On retreat we stop all forms of business and extraneous activities and impose various restrictions on our actions of body, speech, and mind so as to emphasize a particular spiritual practice.
Just as Kadampa Festivals show us what our world could be like, with people from every continent learning to cherish others, so Kadampa Retreats show us how peaceful we can feel when continually mixing our mind with Buddha’s teachings.
The main functions of retreat is to provide ideal conditions for mixing our mind with virtue and to develop concentration; NKT International Retreat Centres offer perfect facilities and peaceful environments in which to accomplish this.
Retreats are held regularly at all 1,100 NKT Centres throughout the world as well as the three International Retreat Centres (IRCs) – Tharpaland IRC in Scotland, Kailash IRC in Switzerland and Bodhichitta IRC in France.
Quote of the day
If we wish to experience pure peace, we must aquaint our mind with the truth.
Transform Your Life, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Today's Retreats
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Retreat Session 1 and 2
On the second morning of the retreat at the 2009 Summer Festival, Gen-la Khyenrab, encouraged us to contemplate Buddha’s Lamrim instructions. He explained it was important to use our own reasoning and wisdom to cultivate a heartfelt determination to take refuge in the Three Jewels. This means applying effort to receive Buddha’s blessings, putting Dharma into practise and relying on Sangha (spiritual friends).
Based on Venerable Geshe-la's teachings from earlier in the week, Gen-la guided meditations that condensed the entire Kadam Lamrim instructions and he reminded us that now is the time to enter, make progress on and complete the path to enlightenment, permanent inner peace.
Retreat Session 3, 4 and 5
The final sessions of the day focused on emptiness, the true nature of our reality. Gen-la reminded us how, when meditating on emptiness, it is important to have the right motivation – the intention to benefit all living beings without exception.
I traveled over 17 hours and I was very happy to do so as it was very important to me to come to this special place. This is my first international Festival - it is like a dream, everyone’s making an effort to care for each other and there is such a positive energy.
Sam, Seattle