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CLASSES & EVENTS LIST
Nyungnay Purification Retreat
Drop in and pay/register at the door $30 non-members, Free for members
On this special annual retreat that comes around just once every year. We will spend two days with thousand-armed (eleven-faced) Avalokiteshvara – ‘Mahakaruna’ – the nature of our Guru’s great compassion. This will involve making exquisite offerings, praises and prostrations and thereby accumulating huge merit, purifying vast negativity for ourself and others and receiving the most powerful blessing to propel ourself swiftly along our path to enlightenment.
Wrapped within the practice of the Mahayana Precepts, Nyungnay involves fasting and making three sessions of prostrations, with the sadhana ‘Drop of Essential Nectar‘, over two days. Usually the second day is accompanied by a full fast, which although recommended, is not compulsory.
Everyone is welcome to join us for this special retreat.
Event Schedule
Sunday April 14th:
6:30–7:00 am Mahayana Precepts
7:00–8:15 am Session 1
9:15–10:30 am Session 2
11:00am–12:00 pm Happiness hour
2:00–3:30 pm Session 3
Monday April 15th:
3:30–5:30pm OSG/Buddha’s Enlightenment Day
Friday April 12th:
7:00–8:30 pm Introduction Talk
Saturday April 13th:
6.30–7:00 am Mahayana Precepts
7:00–8:15 am Session 1
10:00–11:15 am Session 2
2:30–3:45 pm Session 3
About our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Canadian National Festival
Join us for this year's Canadian National Festival taking place on March 29th to April 2nd at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada in Toronto, this year being taught by Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong.
During the Festival, Gen-la will grant the empowerment of Wisdom Buddha Je Tsongkhapa and give teachings on the special Kadampa prayer Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche from his Faithful Disciples.
This deeply blessed prayer is at the very heart of the spiritual practice of fortunate modern Kadampa disciples. Gen-la will give a brief commentary on the meaning and importance of this prayer and how to use it in daily life.
This is a rare and special opportunity, in Canada, to receive these instructions from Gen-la Dekyong and in turn, to deepen our faith and ability to rely upon our Spiritual Guide.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to receive teachings from this deeply inspiring and experienced Spiritual Guide.
East Vancouver Mindfulness Walk
Beauty and kindness abound in our neighbourhood, yet we are often too distracted to notice. Join us at Kadampa Meditation Centre from 1:30pm -2:30pm to learn a tool to stay focused on what brings peace of mind and awaken your sense of joy and belonging, by a qualified Kadampa Meditation Teacher. Then, head out together for a silent walk up to and around Brewer’s Park where we will enjoy the scenery and gardens before returning back to Kadampa Meditation Centre to share your experience and enjoy some hot tea.
Please dress for the weather. Although much of this activity will be indoors there will be a short silent walk south to visit a local park to expand on the meditative experience. This event will be proceeding unless we are experiencing a snow blizzard, so please register here for this free event. Venture out to enjoy the hidden gems in our neighbourhood.
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
FREE public talk with Buddhist monk Gen Sanden
Gordon Neighbourhood House
1019 Broughton Street, Vancouver, BC, V6G 2A7
We can see for ourselves that despite all our efforts to solve our problems, there is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. In recent years our knowledge of modern technology has increased considerably, but there has not been a corresponding increase in happiness or decrease in suffering or challenges. Buddha’s teachings clarify why this is so and show us why, if we seek real happiness and solutions to the challenges we face, we must improve the quality of our mind.
Buddhist teachings give us scientific methods to do exactly that.
During these Public Talks, Buddhist Teacher Gen Sanden, will share specific solutions to life’s challenges and in turn fill our lives with meaning and purpose.
Join us for this special opportunity. Stay for refreshments after the talk.
***Gordon Neighbourhood House and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses (ASH) are not sponsors of the activity described, and neither Gordon Neighbourhood House, nor ANH assume any responsibility for, and provide no endorsement of the activity.***
About the Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
FREE public talk with Buddhist monk Gen Sanden
We can see for ourselves that despite all our efforts to solve our problems, there is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. In recent years our knowledge of modern technology has increased considerably, but there has not been a corresponding increase in happiness or decrease in suffering or challenges. Buddha’s teachings clarify why this is so and show us why, if we seek real happiness and solutions to the challenges we face, we must improve the quality of our mind.
Buddhist teachings give us scientific methods to do exactly that.
During these Public Talks, Buddhist Teacher Gen Sanden, will share specific solutions to life’s challenges and in turn fill our lives with meaning and purpose.
Join us for this special opportunity. Stay for refreshments after the talk.
About the Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
FREE public talk with Buddhist monk Gen Sanden
We can see for ourselves that despite all our efforts to solve our problems, there is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. In recent years our knowledge of modern technology has increased considerably, but there has not been a corresponding increase in happiness or decrease in suffering or challenges. Buddha’s teachings clarify why this is so and show us why, if we seek real happiness and solutions to the challenges we face, we must improve the quality of our mind.
Buddhist teachings give us scientific methods to do exactly that.
During these Public Talks, Buddhist Teacher Gen Sanden, will share specific solutions to life’s challenges and in turn fill our lives with meaning and purpose.
Join us for this special opportunity. Stay for refreshments after the talk.
About the Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Clear Mind Silent Retreat
Clear Sky Mind Silent Retreat
When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.
- Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
The real source of happiness is inner peace. If our mind is peaceful, we will be happy all the time, regardless of external conditions, but if it is disturbed or troubled in any way, we will never be happy, no matter how good our external conditions may be.
On this relaxed retreat learn guided meditations that can be practiced by anyone. With regular practice, these meditations help us overcome distractions and experience mental clarity and inner peace.
Join us in person (members may also attend online) at Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver and experience the benefits of meditation on Saturday January 27 from 10am to 3pm.
A wonderful opportunity to relax in a beautiful, peaceful environment and enjoy refreshments and a wholesome vegetarian lunch between sessions.
The retreat will be led by our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Sanden.
This event is suitable for everyone, beginners are welcome.
Event Schedule
Session 1: 10:00 – 11:00am
Session 2: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch: 12:30 – 2:00pm
Session 3: 2:00 – 3:00pm
Cost
Public $50 | Members $15 (lunch included)
About our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
Buddhist Solutions for Life's Challenges
FREE public talk with Buddhist monk Gen Sanden
We can see for ourselves that despite all our efforts to solve our problems, there is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. In recent years our knowledge of modern technology has increased considerably, but there has not been a corresponding increase in happiness or decrease in suffering or challenges. Buddha’s teachings clarify why this is so and show us why, if we seek real happiness and solutions to the challenges we face, we must improve the quality of our mind.
Buddhist teachings give us scientific methods to do exactly that.
During these Public Talks, Buddhist Teacher Gen Sanden, will share specific solutions to life’s challenges and in turn fill our lives with meaning and purpose.
Join us for this special opportunity. Stay for refreshments after the talk.
About the Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Turning to Tara On New Year’s
Turning to Tara on New Year’s
Sunday December 31 @ 7pm to Monday January 1 @ 4:15pm
Free event
Immerse yourself in Tara’s inspiring blessings and start the New Year feeling hopeful and transformed.
During this event we will be praying to Buddha Tara, a female enlightened being, for peace in our troubled world. These prayers, consisting of praises and requests to Tara, are approximately one-hour in length and are chanted every 4 hours for a period of 24 hours. They are very powerful because they are Sutra, the actual words of Buddha.
Tara is known as the Great Compassionate Mother and her name means ‘Rescuer’. Her energy is loving and wise. She is swift with her transformative blessings, and rescues living beings from fears and inner and outer dangers.
You can attend one or two sessions, or the entire retreat. Everyone is welcome.
SCHEDULE
December 31
7pm- 8:15pm Session 1
11am-12:15am Session 2
January 1
3am-4:15am Session 3
7am - 8:15am Session 4
11am - 12:15pm Session 5
3pm - 4:15pm Session 6
In each of the six prayer sessions we will use the prayer booklet called Liberation from Sorrow.
We will provide copies for you to use in the retreat, and copies will also be available for purchase from our bookshop. Doors will open half an hour before the first and second sessions, 15 minutes before the night-time sessions and half an hour before the last two sessions.
Everyone is welcome!
About the Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Becoming a Friend of the World
Becoming a Friend of the World
Course: $35 | Party: Free
In these difficult times a world free from suffering and true happiness can seem impossible, yet it is Buddha’s most fundamental teaching that each and every living being has this potential. In fact, Buddha taught that each of us has the potential to attain the supreme happiness of enlightenment.
In this year end course, Gen Sanden, Resident Teacher at KMC Vancouver, will share teachings on the Bodhisattva’s way of life and how we ourselves can become a Bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas are true friends of the world with a clear vision that cannot be clouded by the difficulties of these times and never waver in their love and compassion for all living beings.
A Bodhisattva’s life is joyful, confident, and strongly directed towards the attainment of enlightenment in order to develop great power to help all living beings accomplish their potential.
At the end of the course, there will be an opportunity for those who wish to take Bodhisattva Vow, making a commitment (at whatever level they are able) to follow this compassionate, hopeful path to enlightenment.
We will end the day with light refreshments and an opportunity to rejoice together in our Centre's activities to benefit others!
Event Schedule
Session 1: 1:00-2:15pm
Break: 2:15-2:45pm
Session 2: 2:45-4:00pm
Break: 4:00-4:20pm
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony: 4:20-5:30pm
Centre gathering: 5:45pm
Everyone is welcome to the course and subsequent vow ceremony and everyone (whether they come to the course or not!) is welcome to our gathering celebrating our Centre and community that is dedicated to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.
About our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Finding Happiness from a Different Source
FINDING HAPPINESS FROM A DIFFERENT SOURCE
How Meditation changes everything | Thursday, November 16 @ 7:00 – 8:15pm
$25 early bird |$30 after November 6th
We tend to look for happiness outside ourself, thinking that if we arrange everything perfectly we would be truly happy.
We could change our home or our partner countless times, but until we change our restless, discontented mind we will never find real happiness. It is time we sought happiness from a different source. Happiness is a part of the mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within us.
Join us for this public talk with internationally renowned Teacher and Buddhist monk, Gen Rigpa, on finding a true source of happiness within our own peaceful mind through the practice of Buddhist meditation.
Stay for refreshments after the talk Everyone is welcome!
This event is expected to sell out. Please register early!
Gen Rigpa is also leading the Western Canada Dharma Celebration November 17-19, and will be bestowing the Blessing Empowerment of Prajnaparamita, and giving special teachings on how to Overcome Obstacles. Consider attending both events to experience the greatest impact.
“When our mind is peaceful we will be free from worries 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.”
– Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Gen Kelsang Rigpa is the Western US National Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center LA. Through his clear presentation and heartfelt teachings, he is able to help students easily integrate Buddha’s timeless teachings into our modern world, in a way that makes everyday life joyful and meaningful.
The Power of Mantra
The Power of Mantra
In person and live stream for members
With Resident Teacher Gen Sanden
Protect your mind, find healing and peace through meditation and mantra.
Mantra means mind protection. It can be used in many ways to help us, protect us, gain concentration and help us change our mind from negative to positive. It can be used in a simple yet profound way.
On this morning course taught by Gen Kelsang Sanden, Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Centre Vancouver, you will learn:
the meaning of mantra and how it functions
a simple but powerful method to attain a calm and positive mind and to calm your mind in times of crisis
how to connect with enlightened power
Join us to discover the power of mantra and create special causes to experience the supreme inner peace of our enlightened mind.
Everybody is welcome!
Schedule
10:00 – 11:00am Teaching & meditation
11:30 – 12:30pm Teaching & meditation
Cost
$35 | Free for members
From Worrier to Warrior
From Worrier to Warrior
With Resident Teacher Gen Sanden
Imagine living without stress and tension – a life free from worry, anxiety, and the many daily problems these negative states of mind create.
On this course we will look at how meditation can eliminate stress and help us become more relaxed, peaceful and positive in our daily life. By training in powerful stress-busting techniques derived from ancient Buddhist wisdom, we can learn to face life’s adversities with a happy heart, deal with ‘difficult people’ without getting angry and transform hardships into opportunities for spiritual growth that we can even look forward to!
Full Schedule
Friday September 15
7:00 – 8:30pm Introduction
Saturday September 16
9:30 – 10:45am Teaching
11:15 – 12:30pm Teaching & meditation
1:30 – 2:45pm Teaching & meditation
3:15 – 4:30pm Teaching & meditation
Cost
$80 | $35 for members
Includes lunch & refreshments
Foundation Program Open House
Foundation Program Open House
WEDNESDAYS | 6:30–9:00PM
We invite you to an open house to get a taste of our Foundation Program!
We are currently in the midst of the study of Joyful Path of Good Fortune by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, about to begin the study of the initial scope starting with meditation on our precious human life.
This is not a drop in program, and normally people are required to have attended our regular drop in classes for at least 6 months in order to be admitted to it. We make commitments to attend every class if at all possible, either in person on live streaming, and to complete the course.
Generally we register for a year at a time, but can try it for one month if approved for $80 for the month. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please email epc@meditateinvancouver.org.
About our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.
Tantra - Summer Festival Q&A
Tantra - Summer Festival Q&A
With Resident Teacher Gen Sanden
Cost: $15 non-members/ free for members
Highest Yoga Tantra review from summer festival with Q &A. For people who have received empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini within the Kadampa Tradition and want some essential questions answered, especially as regards setting up day to day practice in a manageable way.
Gen Sanden will share practical answers to questions and give some practical advice following teachings from the summer festival teachings at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre this last summer.