Upcoming Special Events | March 2023

While this Friday Night Lecture stands alone, is also serves as an introduction to the Shelter from the Storm weekend retreat (description below).

7-8:30 PM

Without a reliable source of refuge, we can easily end up feeling powerless with everything going on in the world. As Prince Siddhartha, Buddha left his luxurious life in the palace to see if he could find a lasting source of protection for himself and everyone else. He could, and he has shared it with us.

Join us for a talk on a practical approach to refuge that will energize our spiritual life. Although stand-alone in nature, this talk will also serve as an introduction to our Refuge from the storm retreat, which is designed to bring us closer to the love and protection of Buddha, Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) and Sangha (spiritual community). 

Refuge Retreat | Shelter from the Storm

Saturday 9-10:30 AM; 11:30 AM – 1 PM; 2:30-4 PM
Sunday 4-6 PM
Wednesday 7-9 PM

By developing special Dharma realizations with the help of Buddha’s blessings and the encouragement from our Sangha friends, we can find refuge from our problems. During this retreat, we have the perfect opportunity to deepen our experience of refuge by strengthening our reliance upon the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) and Sangha (the spiritual community).

Each session is self-contained. You may drop-in to sessions as you are able, treat yourself to a weekend, or join into the sessions during the week, in a very blessed and quiet space.

Everyone is welcome to this retreat regardless of level of experience. It is especially suitable for beginners who are interested in gaining experience of the Buddhist way of life.

*Please note that the Sunday and Wednesday retreat sessions will be held in lieu of the Teacher Training Program classes that would normally occur at those times. Although all TTP students will be at this retreat, these sessions are considered part of the refuge retreat and are open to everyone.

Registration Details

Cost: Friday Night Lecture is $10 through March 3, $15 after; free for members

Saturday only: $30 through March 4, $35 after; free for members
Sunday or Wednesday only: $10 each (register at door)
Friday + Saturday: $40
Entire retreat: $50

Friday Night Lecture | Finding Direction: Introduction to Refuge Retreat

7-8:30 PM

Without a reliable source of refuge, we can easily end up feeling powerless with everything going on in the world. As Prince Siddhartha, Buddha left his luxurious life in the palace to see if he could find a lasting source of protection for himself and everyone else. He could, and he has shared it with us.

Join us for a talk on a practical approach to refuge that will energize our spiritual life. Although stand-alone in nature, this talk will also serve as an introduction to our Refuge from the storm retreat, which is designed to bring us closer to the love and protection of Buddha, Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) and Sangha (spiritual community). 

Refuge Retreat | Shelter from the Storm

Saturday 9-10:30 AM; 11:30 AM – 1 PM; 2:30-4 PM | Sunday 4-6 PM

By developing special Dharma realizations with the help of Buddha’s blessings and the encouragement from our Sangha friends, we can find refuge from our problems. During this retreat, we have the perfect opportunity to deepen our experience of refuge by strengthening our reliance upon the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) and Sangha (the spiritual community).

Each session is self-contained. You may drop-in to sessions as you are able, treat yourself to a weekend, or join into the sessions during the week, in a very blessed and quiet space.

Everyone is welcome to this retreat regardless of level of experience. It is especially suitable for beginners who are interested in gaining experience of the Buddhist way of life.

*Please note that the Sunday and Wednesday retreat sessions will be held in lieu of the Teacher Training Program classes that would normally occur at those times. Although all TTP students will be at this retreat, these sessions are considered part of the refuge retreat and are open to everyone.

Registration Details

Cost: Entire retreat: discounted rate of $50; free for members

Friday only: $10 through March 3, $15 after
Saturday only: $30 through March 4, $35 after
Friday + Saturday: $40
Sunday or Wednesday only: $10 each (please register at the door)

All Kadampa centers are dedicated to all living beings. They belong to them, remaining in their service for all time, and can never be taken over by individuals or organizations and used for other purposes.

For this reason, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche says that these centers are very precious and that whenever we engage in an action to benefit a center we are in fact benefitting all living beings. Through such actions we accumulate vast merit, purify negativities, and receive powerful blessings.

We set aside time each month for an opportunity for people to come together and cherish our center and in this way benefit our local community practically. Everyone welcome!

If you are new, and wondering how to participate in Center Cherishing, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call us at (608) 661-3211. While different months may have a main focus such as preparing our meditation room for a large event, we always have a list of projects and tasks from yard work, to cleaning, organizing, and creating. There are many ways to help! Reach out with any questions you may have. 

Center Cherishing will take place February 18, March 18, April 22, and May 20.