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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kadampa Meditation Center Florida
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250901T123000
DTSTAMP:20250804T141025Z
CREATED:20250617T002700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T141025Z
UID:10018427-1756494000-1756729800@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Florida Peaceful Getaway Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Florida Peaceful Getaway Retreat \nHeld at the Kadampa Temple for World Peace | Sarasota\nTaught by the Resident Teachers of the Seven Kadampa Centers in Florida \nJoin us in beautiful Sarasota for a special weekend retreat inspired by Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by the great master Shantideva. This timeless text is a step-by-step guide to living with compassion\, wisdom\, and strength in our modern world. \nThis year’s theme\, “Benefiting Others by Becoming Your Best Self\,” explores the transformative power of the Six Perfections—giving\, moral discipline\, patience\, effort\, concentration\, and wisdom. These profound practices lie at the heart of the Bodhisattva path and offer us a blueprint for living a deeply meaningful life. \nThroughout the weekend\, Resident Teachers from the seven Kadampa centers in Florida will share Buddha’s teachings and guide meditations that awaken our inner potential and show how becoming our best self is the most powerful way to benefit the people around us. \nWhether you are new to Buddhism or a long-time practitioner\, this retreat offers a joyful opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice\, connect with like-minded individuals\, and return home inspired and empowered.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/florida-peaceful-getaway-retreat/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T104500
DTSTAMP:20251119T155554Z
CREATED:20250729T232211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T155554Z
UID:10018708-1757757600-1757760300@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Simply Meditate
DESCRIPTION:In today’s fast-paced world\, anxiety and stress are widespread\, making life feel overwhelming and difficult. This class equips you with meditation tools to help manage stress and change how you respond to your thoughts and emotions. \nDiscover how meditation helps you manage stress by showing you that many fears and negative feelings come from the mind. Through meditation\, you’ll learn how to control these emotions.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/simply-meditate/2025-09-13/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250920T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250920T140000
DTSTAMP:20250909T193141Z
CREATED:20250729T095211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T193141Z
UID:10018707-1758362400-1758376800@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Seeing Beyond the Ordinary
DESCRIPTION:This is an opportunity to learn how to develop faith based on logic and our own experience. This is the scientific explanation of faith coming from Buddha’s profound wisdom and knowledge about the mind. Many people are afraid of faith or have lost “faith in faith”. We will explore the function of faith and how it is an aspect of wisdom\, which always guides us in a positive direction and creates a foundation of confidence that nothing else provides. \n“Faith is like pure eyes that see beyond the ordinary impure world of samsara…” \nGeshe Kelsang Gyatso
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/seeing-beyond-the-ordinary/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T141500
DTSTAMP:20250908T210428Z
CREATED:20250828T185417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T210428Z
UID:10018756-1758967200-1758982500@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Busy Life Calm\, Mind Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Take a break from your busy life and  focus on your inner peace and unwind. Use this time to relax\, let go of stress\, and reflect on what truly matters. By creating a sense of calm and clarity\, you’ll recharge your energy and embrace the weekend with a fresh\, positive mindset. Everyone Welcome! \n\nSchedule:\nSession 1: 10-11am\nSession 2: 11:30 – 12:15\nLunch: 12:30am-1:30pm\nSession 3: 1:30-2:15
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/busy-life-calm-mind-retreat/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251010
DTSTAMP:20250227T124505Z
CREATED:20250227T124436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T124505Z
UID:10017325-1759449600-1760054399@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:NKT-IKBU International Fall Festival 2025
DESCRIPTION:Great Protector of the Guru’s Words\n\n\n\n\n\nThere is nothing more precious than the words of our Spiritual Guide. This festival begins with the empowerment of Dorje Shugden as a powerful protection and blessing\, so that we can understand the deep meanings of all the teachings of Sutra and Tantra that we have received from our Founder\, and so we can care for them\, ensuring they remain vibrant\, alive and functioning for many generations to come. With a life of dedication\, Gen-la Dekyong pays particularly close attention to our Guru’s words. \nGen-la will share special advice that she has personally directly received from Venerable Geshe-la on how for our mind and the meaning of the teachings to become one\, requires our Guru’s blessings. She will also share how we can deepen our understanding of our Guru’s speech continually\, and how through this\, we ourselves can come to hold his ultimate correct views and intentions and attain the enlightened state of our Guru. \n 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/nkt-ikbu-international-fall-festival-2025/
LOCATION:IKRC Grand Canyon\, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd\, Williams\, AZ\, 86046\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251018T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251018T104500
DTSTAMP:20251119T155554Z
CREATED:20250729T232211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T155554Z
UID:10018963-1760781600-1760784300@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Simply Meditate
DESCRIPTION:In today’s fast-paced world\, anxiety and stress are widespread\, making life feel overwhelming and difficult. This class equips you with meditation tools to help manage stress and change how you respond to your thoughts and emotions. \nDiscover how meditation helps you manage stress by showing you that many fears and negative feelings come from the mind. Through meditation\, you’ll learn how to control these emotions.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/simply-meditate/2025-10-18/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251019T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251019T163000
DTSTAMP:20250918T183320Z
CREATED:20250918T183320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T183320Z
UID:10018961-1760887800-1760891400@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Get Control of Your Life: A Public Talk
DESCRIPTION:In this busy world\, our experiences of happiness are fleeting and short-lived\, while inner peace eludes us completely. Our negative states of mind\, such as uncontrolled desire and anger\, create endless problems for us (and others) and prevent us from fulfilling our deepest wishes. Buddha offers a clear and simple solution\, guiding us to an oasis of boundless peace within our hearts. \nThis talk will be held at Hashtag Cafe \n2781 Bee Ridge Rd\, Sarasota\, FL 34239
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/get-control-of-your-life-a-public-talk/
LOCATION:FL
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251025T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251025T140000
DTSTAMP:20251017T193331Z
CREATED:20250926T163326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T193331Z
UID:10018974-1761386400-1761400800@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Je Tsongkhapa Day
DESCRIPTION:Buddha Shakyamuni predicted Je Tsongkhapa would appear to spread and clarify his teachings. Please join us to celebrate Je Tsongkhapa and our great fortune in having met his pure lineage of teachings. \n\n\nSchedule: \n10am – 11am : Special Talk with Gen Gomlam \n11:30am – 1pm : Offering to the Spiritual Guide Prayer \n1pm – 2pm : Party 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/je-tsongkhapa-day/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251026T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251026T173000
DTSTAMP:20250915T192524Z
CREATED:20250915T192227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T192524Z
UID:10018960-1761496200-1761499800@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Keeping Cool When Things Get Hot: A Public Talk
DESCRIPTION:Even though we have a good heart certain people\, and certain situations\, seem to trigger feelings of anger and blame. When anger takes over its easy to do and say things that are difficult to take back. Using Buddha’s skillful teachings and meditations on recognizing and overcoming anger\, however\, we can learn to stay cool headed even when things are getting hot. By remaining calm in this way we can learn to replace our anger with peace and eventually even love. \nThis public talk will be at Fogartyville \n525 Kumquat Ct \nSarasota Fl. 34236
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/keeping-cool-when-things-get-hot-a-public-talk/
LOCATION:FL
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251101T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251101T130000
DTSTAMP:20250922T132725Z
CREATED:20250910T205447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T132725Z
UID:10018959-1761991200-1762002000@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Walk for World Peace
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a day of fun and fundraising for world peace! \nWe will meet and check-in at KMC Florida at 10AM. Then we will carpool/shuttle to the Whitaker Gateway Park. We will then engage in a short guided meditation\, walk together through The Bay Park and then return to the park for a picnic!\n\n \nOur goal for this fundraiser is to raise $25\,000\n\n\nAll funds raised will support KMC Florida’s efforts to help the people of Florida develop peaceful minds. By increasing our own inner peace\, we can bring about world peace.As our founder\, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (Geshe-la) says\,“Without inner peace\, outer peace is impossible.” \n\n \nA donation of any size contributes to KMC Florida’s dedication to World Peace. This fundraising walk will help us develop our parking lot\, including lighting\, fence and grading the lot for cars.    \nFor more information click here.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/walk-for-world-peace/
LOCATION:Whitaker Gateway Park\, 1455 N Tamiami Trl\, Sarasota\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251108T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251108T104500
DTSTAMP:20251119T155554Z
CREATED:20250729T232211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T155554Z
UID:10018964-1762596000-1762598700@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Simply Meditate
DESCRIPTION:In today’s fast-paced world\, anxiety and stress are widespread\, making life feel overwhelming and difficult. This class equips you with meditation tools to help manage stress and change how you respond to your thoughts and emotions. \nDiscover how meditation helps you manage stress by showing you that many fears and negative feelings come from the mind. Through meditation\, you’ll learn how to control these emotions.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/simply-meditate/2025-11-08/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T140000
DTSTAMP:20251028T140614Z
CREATED:20250930T004348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T140614Z
UID:10018977-1763200800-1763215200@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Rewrite the Past
DESCRIPTION:We all have a limitless amount of loving energy within our hearts\, but often the mental residue of our past harm prevents us from connecting with this loving energy and we stay stuck and feel victimized by the past. Using the wisdom of Buddhist psychology we can learn to transform our reaction to any past harm into powerful inner growth and deep healing that will finally give us the freedom and confidence to love again!  \nEveryone can benefit from this reliable and practical advice!  \nThe class will be based on the book:  \nHow To Solve Our Human Problems\, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. \nSchedule\n\nTeaching: 10am – 11:15am\nLunch: 11:15am – 12:45pm\nTeaching: 12:45 – 2pm\n\n  \nPricing\n\n$35 (includes lunch)\nMember pricing available at registration
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/rewrite-the-past/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T163000
DTSTAMP:20251110T152156Z
CREATED:20251101T221820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T152156Z
UID:10019168-1763307000-1763310600@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Gratitude in Difficult Times
DESCRIPTION:For most of us\, it is easy to be grateful when things are going well. But what about when life is difficult and every day brings new challenges that take a lot of our energy. In this short talk and meditation we will use Buddha’s teachings about the mind to learn how we can transform every day encounters in a positive way\, simply by changing our own perception.   \nEveryone is welcome to this Sunday afternoon get-together where we; \n-will listen to some wisdom advice from Modern Buddhism  \n-enjoy a brief guided meditation  \n-have the opportunity to ask questions \n  \n\nBring a Friend!  \n  \n\nThis talk will be held at Hashtag Cafe\n2781 Bee Ridge Rd\, Sarasota\, FL 34239 \nAdditional parking available behind the Cafe.  \n\n  \nPricing\n\n$10\nFree for members
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/gratitude-in-difficult-times/
LOCATION:hashtag cafe\, 2781 Bee Ridge Rd\, Sarasota\, 34239\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251122T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251123T183000
DTSTAMP:20251122T003031Z
CREATED:20250930T003719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T003031Z
UID:10018976-1763805600-1763922600@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Streams of Purifying Nectar
DESCRIPTION:Through the power of recitation and visualization\, and through receiving Vajrasattva’s blessings\, we will gradually purify our mind and our actions. In this way we can improve our qualities as a human being\, and eventually become a special holy being. ~ Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche\, teachings on Vajrasattva\, 1993 \nThis retreat is a powerful method for purifying our negative karma. By deepening our reliance on Buddha Vajrasattva in this retreat\, we will cleanse our mind of delusions\, negativities\, and obstacles that both cause us suffering and hold us back from reaching our full inner potential. \nThis retreat is done in conjunction with Offering to the Spiritual Guide. Each session consists of time to study\, meditate\, and do some prayers. Study materials are provided for the unguided sessions\, and advice is always on hand. \nEvent Schedule\nSaturday\, November 22 \nSession 1: 10-11:30am\nLunch: 12-1pm\nSession 2: 1:30-300pm\nSession 3: 4:30-6:00pm \nSunday\, November 23 \nSession 4: 1-2:30pm\nSession 5: 3:30-5:00pm\nWFJ with food offering: 5:30-6:30pm \n  \nPricing\n\n$50\nMember pricing available in registration\n\nAccommodations available by request to admin@meditationinsarasota.org.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/vajrasattva-purification-retreat/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T104500
DTSTAMP:20251119T155554Z
CREATED:20250729T232211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T155554Z
UID:10018965-1765015200-1765017900@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Simply Meditate
DESCRIPTION:In today’s fast-paced world\, anxiety and stress are widespread\, making life feel overwhelming and difficult. This class equips you with meditation tools to help manage stress and change how you respond to your thoughts and emotions. \nDiscover how meditation helps you manage stress by showing you that many fears and negative feelings come from the mind. Through meditation\, you’ll learn how to control these emotions.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/simply-meditate/2025-12-06/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251215
DTSTAMP:20251209T192913Z
CREATED:20250930T003242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T192913Z
UID:10018975-1765497600-1765756799@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Buddha Shakyamuni Blessing Empowerment
DESCRIPTION:More than 2\,500 years ago\, Buddha Shakyamuni opened the door to enlightenment. What he revealed in that moment—the sublime state of boundless happiness\, freedom and the compassionate ability to be of limitless benefit to others—is still available to all of us right now.  \nAn Empowerment empowers us with a vision and sense of what is possible for us to accomplish. The transformation that is possible for each and everyone of us. Not only do we become personally empowered to be the best we can be and to progress to enlightenment; we also become empowered to see our world in a different\, more authentic way. We recognize that if we purify our mind\, we purify our world. We all have this extraordinary potential within us and the function of an Empowerment is to awaken and nourish that potential. \nResident Teacher\, Gen Kelsang Lhadron\, will guide the Empowerment and give teachings. On Sunday\, she will give commentary to the Liberating Prayer\, which is a special prayer recited at every Kadampa Buddhist Center around the world. It has many levels of meaning and great power to transform our mind. \nPlease bring an offering for the Empowerment and Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayer. Offerings will also be available for purchase at registration. \nEvent Schedule\nFriday\, December 12 \n\n6:00 – 7:00pm | Registration and Check-In\n7:00 – 8:30pm | Introductory Talk with Gen Lhadron\n\nSaturday\, December 13 \n\n8:30 – 9:45am | Registration and Check-In\n10:00 – 12pm | Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni\n12:15 – 1:15pm | Lunch\n1:30 – 3:00pm | Commentary\n5:00 – 6:00 pm | Wishfulfilling Jewel with food offering\n\nSunday\, December 14 \n\n11:00 – 12:30 | Commentary to The Liberating Prayer\n\n  \nEvent Pricing\n\nEntire Weekend – $85\nSaturday Only – $60\nMember pricing available at registration.\n\nAccommodations available through registration.  \n  \n 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/buddha-shakyamuni-blessing-empowerment/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T180000
DTSTAMP:20251112T021358Z
CREATED:20251101T224431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T021358Z
UID:10019169-1766246400-1766253600@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Holiday Potluck Party
DESCRIPTION:Everyone is welcome to join for a casual potluck party to celebrate the season together as a community. Enjoy a delightful and relaxing evening with spiritual friends. Please bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share and a $15 white elephant gift for the gift exchange. \nFree and Open to Everyone!
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/holiday-potluck-party/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251231T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251231T213000
DTSTAMP:20251219T152017Z
CREATED:20251101T183011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T152017Z
UID:10019166-1767207600-1767216600@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:New Years Eve Prayers for World Peace
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for our annual New Year’s Eve Prayers for World Peace at Kadampa Meditation Center Florida \nIn these challenging times\, what better way to welcome the New Year than with sincere prayers for peace in our world? World Peace is possible! But as our founder Geshe Kelsang Gyatso often said “Without Inner Peace\, Outer Peace is Impossible.” We can make this special\, impactful evening truly meaningful and uplifting by developing our own Inner Peace\, the real source of our own happiness and of world peace. \nFollowing a talk on learning how to develop Inner Peace and how this is the only way to achieve World Peace\, we will collectively express our desire and hope for inner and world peace using music and meditation – and celebration. Please join us for an inspiring talk\, collective expression\, and a holiday party with vegetarian mocktails & appetizers. Our prayers and celebrations begin at 7:00pm. \n\n\n“Without Inner Peace\, Outer Peace is Impossible”\n– Geshe Kelsang Gyatso\n\n  \nSchedule\n7-8pm Mocktails and Appetizers8-9:15pm Talk and Prayers with Gen Lhadron9:15-9:30pm Bubbly Toast & Dessert \nWe look forward to bringing in the new year with you! \n\n  \nPricing\n\n$35
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/new-years-eve-prayers-for-world-peace/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260102
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260108
DTSTAMP:20260101T134539Z
CREATED:20250930T002203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260101T134539Z
UID:10018979-1767312000-1767830399@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:How to Find the Real Meaning of Your Life
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the entire retreat\, for the weekend\, Saturday only or drop in for a session. Pricing available on the registration page. \nDiscover the beauty of meditating on the basics of Buddhism and lift your mind out of the ordinary. The two main trainings on the path to enlightenment\, compassion and wisdom\, depend upon a solid foundation of basic Buddhist practices. This retreat\, guided by Gen Kelsang Lhadron\, will provide an excellent opportunity to develop this foundation through teachings and meditations on the initial\, intermediate & great scope stages of the path to enlightenment\, or Lamrim. \nIn this retreat\, we will be guided through meditations on the main core of Buddha’s teachings. This will include meditations on death\, rebirth\, refuge\, karma\, & renunciation. We will also look at the meditations on developing love\, compassion and wisdom realizing emptiness. \nThe retreat is based on Mirror of Dharma with Additions by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Everyone is welcome to attend any session or the entire retreat. What a wonderful way to create the conditions for a healthy and happy 2026!  \nEach session will include short prayers\, a brief talk\, and a guided meditation. The retreat is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. \nFriday Introduction and Sunday Meditation Class (11am) is available on livestream for members. \nSchedule\nFriday\,  January 2 \n\nIntroduction: 7-8:15pm \n\nSaturday\, January 3 \n\nSession 1: 9:30 am -10:45 am\nSession 2: 11:30 – 12:45pm \nLunch: 1-2pm\nSession 3:  3:00 – 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00-7:00pm\n\nSunday\, January 4 \n\nSession 4: 9-10:15am\nSunday Meditation Class (Session 5) 11am-12:15pm\nLunch: 12:30-1:30pm\nSession 6: 2:30 – 3:45pm\nSession 7: 4:30 – 5:45pm\nDinner: 6:00-7:00pm\n\nMonday\, January 5 \n\nSession 8: 9:30 -10:45am\nSession 9: 11:30 -12:45pm\nLunch: 1pm – 2pm\nSession 10: 3:00 – 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00pm – 7:00pm\n\nTuesday\, January 6 \n\nSession 11: 9:30 – 10:45am\nSession 12: 11:30am – 12:45pm\nLunch: 1pm – 2pm\nSession 13: 3:00- 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00 – 7:00pm\n\nWednesday\, January 7 \n\nSession 14: 9:30am – 10:45am\nSession 15: 11:30am – 12:45pm\nLunch: 1- 2pm\nWFJ with food offering: 3-4pm\n\n\nPricing (Entire Retreat)\n\n$150 \nMembers – $75 \nBenefactors FREE\n\nAccommodations available through registration. 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/how-to-find-the-real-meaning-of-your-life/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T201500
DTSTAMP:20260108T195036Z
CREATED:20251227T181334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T195036Z
UID:10019502-1767985200-1767989700@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Thriving in Difficult Situations
DESCRIPTION:The practices of training the mind bring mental peace\, and enhance our love\, compassion\, and wisdom. They can also be especially helpful in overcoming adversity\, and in situations where we may otherwise feel powerless to directly help others. \nGen Kelsang Demo is the US Western and Midwestern National Spiritual Director and the Resident Teacher at the International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 29 years and has been teaching Kadampa Buddhism since 1998. \nGen Demo is deeply respected as a teacher and practitioner. She demonstrates a wealth of practical knowledge and provides clear and inspiring teachings for people of all levels of interest. \nLivestream available for members. \nPricing \n\n$20\n$10 – members\nFree – benefactors
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/thriving-in-difficult-situations/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T160000
DTSTAMP:20260108T194934Z
CREATED:20250930T001153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T194934Z
UID:10018980-1767985200-1768406400@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:A Heart of Healing
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the entire retreat\, for the weekend\, Saturday only or drop in for a session. Pricing available on the registration page. \nThe practice of taking and giving is one of the most powerful methods for opening our hearts and healing our mental and physical illnesses. \nThis ancient practice brings mental peace\, heals our mind\, and enhances our love\, compassion\, and wisdom. It can also be especially helpful in overcoming adversity\, and in situations where we may otherwise feel powerless to directly help others. \nIn this retreat\, we will learn how to deeply heal our our own mind and improve our ability to help others \n*Gen Kelsang Demo is the US Western and Midwestern National Spiritual Director and the Resident Teacher at the International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 29 years and has been teaching Kadampa Buddhism since 1998.   \nGen Demo is deeply respected as a teacher and practitioner. She demonstrates a wealth of practical knowledge and provides clear and inspiring teachings for people of all levels of interest. \nFriday Introduction and Sunday Meditation Class (11am) is available on livestream for members. \nSchedule\nFriday\,  January 9 \n\nIntroduction: 7-8:15pm \n\nSaturday\, January 10 \n\nSession 1: 9:30 am -10:45 am\nSession 2: 11:30 – 12:45pm \nLunch: 1-2pm\nOffering to the Spiritual Guide prayers: 3pm – 5pm\nDinner: 6:00-7:00pm\n\nSunday\, January 11 \n\nSession 3: 9-10:15am\nSunday Meditation Class (Session 4) 11am-12:15pm\nLunch: 12:30-1:30pm\nSession 5: 2:30 – 3:45pm\nSession 6: Meditation and Burritos on the Beach: 5:00 – 6:30pm\n(Lido Beach in front of Pavilion) Carpool available at 4:30 at center.\nDinner: Burritos on the Beach\n\nMonday\, January 12 \n\nSession 7: 9:30 -10:45am\nSession 8: 11:30 -12:45pm\nLunch: 1pm – 2pm\nSession 9: 3:00 – 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00pm – 7:00pm\n\nTuesday\, January 13 \n\nSession 10: 9:30 – 10:45am\nSession 11: 11:30am – 12:45pm\nLunch: 1pm – 2pm\nSession 12: 3:00- 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00 – 7:00pm\n\nWednesday\, January 14 \n\nSession 13: 9:30am – 10:45am\nSession 14: 11:30am – 12:45pm\nLunch: 1- 2pm\nWFJ with food offering: 3-4pm\n\nPricing (Entire Retreat)\n\n$150 \nMembers – $75 \nBenefactors – $25\n\nAccommodations available through registration. 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/a-heart-of-healing/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T201500
DTSTAMP:20260109T012722Z
CREATED:20251227T182354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T012722Z
UID:10019503-1768590000-1768594500@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Imagination and Emptiness
DESCRIPTION:Buddha’s Tantric teachings are Buddha’s highest and most profound teachings. They are known as ‘the quick path to enlightenment.’ But what is Tantra and how will this practice improve our own life as well empower our spiritual training? In this talk\, Kadam Michelle will help us discover this immensely joyful\, insightful\, and creative approach to life. \n*Kadam Michelle Gauthier is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Rinpoche for more than 25 years. Before coming to Washington DC she served as the second teacher\, EPC and Treasurer at the IKRC Grand Canyon in Williams\, AZ. \nShe has also been Resident Teacher at Tampa Bay\, KMC South Carolina\, KMC Phoenix and Dharmachakra Center in Palm Springs CA. She is an inspiring example of Modern Buddhism in practice. She presents Buddha’s teachings with beautiful clarity\, warmth and sincerity\, skilfully guiding people from all walks of life to find inner peace and lasting happiness. \nLivestream available for members. \nPricing \n\n$20\n$10 – members\nFree – benefactors
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/imagination-and-emptiness/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T160000
DTSTAMP:20260109T012618Z
CREATED:20250930T000354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T012618Z
UID:10018981-1768590000-1769011200@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Meditations on Buddha Heruka Body Mandala
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the entire retreat\, for the weekend\, Saturday only or drop in for a session. Pricing available on the registration page. \nBy 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.  \nIn this retreat\, Kadam Michelle will give teachings and guide meditations on the profound tantric practice of Yoga of Buddha Heruka Sadhana. By engaging in these meditations\, we can receive the profound blessings of all Buddhas through our Spiritual Guide\, Guru Heruka\, and follow the quick path to enlightenment. \nPlease Note: This retreat is designed for those who have received the Highest Yoga Tantra (HYT) Empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini or have a wish to receive the HYT Empowerments sometime in the future. However\, everyone is welcome to attend! \n*Kadam Michelle Gauthier is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Rinpoche for more than 25 years. Before coming to Washington DC she served as the second teacher\, EPC and Treasurer at the IKRC Grand Canyon in Williams\, AZ.  \nShe has also been Resident Teacher at Tampa Bay\, KMC South Carolina\, KMC Phoenix and Dharmachakra Center in Palm Springs CA. She is an inspiring example of Modern Buddhism in practice. She presents Buddha’s teachings with beautiful clarity\, warmth and sincerity\, skilfully guiding people from all walks of life to find inner peace and lasting happiness.  \nFriday Introduction and Sunday Meditation Class (11am) is available on livestream for members. \nSchedule\nFriday\,  January 16 \n\nIntroduction: 7-8:15pm \n\nSaturday\, January 17 \n\nSession 1: 9:30 am -10:45 am\nSession 2: 11:30 – 12:45pm \nLunch: 1-2pm\nSession 3:  3:00 – 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00-7:00pm\n\nSunday\, January 18 \n\nSession 4: 9-10:15am\nSunday Meditation Class (Session 5) 11am-12:15pm\nLunch: 12:30-1:30pm\nSession 6: 2:30 – 3:45pm\nSession 7: 4:30 – 5:45pm\nDinner: 6:00-7:00pm\n\nMonday\, January 19 \n\nSession 8: 9:30 -10:45am\nSession 9: 11:30 -12:45pm\nLunch: 1pm – 2pm\nSession 10: 3:00 – 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00pm – 7:00pm\n\nTuesday\, January 20 \n\nSession 11: 9:30 – 10:45am\nSession 12: 11:30am – 12:45pm\nLunch: 1pm – 2pm\nSession 13: 3:00- 4:15pm\nDinner: 6:00 – 7:00pm\n\nWednesday\, January 21 \n\nSession 14: 9:30am – 10:45am\nSession 15: 11:30am – 12:45pm\nLunch: 1- 2pm\nWFJ with food offering: 3-4pm\n\nPricing (Entire Retreat)\n\n$150 \nMembers – $75 \nBenefactors – $25\n\nAccommodations available through registration.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/meditations-on-buddha-heruka-body-mandala/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260124T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260124T104500
DTSTAMP:20251217T230153Z
CREATED:20251217T230153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T230153Z
UID:10019272-1769248800-1769251500@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Simply Meditate
DESCRIPTION:In today’s fast-paced world\, anxiety and stress are widespread\, making life feel overwhelming and difficult. This class equips you with meditation tools to help manage stress and change how you respond to your thoughts and emotions. \nDiscover how meditation helps you manage stress by showing you that many fears and negative feelings come from the mind. Through meditation\, you’ll learn how to control these emotions.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/simply-meditate-2/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T203000
DTSTAMP:20260121T014505Z
CREATED:20260120T161502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T014505Z
UID:10020499-1770402600-1770409800@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Friday Night Out
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Friday Night Out with spiritual friends at the Center. This evening will include a pizza dinner and The Life of Buddha movie. \nEveryone Welcome! \nVegan /GF Options available \n$15 per person \n  \n 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/friday-night-out/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T143000
DTSTAMP:20260124T023014Z
CREATED:20251219T220809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T023014Z
UID:10019380-1770454800-1770474600@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Silence is Golden
DESCRIPTION:Silence is not just about not talking; it is about developing an inner quality of stillness. A silent retreat is an unequaled opportunity to become aware of the peaceful nature of your mind. \nChallenge yourself to discover the real freedom to be found in a calm and quiet mind. Be guided through simple meditations that refresh and rejuvenate the mind. Find your inner peace and see for yourself how silence really is golden. No experience necessary\, everybody is welcome! \nThis morning retreat will consist of three guided meditation sessions lead by Resident Teacher Gen Lhadron\, with thirty minutes of silence between each session to enjoy quiet reflection and an experience of mental peace. \nEveryone is welcome. No meditation experience is necessary. \nSchedule \n\nSession 1: 9-10am\nSession 2: 10:30-11:30am\nSession 3: 12-1pm\nLunch: 1-2pm\n\nPricing (includes lunch) \n\n$40\n$20 – Members\nFree – Benefactors
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/silence-is-golden/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T180000
DTSTAMP:20260209T161112Z
CREATED:20260209T002120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T161112Z
UID:10020933-1770829200-1770832800@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Meditation for Peace - FREE Special Event
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for this FREE event to come together and practice cultivating peace and equanimity within ourselves. When we do this\, we don’t just feel better individually\, we carry that peace into our relationships\, our communities\, and everywhere we go. One calm\, grounded person can change the atmosphere of an entire room. \nAcross cultures and generations\, people have turned to meditation and contemplative practice as time proven ways to live meaningful\, compassionate lives. Buddha’s teachings remind us that even when the world feels messy\, kindness and spiritual growth can always be happening- quietly\, one person at a time. \nLivestream available for members.
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/prayers-for-world-peace-special-event/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meditationinsarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Prayers-for-World-Peace-web.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T201500
DTSTAMP:20260131T235329Z
CREATED:20260121T020700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T235329Z
UID:10020500-1771009200-1771013700@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Love Without Drama
DESCRIPTION:This talk explores how to develop strength\, clarity and emotional balance in our relationships\, and how to respond wisely to conflict. We will look at the tools for building a steady\, compassionate approach to relationships that supports both personal growth and genuine connection. \nBring a Friend for Free! \nThe Talk will be followed by a Valentine’s Day retreat titled “The Secret to True Love” with visiting teacher Sarah Frew from KMC Tampa Bay. If you wish to attend both days register for the entire Valentines Day retreat here….  https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/identifying-true-love/ \nBring a Friend to both Friday and Saturday and your friend gets 50% off! \nLivestream is available for Members only for the Friday night event. \nRegister here for LiveStream.\nEveryone Welcome!
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/love-without-drama/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T150000
DTSTAMP:20260131T042820Z
CREATED:20251231T192041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T042820Z
UID:10019505-1771063200-1771081200@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:The Secret to True Love
DESCRIPTION:Love brings peace\, joy\, meaning\, and connection to our lives. We all wish to experience enduring love whether it be between partners\, family or close friends. But how do we maintain this harmony in our relationships? How do we avoid our relationships sliding into fault-finding and resentment\, or even indifference? In this retreat\, Sarah Frew will introduce us to special meditations and insights that will help us train in a wisdom-based love that lays the foundation for a truly joyful and meaningful approach to our relationships with others. *Sarah Frew is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Tampa Bay. She is a long-time student and practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and has engaged in extensive Dharma study and retreat. Sarah participated in the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre\, a special course designed by Venerable Geshe-la to provide six months of intensive training for those wishing to become qualified Resident Teachers at Kadampa Buddhist Centers around the world. Through her joyful and engaging manner\, she shares Buddha’s teachings in a kind-hearted and warm way that makes them accessible to everyone. \nSchedule\nFriday\, Feb 13 \n\nIntroduction: 7-8:15pm \n\nSaturday\, Feb 14 \n\nSession 1: 10-11:15am\nSession 2: 12-1pm\nLunch: 1-2pm\nSession 3: 2-3pm\n\nPricing\nBring a friend for half price! \n\n$45 – Entire Retreat (includes lunch)\n$25 – Entire Retreat (members – includes lunch)\n$10 – Entire Retreat (benefactors – includes lunch\n\nFor accommodations\, please email info@meditationinsarasota.org
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/identifying-true-love/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260221
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260222
DTSTAMP:20260103T172316Z
CREATED:20260103T172316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260103T172316Z
UID:10019663-1771632000-1771718399@meditationinsarasota.org
SUMMARY:Fire Puja
DESCRIPTION:Fire Puja\nIn order to complete the Vajrayogini Close Retreat commitments\, it is necessary to engage in a Vajrayogini Fire Puja at the end.  \nPlease Note\n\nYou must have Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment\nYou must have completed a qualified Vajrayogini Close Retreat\nPreparations for Fire Puja done by participants during retreat\nFor more information about this retreat contact EPC@meditationinsarasota.org\n\nSchedule\n\nPreparations begin the week leading up to the Fire Puja with most happening on Friday February 20.\nThe Fire Puja will occur on Saturday\, February 21 beginning in the morning.\n\nPricing\n\n$37\n\nAccommodations available through registration. 
URL:https://meditationinsarasota.org/event/fire-puja/
LOCATION:Kadampa Meditation Center Florida\, 730 N Washington Blvd\, Sarasota\, FL\, 34236\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR