Annual Away Retreat
Meditation Retreat at International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, Williams
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The Most Meaningful Life: Becoming a Friend to the World
Thurs, May 24 - Mon, May 28
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with KMC Arizona & KMC Phoenix
taught by: Gen Kelsang Lingpur & Kelsang Tabkay
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A Bodhisattva is a true friend of the world, a person motivated by great compassion who has developed bodhichitta, a spontaneous wish to attain enlightenment for the sake of all living beings. This retreat will offer a special opportunity be immersed in the joyful meditations on love, compassion, and the six perfections that lead to this most meaningful life.
Venue and Accommodations
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The retreat will be held at the beautiful newly created International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon in Williams, AZ. The IKRC offers beautiful and comfortable onsite accommodation and vegetarian meals. Bordered by 1.6 million acres of the Kaibab National forest, the surrounding area is perfect for quiet walks and contemplation.
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In addition to accommodations and the meditation room, IKRC Grand Canyon also houses a bookstore and gift shop. The bookstore and gift shop carries a range of unique gifts, cards, meditation accessories, Buddhist art, and books on Buddhism and meditation.
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The accommodations are hotel style en suite rooms and will have fresh linens and towels. Both private rooms and shared rooms are available.
Retreat Schedule and Format
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Each session will last approximately 1.5 hours. Sessions will include a preparatory practice, introductory teaching to the meditation, and guided meditation. Overall, the guided meditation portion of each session will range from 20 to 40 minutes.
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During the retreat, we encourage you to maintain silence from the mornings through lunchtime.
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Thursday, May 24
Dinner 6:00-7:00pm
7:30-9pm -- Introduction
Friday, May 25
Session #1 - 8:00-9:15am
Session #2 -11am-12:30
Lunch 1:00-2:00
Session #3 - 4:15-5:45pm
Dinner 6:00pm
Offering to the Spiritual Guide Prayers: 7:00-8:30pm
Saturday, May 26
Session #1 - 8:00-9:15am
Session #2 -11am-12:30
Lunch 1:00-2pm
Session #3 - 4:15-5:45pm
Dinner 6:00-7:00pm
Session #4 - 7:30-9pm
Sunday May 27
Session #1 - 8:00-9:15am
Session #2 -11am-12:30
Lunch 1:00-2pm
Session #3 - 4:15-5:45pm
Dinner 6:00-7:00pm
Session #4 - 7:30-9pm
Monday, May 28
Session #1 - 8:00-9:15am
Session #2 -11am-12:30
Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
​Retreat Teachers
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Gen Kelsang Lingpur is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona in Tucson. She has been a student and disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 20 years. Gen Lingpur has been ordained as Buddhist nun for many years and has taught for the New Kadampa Tradition in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Mexico. Having benefited greatly herself from the study of Buddha Dharma, she is happy to give back by sharing her love of Buddha’s teachings. With a down-to-earth style, Gen Lingpur helps us to look at our situation in a new light, and to transform negative minds into positive ones.
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Kelsang Tabkay is an American Buddhist monk and the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Phoenix.
He has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years. Tabkay presents Buddhism and meditation in an accessible and clear way, dedicating himself to bringing peace into the hearts of others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this meditation retreat suitable for beginners?
Yes, this retreat is perfect for beginners or advanced meditators.
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How much meditating will there be in each session?
Sessions last for about 1.5 hours, but some of this time is taken up with teachings and preparatory prayers. You can expect the meditations themselves to be 20 minutes to 40 minutes.
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Should I bring my own meditation cushion?
If you have a meditation cushion that you like to use, you are more than welcome to bring it with you. The IKRC does have meditation cushions available and there will also be comfortable chairs for everyone.
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Is there a dress code?
No, you can wear whatever is comfortable for you. You might want to bring layers to the meditation room as it is sometimes difficult to find a temperature everyone can agree on.
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Do I have to be a Buddhist?
No, everyone is welcome. However, you will want to know that each session will include some preparatory prayers, which you can choose to participate in or not.
