Sometimes we want more time than a weekly class allows: time to explore a topic in depth, or to step away from daily busyness and meditate more deeply. Kadampa Meditation Centre Ottawa offers meditation courses and retreats for every level of experience, from complete beginners to long-time practitioners.
Saturday half-day courses take place at our centre at 879 Somerset Street West, near the corner of Preston Street, usually from 10am to 1pm with a refreshment break. Because they are longer than a regular class, there is time to look closely at one practical theme, such as letting go of anxiety, overcoming anger or starting a meditation practice at home, with guided meditations and time for questions. We usually hold one or two each month. Occasionally we offer a full-day course, with lunch included. Everyone is welcome, and Silver members and above can also join Saturday courses by live-stream.
Retreats let us draw inward, away from everyday distractions. Every few months we hold a Saturday urban retreat at the centre: a day of guided meditation sessions on one meaningful topic. We also lead weekend away retreats in quiet countryside settings near Ottawa, such as the Galilee Centre in Arnprior, with several guided sessions a day and silence during the morning breaks. In the Kadampa tradition, January is a special time for retreat. Our January retreats take place at our centre and usually include a Lamrim retreat on the stages of the path to enlightenment.
From time to time, usually in the spring, we also offer blessing empowerments: special ceremonies with teachings that deepen our connection with particular Buddhas, such as Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.
Most courses and retreats are taught by our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen, and other experienced Kadampa Teachers. You can register online or at the door. Please see the calendar for current dates.
Explore
- Saturday Half-Day Courses: Half-day courses on practical topics, usually on Saturday mornings.
- Retreats: An overview of our retreats.
- Saturday Urban Retreats: One-day guided meditation retreats at our Ottawa centre.
- Weekend Retreats: Weekend retreats at the centre, plus away retreats in the countryside near Ottawa.
- January Retreats: Our traditional retreat month, with guided Lamrim and Tantric retreats.
- Blessing Empowerments: Special empowerment ceremonies, usually held in the spring.