General information
Classes & courses
Retreats
Study programs
Special courses
Annual Retreats at the Kadampa Buddhist Temple
Retreat – A Method to Improve our Meditative Experience
Stages of the Path (Lamrim) Retreat
Vajrayogini Retreat*
Fasting and Purification Retreat
April 14 and 15
24-Hour Tara Retreat
August 7 and 8
The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso – New Meditation Handbook
During retreat we temporarily withdraw from our usual routines and activities and learn how to relax and develop peaceful, positive minds through meditation. In this way we create space in our mind and develop a fresh perspective on life. Many people find that the meditations they learn in retreat are of great long-term benefit to their life.
Stay at KMC Washington for your retreat
Fasting and Purification Retreat
April 14 and 15
Our compassionate heart, which brings great joy and meaning to our lives, can be awakened through this special purification practice of Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara. Over the course of two days, we will take the Mahayana precepts, fast, make prostrations, and engage in praises and requests to the Buddha of Compassion.
Schedule:
Tuesday, April 14th
6:30 – 7 am Mahayana Precepts (required each day to participate in retreat that day)
7:30 – 9 am Session 1
10:30 am - noon Session 2
4:30 – 6 pm Session 3
Wednesday, April 15th - Buddha's Enlightenment Day
6:30 – 7 am Mahayana Precepts (required each day to participate in retreat that day)
7:30 – 9 am Session 1
10:30 am - noon Session 2
4:30 – 6 pm Session 3
7 – 9 pm Offering to the Spiritual Guide
Cost: $30 for the whole retreat, $15 per day, of $5 per session. Free for supporters.
Amitayus Retreat
January 1
It is auspicious to recite the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus at the beginning of the New Year for blessings of long life, merit and wisdom.
Each session includes teaching and guided meditation. Everyone is welcome to attend all or part of the retreat.
Stages of the Path (Lamrim) Retreat
First 2 weeks of January
The Lamrim, or Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, is a condensation of all of Buddha's teachings into 21 main meditation topics. During this two-week retreat, we have a chance to train in all these meditations based on the retreat instructions in The New Meditation Handbook. Meditating on Lamrim is the supreme way to solve our daily problems and find lasting happiness.
Vajrayogini Retreat*
Last 2 weeks of January
During this Vajrayogini meditation retreat, we have a special chance to improve our understanding and experience of the 11 yogas of generation stage in the company of other practitioners.
* Open only to those with Vajrayogini Empowerment
Vajrayogini Close Retreat *
Starts early January
Vajrayogini practitioners have an opportunity to engage in a qualified close retreat of actions in the blessed environment of Kadampa Meditation Center Washington and to enjoy the support of a group retreat. Please contact the Center if you are interested in engaging in this retreat.
* Open only to those with Vajrayogini Empowerment.
24-Hour Tara Retreat
August 7 and 8
Tara is the female Buddha of wisdom. She protects us from all internal and external dangers, provides us with all the necessary conditions for our spiritual training, and guides us and inspires us with her blessings.
Everyone is welcome to attend any or all sessions.
Staying at KMC Washington
Accommodation is available at KMC Washington for these retreats. Please visit our guest services page for more details.