Special Events at KMC Ottawa

Throughout the year, Kadampa Meditation Centre Ottawa holds special events that bring people together, whether you are curious about meditation for the first time or have been practising for years.

Public talks are a good way to start. Our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen, gives talks on practical subjects like happiness, a calm mind and who the Buddha was. These take place at our centre on Somerset Street West, where Little Italy meets Chinatown, and in towns around the region, including Arnprior and Norwood.

Community gatherings are part of life at the centre. Past events have included our summer barbecue and potluck, festive holiday gatherings, New Year’s Eve, and Centre Cherishing Days, when we care for the centre together. Each June we open our doors for Doors Open Ottawa, with free guided meditations and tours. In 2026 we celebrated our 30th anniversary with a special talk by our National Spiritual Director, Gen Kelsang Chodor.

Meditations for peace take meditation outdoors. Gen Thekchen has led free guided meditations at Dow’s Lake and on Parliament Hill, and we hold an annual meditation and picnic in the park.

We are also part of the worldwide Kadampa family. Students travel from Ottawa to the International Kadampa Festivals, which take place three times a year, and to Dharma Celebrations in Ontario and Québec. These events offer empowerments, teachings and meditation with Senior Teachers of the New Kadampa Tradition.

From time to time we also hold fundraising events, like our dinner and silent auction. These events support the centre, its future home and the International Temples Project.

Upcoming events appear on our calendar and in our newsletter. Everyone is welcome.

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