Kadampa Meditation Center Florida

Heart Jewel with Silent Meditation
2026-01-28 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-03 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-04 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Kadampa Meditation Center Florida, 730 N Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
The Heart Jewel prayer and meditation practice is the heart essence of Kadampa Buddhism. It is used by many Kadampas as their main daily practice.
Through these beautiful prayers we can overcome obstacles to our Dharma practice and create favorable conditions so that we can nurture and increase our pure Dharma realizations.
Practice details: In the first part we visualize our Spiritual Guide as Je Tsongkhapa. Then we make prayers and requests to purify any negativity, accumulate merit, and receive blessings. A pause for personal silent meditation is included. It is a very meaningful and enjoyable practice, especially when performed in a group setting.

Melodious Drum
2026-01-29 14:00 - 17:30
Kangso | Melodious Drum
Prayer
This monthly practice consists principally of prayers to our Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden. A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from attaining spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice. Dorje Shugden always helps, guides, and protects pure and faithful practitioners by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom, and fulfilling their wishes.

WALK INS WELCOME!
There is no registration for this prayer.

Meditations for a Meaningful Life
2026-01-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-06 11:00 - 12:00
The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, or “Lamrim”, is a sophisticated, practical presentation of Buddhist teachings, which is designed to help us improve and grow in a deliberate and joyful way. Over 1000 years ago the Buddhist sage Atisha consolidated the 84,000 teachings of Buddha into the Lamrim, which are 21 essential meditations, revolutionizing the practice of Buddha’s teachings. Since then, Lamrim has flourished throughout the world and it perfectly fits within our modern lifestyle. It is simple, scientific, and incredibly potent.
The Lamrim takes us step-by-step through carefully crafted meditations so we can purposefully nourish the qualities in our mind that lead to our happiness and reduce our painful thoughts and feelings.
In this class, we will go one-by-one through the Lamrim, drawing out how we can personally use these meditations and create our own meditation practice. There will be a special emphasis on the art of meditation and how to really make our meditations effective.
Join us afterwards for lunch in our World Peace Cafe! Lunch is available for purchase at check in and will be served after the class.

Medicine Buddha
2026-01-30 18:00 - 19:00
By practicing the Medicine Buddha Sadhana sincerely, we receive a special power of body, speech and mind, which we can then use to help others through healing actions, as presented in this Medicine Buddha Prayer. When the world is pervaded entirely by problems and dangers due to uncontrolled minds and inappropriate actions, one of the most important practices is that of Medicine Buddha. Medicine Buddha is a Buddha Doctor whose function is to release living beings from outer and inner sickness by bestowing blessings upon them. By relying on Medicine Buddha sincerely, we can be cured of heavy physical and mental disease, find release from the internal pain of the three poisons – attachment, anger and ignorance – and receive protection from many other dangers and obstacles.
WALK INS WELCOME!
There is no registration for this prayer.

Meditation for Kids
2026-02-01 11:00 - 12:15, 2026-02-08 11:00 - 12:15
Enjoy a meaningful family-friendly morning at Kadampa Meditation Center in the heart of Sarasota. This event is an opportunity for families to get to know our temple and world peace garden, relax and enjoy a fun morning in serene surroundings. The activities, which include a simple guided meditation, story, art and outdoor games, are designed to help children and families cultivate inner peace and positive states of mind. All families are welcome!
$5 Suggested Donation

How to Think Like a Meditator
2026-02-01 11:00 - 12:15, 2026-02-08 11:00 - 12:15
There are so many benefits to meditation, now is the time to experience them for yourself. Whether you are new to meditation or wish to deepen and improve your practice, this weekly series is for you.
Meditation is much more than simply stopping thoughts. In these classes, we will take a practical and insightful look at the mind itself, exploring the different mental functions that support successful meditation. By understanding the different parts of the mind that come together in a successful meditation, we can assess our strengths, address areas for improvement, and develop the skills for deeper, more meaningful meditations.

Week 1- Understanding the Mind and it’s Parts
Week 2- Developing Meaningful Aspirations
Week 3- Finding our Object of Meditation
Week 4 – Mindfulness, the Heart of Meditation
Week 5 – Concentration and Mental Suppleness
Week 6 – The Power of Wisdom

We will be using How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso as the basis for this series.

Children Welcome! Check out our ongoing kids class offered concurrently with this Sunday class. Meditation for Kids (for children ages 4 – 12)

Wishfulfilling Jewel with food offering
2026-02-01 14:00 - 15:00
This practice is the heart essence of Kadampa Buddhism. In the first part we visualize our Spiritual Guide as Je Tsongkhapa and make prayers and requests to purify negativity, accumulate merit, and receive blessings. This prepares our mind for a 15-minute meditation on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. After the meditation we make prayers to our Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden. Through this we can overcome obstacles to our practice and increase our pure Dharma realizations.
This practice includes a tsog offering so you can bring a vegetarian food or beverage, packaged or prepared, as an offering if you wish. Fruits, vegetables, cookies, crackers, dips, and bottled beverages include some examples of common tsog offering items.

35 Confession Buddhas
2026-02-02 08:00 - 08:45, 2026-02-04 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-02-09 08:00 - 08:45
The Boddhisattvas Confessions of Moral Downfalls
No matter how negative our mind is we have the opportunity to purify it completely by engaging in purification, the root of future happiness and spiritual realizations. In this practice, we visualize the Thirty-five Confession Buddhas and practice purification in their presence. Through the power of their blessings and prayers, we can swiftly purify even the heaviest negative actions simply by faithfully reciting their names. During this practice, we will make one prostration to each of the 35 Buddhas.

Lunchtime Meditation
2026-02-02 12:15 - 12:45, 2026-02-04 12:15 - 12:45, 2026-02-09 12:15 - 12:45
These lunchtime meditations taught by teachers of KMC Florida are suitable for everyone. They consist of a short talk on meditation followed by a guided meditation to set you up nicely for a tranquil day. Followed by lunch in our World Peace Cafe.
Everyone Welcome!

Dakini Yoga (HYT)
2026-02-02 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-09 17:00 - 18:00
Prayers and meditations that contain the essence of the self-generation practice of Vajrayogini – the female enlightened Deity of Highest Yoga Tantra who is the manifestation of the wisdom of all Buddhas. It is also a six-session yoga – a simple but powerful daily practice for maintaining all Tantric commitments for those who have received a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment – that has been specially arranged for those who have received the empowerment of Vajrayogini. Also included are lists of the Bodhisattva and Tantric vows and commitments, and an explanation on how the practice of Dakini Yoga fulfils these commitments.
Those attending should have received Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment or have the intention to do so in the near future.

Teacher Training Program (TTP)
2026-02-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-09 18:30 - 20:30
The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is designed for students who wish to become qualified teachers of Modern Buddhism. There are twelve subjects and fourteen texts taught in TTP, including the six texts taught in FP. Students are also required to observe certain commitments and to complete a number of meditation retreats each year. Enrollment must be approved by the Resident Teacher. Find out more information HERE.

The New Essence of Vajrayana (HYT)
2026-02-03 12:00 - 13:30
This session is open only to those who have received the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments from the New Kadampa Tradition. If you have not received this empowerment please join us for another puja, such as Wishfulfilling Jewel with Lamrim Meditation. The New Essence of Vajrayana is the tantric practice of Heruka, an enlightened being.
WALK INS WELCOME!
There is no registration for this prayer.

Who Was Buddha?
2026-02-03 19:00 - 20:15
A philosopher, scientist, teacher, meditator, mystic, sage, spiritual guide—whichever words we use, there is no doubt that Buddha has had a profound and lasting impact on our world.
In this series, we will explore the inspiring life story of Buddha Shakyamuni: from his early life as Prince Siddhartha, through his quest for enlightenment, to his compassionate activity as a teacher guiding others to liberation. By looking at both his life and his teachings, we will discover how Buddha revealed practical methods for solving our problems at their source.
Although Buddha lived over 2,600 years ago, his life story is rich with meaning for the modern spiritual seeker. His teachings uncover universal truths about the mind and offer timeless guidance for finding freedom from suffering and lasting inner peace.
Weekly topics include:

Week 1: Solving Our Problems at Their Root
Week 2: Breaking the Chains of Desire
Week 3: Freedom from Fear
Week 4: Skillful Guidance to Liberation

This series will be based on teachings from the book Introduction to Buddhism by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Foundation Program (FP)
2026-02-04 18:30 - 20:30
The Foundation Program gives students the opportunity to engage in a more in-depth and structured approach to the practices of meditation and Buddhism. The structured curriculum allows us to develop a genuine experience of the Dharma while integrating it into our modern way of life. Participating in this program helps cultivate confidence in meditation, from fundamental techniques for addressing daily challenges to advanced practices that lead to ultimate happiness and lasting inner peace. Find out more HERE.

Powa
2026-02-06 17:00 - 18:00
Powa, or transference of consciousness, is a profound method for transferring the consciousness of the deceased to the Pure Land of Buddha. After a person dies and before they take their next rebirth, there is an opportunity for those who have some connection with them to guide their consciousness’ away from the painful rebirths of samsara and into the pure lands, worlds created by minds experiencing things in a pure way.

Friday Night Out
2026-02-06 18:30 - 20:30
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.
Everyone Welcome!
Vegan /GF Options available
$15 per person

Silence is Golden
2026-02-07 09:00 - 14:30
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.
Challenge 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!
This 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.
Everyone is welcome. No meditation experience is necessary.
Schedule

Session 1: 9-10am
Session 2: 10:30-11:30am
Session 3: 12-1pm
Lunch: 1-2pm

Pricing (includes lunch)

$40
$20 – Members
Free – Benefactors

Tara Prayers
2026-02-08 14:00 - 15:00
At Kadampa Centers worldwide, the eighth of the month is Tara Day. Tara is a female Buddha, whose name means “Rescuer”. She is the embodiment of swift compassion. If we rely upon Tara sincerely and with strong faith, she will protect us from all obstacles and fulfill all our wishes. Tara has the ability to protect us from all inner and outer fears – such as the dangers from wind and water.
