879 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

Are you ready to discover a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress, open your heart, and find deeper peace—even in challenging times?

Join us for a gentle, supportive weekend retreat exploring the ancient Buddhist meditation of Taking and Giving. This beautiful practice, beautifully explained in the books of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, helps us transform everyday difficulties into opportunities for genuine compassion and inner freedom.

What to expect:

• Guided meditations that are easy to follow—no previous experience needed. We’ll start with calming breathing and gently build up to the core practice: breathing in others’ suffering as dark smoke (to dissolve our own self-centered habits) and breathing out light, love, and happiness to bring relief and joy to everyone.

• Clear, practical teachings drawn from Geshe Kelsang’s Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness, showing how this method reduces anxiety, heals emotional pain, strengthens kindness toward ourselves and others, and brings real resilience to daily life.

• A peaceful, nurturing environment with plenty of rest, delicious vegetarian meals, time for reflection, and optional sharing.

• A warm, welcoming community where beginners feel completely at home, and experienced practitioners can deepen their practice.

Many people come to this retreat feeling overwhelmed by life’s ups and downs, and leave feeling lighter, more connected, and equipped with tools they can use every day—at home, at work, or during tough moments.

Why this practice feels magical: As Geshe Kelsang explains, Taking and Giving is like a healing breath that dissolves selfishness and awakens boundless love. It’s not about being “perfect” or “spiritual”—it’s about becoming a kinder, happier version of yourself, while quietly helping others too.

No previous meditation experience needed. Everyone welcome!

Schedule

Gen Kelsang Thekchen is a Kadampa Buddhist monk & senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition. He has been a Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 30 years. Gen Thekchen has taught widely in Canada and in the UK, and is now the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Ottawa. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a practical, profound and often humorous way, making them very accessible and easy to practise in everyday life. 

Testimonials from those who've attended our away retreats

"Retreat is a precious opportunity to let go of daily concerns and 'go inside'.  When we have the conditions to focus on spiritual practice in a retreat setting we can build our experience of 'calm and clear' minds which brings lasting benefits in and out of meditation in our daily life."    ~  Jane Douglas

"Retreats with KMCO always leave me feeling more at ease with myself and with my place in the world.  Such a great chance to refresh and recharge!"  ~ Steve Grover

"The Galilee Centre holds a very special spiritual energy. Surrounded by forest, walking trails, and a quiet private beach, it offers the perfect environment to slow down, turn inward, and rest in contemplation. Inside, there are so many peaceful corners where it is easy to sit quietly and connect with a sense of inner stillness.

I left with a heart full of love and gratitude, and with a deeper appreciation for the practice of concentration in my daily life. It was truly a gift to be there, and I would warmly encourage anyone to give themselves the opportunity to attend a retreat like this."  ~ Pam Burton

The Venue ~ Galilee Retreat Centre in Arnprior

Galilee Retreat Centre, located at 398 John Street North in Arnprior, Ontario is situated next to an old growth forest overlooking the Ottawa River. It is situated on 35 acres property that boasts of walking paths, community gardens, a greenhouse, and a private beach with stunning views of the river.

The cooks and kitchen staff offer nutritious and delicious food, which is prepared fresh on the premises and served buffet style in the dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Retreat options and pricing

There are 3 options in which to participate in this retreat:

1. All inclusive full retreat with on-site accommodations in either a private or double room, (which includes all meals),
2. Commuting: Attend the retreat without staying overnight WITH meals, or
3. Commuting: Attend the retreat without staying overnight WITHOUT meals. 

We look forward to enjoying this transformative weekend retreat with you. Everyone welcome.