 6 (with Gen Chodor)
    10:30 – 11:00 AM — Refreshment Break
    11:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Discussion and Q&A

  • More info to come.

  • More info to come.

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

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!

View Event →
Summer HYT Retreat - Heruka Body Mandala
Aug
21
to Aug 23

Summer HYT Retreat - Heruka Body Mandala

Heruka Body Mandala
Summer Retreat

With special Guest Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen

Please note: This retreat is for those who have already received Highest Yoga Tantra (HYT) empowerment, or who have the intention to receive one in the near future.


To lead all living beings to the supreme happiness of enlightenment, all the Buddhas’ compassion appears in the form of Heruka. Through relying on Heruka with faith we will attain the realization of the union of great bliss and emptiness, which is the actual quick path to enlightenment.

By meditating on Heruka Body Mandala we receive powerful blessings that free us from all obstacles to our spiritual practice and enable us to attain profound spiritual realizations quickly. This retreat focuses on the profound tantric practice of Yoga of Buddha Heruka.

  • This event is taking place at:

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

    Open Google Maps

  • 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 more than 30 years.

    In the past, he has been the Resident Teacher at Kuluta Buddhist Centre in Kingston, at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada as our Canadian 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, so that we can easily relate to them and put them into practice in our day-to-day lives.

  • Info to follow


    Members’ discount will be applied during booking process.
    Live-streaming option is available to Supporting Members.

    (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 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.

  • Friday
    Introduction: 7:00–8:30 PM

    Saturday
    Session 1: 9:30–10:45 AM
    Session 2: 11:30 AM–12:45 PM

    Lunch: 1:00–2:30 PM

    Session 3 (including Q&A): 2:30–4:00 PM

    Sunday
    Session 4: 9:00–10:15 AM
    Meditation Class: 11:00 AM–12:15 PM

    Lunch: 12:30–2:00 PM

    Session 5 (including Q&A): 2:00–3:30 PM

  • More info to come.

  • 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, please email: [email protected]

View Event →