Special Events
We offer a variety of events from free talks, to fundraisers to in-depth retreats. We welcome you to explore what we have to offer. You can call or email us with any questions you may have.
Free Public Talks
Free Public talks provide an excellent introduction to our weekly classes and Buddhist ideas. As always, everyone is welcome.
Freedom from Fear: A Free Lecture in Richmond
The mind has great power to create happiness. Yet, limiting emotions such as worry, anxiety and fear can interfere with many aspects of our life. They can prevent us from accomplishing our goals and experiencing greater meaning in our life. Modern Buddhist views explain how to differentiate fear that causes suffering from fear that is beneficial. Learn how to use meditation and transformative ways of thinking to calm the mind, develop inner peace, and gradually free our mind from the control of limiting habits.... Read more
Free Public Talk: The Wisdom of Inner Balance
Our life is filled with pleasant or enjoyable experiences, difficult or painful experiences, or simply many ordinary ones. We are so actively involved with what is going on outside of ourselves that we can often feel unbalanced or lacking peace inside. This free talk will help you take a step back from what is happening from day to day. Through presenting mental tools from Buddhist teachings you can learn how to see through your eyes of wisdom and thereby create a daily experience of inner balance and peace of mind.
... Read moreDrop of Essential Nectar
This annual fasting and purification retreat, done conjunction with the Buddha of Compassion, is a powerful way to purify bad habits of body, speech, and mind, and to pacify strong delusions such as hatred and attachment. It is also a special method for receiving blessings and improving our experience of love, compassion, and bodhichitta. To participate in this retreat, you must come to the 6:30 am session to receive Mahayana Precepts for each day you attend. Includes a light lunch on Friday.
Gen Chogden will also give a special teaching to celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day.
... Read moreWorkshops & Day Courses
Workshops offer an introduction to meditation and Buddhist wisdom. They are about three hours and are designed for beginners as well as those with more experience.
Day Courses offer the opportunity to focus in-depth on certain aspects of Buddhist teaching. They generally run from 10:30 – 3:00pm include traditional prayers, talks and meditations. Vegetarian lunch is always included
Transforming Pain: Healing the Body and Mind Workshop
We all want pain to stop. The experience of pain can either intensify or reduce depending upon our insight into its origin and nature, and whether or not we can make pain spiritually meaningful.
... Read moreThe Poison of Anger: A Workshop for Eliminating Negativity
One of our most destructive states of mind is anger. It can so easily arise when we encounter something we do not like or we fail to satisfy ourselves. If anger is not recognized early on, it becomes a poison that destroys our inner peace and happiness and incites us to do harmful actions that cause suffering for ourselves and others.
... Read moreEmpowerments & Festivals
Blessings of Wisdom: The Empowerment of Buddha Manjushri
Buddha Manjushri is the embodiment of the wisdom of all the Buddhas. Wisdom is a virtuous intelligent mind that understands things unmistakenly and dispels confusion and excessive doubts. Wisdom is like an inner Teacher that we carry in our hearts, and like a Protector that protects us from future suffering.
... Read moreUS Kadampa Festival
US National Kadampa Festival
Dorje Shugdan Empowerment
Friday, April 27 – Wednesday, May 2
Location: KMC-New York in Glen Spey
Fundraising Events
A couple of times a year we hold fundraising events to raise money for our local temple project. We’ve held sponsored walks, yard sales, and benefit dinners. Please join us to support a good cause!
Walk for Peace
Walk for Peace on NKT Day with a delicious picnic at Oregon Ridge Park, April 7th. Friends, family, kids, and dogs are welcome too! All proceeds to our local temple fund.
... Read more