• Enjoy a Holiday For The Mind & Body

    Next Retreat: Friday 6th Sep – Sunday 8th Sep
    “How To Meditate: Beginners Semi-Silent Weekend Meditation Retreat”
    Find Out More >>

  • At The Kadampa World Peace Temple, Sarasota

    A place of inspiration – through teachings, courses & retreats

  • Uplifting Meditation Rooms

    Allowing time for space & reflection

  • Based In Sarasota

  • The Friendly Community of KMC Florida

    Meet like minded positive people

  • Read Books On Meditation & Spiritual Practice

    Learn the techniques for living a stress free life

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Beginners Buddhist Meditation Retreats In Sarasota, Florida

  • Meditation Retreats at KMC Florida

    Our beginners meditation retreats offer a unique opportunity for people to take time out to recharge physically, mentally and spiritually. They are held within the friendly, inspiring, and peaceful environment of Kadampa Meditation Center Florida and are open to beginners and to those who are more experienced at meditation. The retreats cover different topics from mindfulness & meditation to loving kindness & wisdom. Everyone is welcome.

    The benefits of a meditation retreat

    Meditation is a simple technique used by millions of people throughout the world where we practice mindfulness to develop a calm and peaceful mind. Meditation reduces stress, anxiety, and other negative states of minds and promotes physical health due to the relationship between our mind and the health of our body. With a peaceful mind we feel a greater joy for life and our relationships with people and the world around us become harmonious

  • Meditation Retreat Structure

    Our 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 surroundings of Kadampa Meditation Center Florida help people to create a comfortable space within their own minds.

  • On-site Retreat Accommodation Options

    KMC 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.

  • The Retreat Teachers

    Our retreats are taught by experienced teachers who will guide all the meditations and answer any questions you may have about Buddhist meditation practice.

  • Upcoming Meditation Retreats & Booking

    The events below are “hand-picked” by us to be particularly suitable for beginners. Take a holiday for your body and mind and immerse yourself in one of our retreats!

Useful Information

Retreat Topics

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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

Q: What retreats are available?

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

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

A: No, our retreats 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 retreat?

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 cushions 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.

What to expect on our courses

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

Our Kadampa Temple

The 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.

New to meditation?

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.

Why meditate

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

About meditation

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…

SamirClass Attendee

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

JindakRetreat Attendee

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

JanaClass Attendee

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

DannaVolunteer & Attendee

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

MychaelVolunteer & Attendee

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

BradVolunteer Coordinator

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

MeriumRetreat Attendee

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

ScottClass Attendee

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

PaulWorking Visitor

Very friendly & welcoming. Meditation classes are outstanding

FrankClass Attendee

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

PatrickClass Attendee

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

BrianClass Attendee
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union.