Winter Retreats at KMC FL

  • Kadampa Buddhism Winter Retreats

    For practitioners of Buddhist meditation, the new year is a time to retreat and reflect. Kadampa centers around the world engage in retreat during the month of January. Meditation retreat offers an opportunity to draw the mind inward, and January retreats are designed to rejuvenate the heart and focus the mind spiritually on the year ahead. Start the new year on a positive note – join us at KMC FL for your January retreats. Everyone is welcome!

    Winter Retreats 2023

    WEEK ONE – Jan 6-11 | Renunciation and Bodhichitta

    WEEK TWO – Jan 13-18 | The Correct View of Emptiness

    WEEK THREE – Jan 20-25  | Quick Path to Great Bliss

    WEEK FOUR – Jan 27 – Feb 1 | The Tantra of Generation Stage

    WEEK FIVE – Feb 3-8 | The Tantra of Completion Stage

  • Meditation Retreat Structure

    The buddhist meditation retreats include practical instructions, guided meditations, Q & A, and food and refreshments. In between sessions there is time to relax, rest, and spend time with like minded friends in our Cafe. The peaceful environment of Kadampa Meditation Center Florida help visitors to create a comfortable space within their own minds.

  • On-site Accommodation Options

    Kadampa Meditation Center Florida has a variety of on-site accommodation options including single, double, and triple occupancy rooms as well as a male and female dorm. We also have ample bathroom facilities for our guests. Staying onsite in our comfortable accommodation gives our retreat and class participants the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the meditation retreat or course they are attending. For more information about booking accommodations please email us at info@meditationinsarasota.org.

  • Upcoming January Retreats & Booking

    Listed below are the upcoming buddhist meditation retreats & courses at Kadampa Meditation Center Florida. Click on “Find Out More” for information on a course and for online booking.

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Useful Information

These retreats explore different Buddhist meditation topics such as mindfulness, loving kindness, karma, past and future lives, compassion, patience, wisdom and how we can practically apply them in daily life to solve our problems.

Here are some common questions that people ask about our meditation courses. If you have any other questions please contact us and we will be happy to help you in anyway.

Q: What courses and retreats are available?

Our courses and retreats range from beginner level to more advanced levels on subjects from mindfulness & loving kindness to compassion & wisdom.

Q: Do I need to be Buddhist to attend a course?

A: No, our courses are presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious obligation is required.

Q: Do I need to have experience of meditation or Buddhism to attend a course?

A: Mostly no. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. Some experience of Buddhism would only be recommended for deeper Buddhist topics.

Q: If I’m a complete beginner, should I attend a retreat?

A: Yes, but it would be recommended that you attend a more beginner focused course

Q: Which retreats are suitable for someone with some experience of meditation?

A: All of the retreats listed on this site are useful for those with some experience of meditation.

Q: Will I be asked to say anything, or speak in front of a group of people?

A: No. But you can ask questions if you want to.

Q: Is there any physical exercise involved, such as yoga?

A: No. The courses focus on meditation alone.

Q: Can I sit on a chair on retreat or do I have to sit cross legged?

A: Yes, you can sit on a chair! There are also cuhions for those who like to sit on the floor in the traditional cross legged position.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Nothing in particular. However, some people find it useful to bring a notepad and pen.

Q: How should I dress? 

A: There are no special requirements, but comfortable clothing is generally best.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?

A: Yes, if possible (as you pay less than at door price). All retreat listed on this website can be booked in advance.

Our retreats consist of a mixture of guided meditation, practical  instructions, Q & A,  discussion and refreshment periods.

Buddhist meditation retreatThe venue for these meditation classes is our Kadampa Meditation Temple in Sarasota. The Temple is the most beautiful and inspiring sacred place for people to learn, in a safe and peaceful environment, the practices of Buddhist meditation. Under the guidance of our Kadampa Teachers you can learn how to find greater peace and happiness from within.

All our courses are open to those who have no previous experience of Meditation. The classes are presented in a down to earth, practical, and accessible way. Everyone is welcome.

The purpose of meditation is to cultivate positive states of mind, conducive to peace and well-being, and overcome negative habits of mind. Happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external situations. When our mind is peaceful we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness.

“If we want to experience true, lasting happiness, we need to learn the secret of inner peace by meditating.” – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries, stress, and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions.

If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Testimonials

These teachings and meditations were so practical and have given me a path to the inner peace and happiness that I have been longing for…

I have attended many retreats at KMC Florida in Sarasota. This is a great place to rejuvenate and boost my meditation practice

You don’t have to be a Buddhist to come here. A good place to learn about meditation and Buddhism. The teachers and classes are good

KMC Florida is an oasis of peace! Just walking in the door is relaxing. It’s so wonderful to have KMC Florida’s calming presence in my life to counter all of the stress and chaos in our world

If you are new to meditation and Buddhism or have practiced for years, you will find a wealth of wisdom and peace at KMC Florida

KMC Florida is such a beautiful and amazing place! It’s the perfect place to relax and work on true inner peace.

It is a beautiful place to meditate and grow spiritually. The people here are very helpful and friendly.

I found a great place to get some peace in my life and meet some great people as well.

A welcoming and friendly place, relaxed vibe with authentic Buddhist teachings and meditations, highly recommended.

Very friendly & welcoming. Meditation classes are outstanding

Beautiful people and space. I recommend this place to anyone seeking to familiarize themselves with their own inner peace

A true hidden gem of authentic spirituality and traditional spiritual practice!

Kadampa Meditation Center Florida is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union. - Enfold WordPress Theme by Kriesi