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

Country Retreat - The Wisdom of Letting Go

Country Retreat

“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 Jampa Ling Kadampa Buddhist Centre.


Discover an Ocean of Peace Within

This meditation retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from everyday busyness and explore emptiness—the true nature of reality. By developing the wisdom that realizes the dream-like nature of ourselves, other people, and the world around us, we can begin to let go of problems at their root and develop an unsurpassed inner freedom.

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

The sessions will be guided by Gen Chodor (Resident Teacher at KMC Canada) and Kelsang Rigma (Resident Teacher at KMC Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre)

Everyone welcome!


The accommodation at Lakeside Inn Orillia is now fully booked. Please explore your own options nearby.

The retreat is now fully booked. Please contact us if you would like to be on the waiting list.

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.
    On-site lodging is now fully booked.
    Please explore options nearby.


    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.

  • Prayers for Meditation *
    Heart Jewel *

    *Both print copies and ebooklet plus mp3 are available at Tharpa Publications.

    These will be available at the retreat. However, if you do have them, please kindly bring yours, in case there is not have enough copies for everyone.

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

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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 →
Country Retreat - Abiding in a Peaceful Mind
Sep
4
to Sep 7

Country Retreat - Abiding in a Peaceful Mind

5 Oaks Labour Day Retreat

Abiding in a Peaceful Mind


With Gen Chodor, National Spiritual Director for Canada (Toronto)


The Purpose Of This Retreat

During this special meditation retreat, we have the opportunity to step away from our busy lives and train in meditative stillness, or tranquil abiding.

With guidance and through focused retreat sessions, we will learn to pacify distractions and experience the inner peace and stillness of concentration.

Everyone is welcome.

“A person who has good, virtuous concentration has control over his mind, and his mind does what he wants it to do, like a well-trained horse that obeys its rider. ” - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Everyone welcome!

Booking coming very soon

Send an email to [email protected] to express your interest and we will contact you

View Event →