
Tel: 520-441-1617
5326 E. Pima Street, Tucson, AZ 85712


International Post Fall Festival Retreat
The Power of Spiritual Protection
October 10th - 15th
With Gen Kelsang Rabten
How to Rely Upon Dorje Shugden
Join us for a meaningful and blessed opportunity to deepen your understanding and connection with Dorje Shugden, the Wisdom Dharma Protector.
In the Kadampa tradition, Dorje Shugden is a special emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri. As a Dharma Protector, his role is to remove internal and external obstacles that prevent spiritual progress and to gather all the conducive conditions we need for successful meditation and practice.
During this retreat, we will focus on how to practically rely upon Dorje Shugden in our daily life and spiritual path. Based on the teachings from this year’s NKT International Fall Festival, Gen Kelsang Rabten will guide us in integrating these profound instructions into retreat practice.
It is not necessary to have attended the Fall Festival to join this retreat — everyone is welcome.
Schedule
Friday
9 - 10:45am: Offering to the Spiritual Guide Puja w/tsog
6 - 7pm: Supper
7:30 - 9pm: Introduction
Saturday - Tuesday
9 - 10:15am: Session 1
11am - 12:15pm: Session 2
12:30 - 1:30pm: Lunch
2 - 3:15pm: Session 3
5 - 6pm: Wishfulfilling Jewel w/tsog
6:30pm: Supper
Wednesday
9 - 10:15am: Session 1
11am - 12:15pm: Session 2
12:30 - 1:30pm: Lunch
About Gen Kelsang Rabten
Gen Rabten is the Resident Teacher of KMC Australia and KMC Melbourne . Ordained in 1994, he has studied under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 30 years. He has taught in many centers around the world including Australia, New Zealand, and South-East Asia.
Gen Rabten exemplifies the essence of the modern Kadampa way of life, brings a warm heart and joyful attitude to sharing Buddha’s teachings and the practice of meditation.

RETREAT SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION
Please check back shortly for a full schedule, pricing, and registration information.
Travel & Accommodation
Transportation Options:
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Chartered Bus: For your convenience, we will provide a chartered bus service from the International Kadampa Retreat Center (IKRC) Grand Canyon to Kadampa Meditation Center (KMC) Tucson for a nominal fee. It will leave IKRC at 2pm on October 9. Cancellation deadline for the bus is September 1.
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Airport Transfers: Transportation will be arranged to both Tucson International Airport and the Phoenix Airport shuttle depot to assist with your departure needs.
Please Note: KMC Tucson does not offer on-site accommodations. However, we are committed to assisting you in finding suitable lodging.
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Host Accommodation: For those with financial constraints, a number of our local students have graciously offered free hosting options. If you're interested in this opportunity, please contact us in advance to make arrangements.
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Nearby Hotels: Our community members are available to provide transportation to and from these establishments as needed.
WoodSpring Suites Tucson Medical Center (Top Choice) – Brand new, inexpensive hotel. Closest to the Center.
📍 One-half mile from KMC
Address: 2121 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
📞Phone: (520) 314-4042
🔗Website: WoodSpring Suites Tucson Medical Center
Description: Opening in September and now accepting bookings. This brand-new property offers affordable accommodations designed for extended or short stays. Rooms feature in-room kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi, 24/7 guest laundry facilities, and on-site parking.
Note: It is less expensive to book for the whole week than it is to book for five days.
Ramada by Wyndham Viscount Suite Hotel – 2.4 miles from Center
📍 Address: 4855 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
📞 Phone: (520) 745-6500
🔗 Website: Ramada Viscount
Description: Start each day with a free buffet breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, fruit, and more. With free WiFi, a 24/7 business center, fitness center, and jogging track, you’ll have everything you need for a productive stay. Relax with a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and sundeck and take advantage of same-day dry cleaning, free parking, and on-site dining. Each suite in this atrium hotel features a sitting area, desk, coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, laptop-sized safe, and ironing amenities. Pet-friendly rooms and convenient airport transportation are also available for additional fees.
Extended Stay America – Tucson – Grant Road (Lower quality and service) – 0.8 miles from Center
📍 Address: 5050 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
📞 Phone: (520) 795-9510
🔗 Website: Extended Stay America – Tucson – Grant Road
Description: Designed for longer stays, this hotel provides rooms equipped with full kitchens, including stovetops, microwaves, and refrigerators. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities, and a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast.
Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites – 0.9 miles from Center
📍 Address: 5151 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
📞 Phone: (520) 323-6262
🔗 Website: Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites
Description: Offering a more upscale experience, the Sheraton features modern rooms and suites with luxurious bedding and ergonomic workstations. Amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, and pet-friendly policies. Its proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient choice for travelers.
PRICING:
Retreat:
Full: $125
Per day only: $25
Wednesday only: $15
(Note: There are no member discounts for visiting teacher events.)
Meals and Bus:
Bus ride from the IKRC GC: $65
Meals (Cut-off for ordering meals was Sept. 26. You may be able to purchase meals on site if there is extra available after everyone is served, or join local students driving to nearby restaurants. Or feel free to bring your own food.)