Welcome to the Annual Peaceful Getaway Retreat
Benefiting Others by Becoming Your Best Self
Labor Day Weekend: Aug. 29 – Sep. 1, 2025
Taught by the Resident Teachers of the Seven Kadampa Centers in Florida
Join us in beautiful Sarasota for a special weekend retreat based on Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by the great master Shantideva. This timeless text is a step-by-step guide to living with compassion, wisdom, and strength in our modern world.
Throughout the weekend, Resident Teachers from the seven Kadampa centers in Florida will share Buddha’s teachings and guide meditations that awaken our inner potential and show how becoming our best self is the most powerful way to benefit the people around us.
About the Teachings
So much joy and confidence comes from our meditation practice when we’re motivated to become our best selves for the benefit of others.
Our theme this year, “Benefiting Others by Becoming Your Best Self”, explores the transformative power of the Six Perfections: giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom. These profound practices lie at the heart of the Bodhisattva path and offer a blueprint for living a deeply meaningful life.
The teachings are based on Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by the great master Shantideva. This timeless text provides a step-by-step guide to living with compassion, wisdom, and strength in our modern world.
A bodhisattva is someone motivated by universal compassion to benefit all living beings. They transform their daily lives into actions that help others, ultimately aiming for world peace and enlightenment for all. What could be a more meaningful purpose?
Whether you’re new to Buddhism or a long-time practitioner, the retreat offers a joyful opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and return home inspired and empowered.
About the Teachers
Gen Kelsang Gomlam
Gen Gomlam is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Florida.
She has been studying, practicing and teaching Kadam Dharma for many years. Gen Gomlam’s heartfelt and practical teachings are presented with warmth and humor, making them accessible to everyone. Through her loving kindness, sincere concern for others, and deep understanding of Buddha’s teachings, Gen Gomlam provides an inspiring example of someone who has taken Buddha’s teachings to heart.
Gen Kelsang Namdrol
Gen Namdrol is the Resident Teacher of Samudrabadra Kadampa Buddhist Center.
She has been studying, practicing, and teaching Kadampa Buddhism for many years under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition.
Gen Namdrol’s heartfelt and practical teachings are presented with warmth, clarity and humor making them accessible to everyone.
Sarah Frew
Sarah Frew, formerly the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Philadelphia, became the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Tampa Bay in January of 2025. She is a long-time student and practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and has engaged in extensive Dharma study and retreat. Sarah participated in the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, a special course designed by Venerable Geshe-la to provide six months of intensive training for those wishing to become qualified Resident Teachers at Kadampa Buddhist Centers around the world. Sarah has served in many roles in our Tradition in addition to being a Resident Teacher, including being a Manager and Festival Organizer. Through her joyful and engaging manner, she shares Buddha’s teachings in a kind-hearted and warm way that makes them accessible to everyone.
Gen Kelsang Tashi
Gen Kelsang Tashi is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Miami. He has been practicing and teaching meditation in the Kadampa tradition for over 15 years. His gentle approach to meditation emphasizes the importance of keeping a happy and positive mind. He is appreciated for his clear, light-hearted and practical presentation of Buddhist teachings.
Gen Kelsang Jindak
Gen Kelsang Jindak is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale. She has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 25 years. Ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2003, she was given the name Kelsang Jindak, which means “Fortunate Benefactor”. She has many years of experience teaching and volunteering at Kadampa Centers around the U.S. Gen Jindak has a clear, joyful teaching style and presents Kadampa Buddhism practically, for both beginners and experienced meditators alike.
Kadam Ricc Bishop
Kadam Ricc Bishop is the Resident Teacher at Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center, in Orlando.
Kadam Ricc has been a disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 20 years. Venerable Geshe Kelsang assigned Ricc as a Resident Teacher in 2006 and he was granted the senior title of ‘Kadam” in 2010. Kadam Ricc has studied, practiced and taught others Kadampa Dharma for many years and takes delight in offering Buddha’s teaching as practical advice for a happy and meaningful life.
Kadam Carol Lutker
Kadam Carol Lutker is the Resident Teacher of Maitreya Kadampa Buddhist Center, in Jacksonville. Kadam Carol is a longtime student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, and has been teaching Kadampa Buddhism in Long Island NY and Florida since 2001. She serves as an example of how to practice Dharma within the context of family and community, is married and has three grown children. As a teacher, Carol is especially appreciated for her warm, clear and practical instruction.
Event Schedule
| Friday, August 29 | |
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| 7 – 8:15 pm | Benefits of Bodhichitta, with Gen Gomlam |
| Saturday, August 30 | |
| 9 – 10:15 am | Purifying Negativity, with Gen Jindak |
| 11 am – 12:15 pm | Accumulating Merit, with Gen Namdrol |
| 12:30 – 2 pm | Lunch |
| 2:15 – 3:30 pm | Moral Discipline, with Gen Tashi |
| 7:30 – 8:30 pm | Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog offerings (Chanted Prayers) |
| Sunday, August 31 | |
| 9 – 10:15 am | Patience, with Kadam Carol |
| 11 am – 12:15 pm | Effort, with Sarah Frew |
| 12:30 – 2 pm | Lunch |
| 2:15 – 3:30 pm | Concentration, with Kadam Ricc |
| 4:30 – 5:45 pm | Teachers Q&A Panel. Moderator: Sarah Frew |
| 6:30 pm | Burritos at the Beach |
| Monday, September 1 | |
| 9 – 10:15 am | Wisdom, with Gen Gomlam |
| 11 am – 12:15 pm | Dedication and Giving, with Gen Jindak |
How to Register
Advance registration is highly encouraged. Booking through this site will start on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 8 AM EST and close Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12 PM EST to ensure fast-track registration upon arrival. In-person registration will also be available at KMC Florida beginning Friday, August 29, 2025 at 4 PM.
You can register to attend either IN PERSON or ONLINE using the links below. If you are attending in person, you need to sign up for the event and accommodations separately. Individuals must be also be registered separately. When each registration is complete, you will receive a registration confirmation. Please reach out to info@meditationinsarasota.org with any questions.
Registration for In-Person Attendance
Join Kadampa Buddhist practitioners from across Florida for a joyful celebration of faith, wisdom, and compassion. Connect with Sangha friends from different Centers, engage in meaningful Dharma discussions, and deepen your practice through listening, contemplation, and meditation. Everyone is welcome!
Pricing: In-Person Attendance
Regular Pricing
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- Entire Weekend – $135
Early registration, by August 1 – $105 - Saturday only – $35
- Sunday only – $35
- Entire Weekend – $135
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Member Pricing
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- Entire Weekend, centers members – $90
Early registration, by August 1 – $75 - Saturday only – $22
- Sunday only – $22
- Entire Weekend, centers members – $90
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Youth Registration: Registration is available for children ages 0-17 years old.
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- Children 10 years old and under are free.
- Youth 11-17 years old is half price.
- We have a family video link area available for families with small children.
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Note: Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. To inquire please send an email to: info@meditationinsarasota.org
Additional Registration Options & Pricing
Parking: $25 entire weekend – Reserved parking is available for those who have booked the entire weekend. Additional on street and nearby parking is available, and you will be guided by parking volunteers. Please reach out to info@meditationinsarasota.org with any questions.
Meals: $25 for entire event – Vegetarian meals. Includes Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and Sunday lunch and dinner. While gluten free and vegan options are available with each meal, food is not prepared in a gluten free kitchen, so cross contamination may occur. A la carte food options will be available for purchase in the World Peace Cafe.
Audio Recordings: not available.
Camper Parking: $40/night, 2-night minimum – Contact us for camper reservations.
Accommodations
Onsite Accommodations
Limited onsite accommodation will be available inside the Temple for those attending in person (3-night minimum booking required). Please register as soon as possible if you wish to stay onsite. Onsite accommodation options include:
- Single Room (Fri/Sat/Sun) – $225
- Single Bed in Double Room – $195
- Single Bed in Triple Room – $180
- Single Bed in Shared (Female) Room – $150
- Single Bed in Shared (Male) Room – $147
Please note that bedding and towels are provided for all onsite accommodations.
Offsite Accommodations
Hotel Indigo
1223 Blvd of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-487-3800
1.3 miles
Hyatt Place Sarasota/Bradenton Airport
950 University Pkwy
Sarasota, Florida 34234
941-554-5800
4.6 miles
La Quinta
1803 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34234
941-366-5128
2.3 miles
Hampton Inn
975 University Parkway
Sarasota, Fl 34243
941-355-8140
4 miles
Homewood Suites
3470 Fruitville Rd
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-365-7300
2.1 miles
Facebook Group: Shared Drives & Airbnb
Connect with other Sangha members on our dedicated Facebook page to share info on available shared drives and exchange details about open spots in group-rented Airbnbs. Click here to open the page.
2025 Annual Peaceful Getaway Retreat Registration Terms & Conditions
Please read the information below carefully:
Registration is necessary for this event. Booking through this site will close Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12 PM EST to ensure fast-track registration upon arrival. In-person registration will also be available at KMC Florida beginning Friday, August 29, 2025 at 4 PM.
How to Register: Step-by-step instructions can be found on the registration page.
Payment & Refund Policy: Please read the following information carefully!
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- Cancellations and Refunds: A $8 admin fee will be retained for all cancellations made at least 2 days prior to the start of the event (7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025). After this, all fees are non-refundable.
- Accommodation and Meal Cancellations and Refunds: If you cancel more than 72 hours before the start of the event or your arrival, whichever is earlier, 25% of the total booking will be retained, including meals and accommodation, and the balance refunded. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable.
- Refund exceptions: Exceptions are discretionary and may be made in cases such as bereavement or sickness, or other reasonably unforeseen circumstances. All such requests must be made in writing to info@meditationinsarasota.org within 2 weeks of the event start date.
- Donating refundable cancellation fees to NKT International Temples Project: If you wish to donate the refundable portion of your cancelled fee to the NKT International Temples Project, please indicate this at the time of cancellation.
Any non-refunded fees for cancellations received will be donated to the NKT International Temples Project.
- Cancellations and Refunds: A $8 admin fee will be retained for all cancellations made at least 2 days prior to the start of the event (7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025). After this, all fees are non-refundable.
Our Temple
This event will be held at the beautiful Temple for World Peace at Kadampa Meditation Center Florida. This modern Buddhist Temple was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, our Founder, as part of the International Temples Project and was opened in 2011. The Temple’s unique design is based on the celestial palace of Heruka, the Buddha of Compassion. The design also represents all the stages of the spiritual path to enlightenment. Just seeing it reminds us that we have the potential to improve our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind.
Join people from all around Florida who will gather to attend this very special event. Being able to listen to authentic Dharma teachings in a blessed Temple is an incredibly profound and meaningful experience. You will be able to meet and connect with Sangha friends from all around the state in-person, and enjoy the World Peace Cafe, shop, and beautiful world peace gardens at KMC Florida.
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida
730 N. Washington Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 373-1600
MeditationInSarasota.org
Our Founder
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Spiritual Guide & Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a world-renowned meditation master who holds the very essence of Buddha’s teachings in his heart. He transmits this profound wisdom and compassion to the people of the modern world in very practical ways through the extremely accessible methods of modern Kadampa Buddhism, which he has introduced into contemporary society. He has dedicated his life to laying the foundation for modern Kadampa Buddhism to flourish in this and future generations so that anyone regardless of nationality, culture, gender or age can easily understand the meaning of Buddha’s teachings and apply them to their daily life – and in this way find true, lasting inner peace.
Venerable Geshe-la is a truly international Teacher whose wish is to benefit everyone without exception. To this end, among his many extraordinary actions, Venerable Geshe-la has established hundreds of Kadampa Meditation Centers all around the world. He has also created International, National and Regional Festivals and Celebrations, which are organized every year and enjoyed by thousands of people from all over the world.
Contact
This event is held at the Kadampa Meditation Center Florida.
For any questions about the Annual Peaceful Getaway Retreat, please contact us:
Email: info@meditationinsarasota.org
Phone: (941) 373-1600
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida is located at:
730 N Washington Blvd
Sarasota, FL – 34236
Find Your Center
There are seven Kadampa Centers in Florida, each of which offers a full program of classes, events and retreats in meditation and Modern Buddhism. Find your nearest Center using the following links:
FORT LAUDERDALE – Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale
FORT MYERS – Samudrabadra Kadampa Buddhist Center
JACKSONVILLE – Maitreya Kadampa Buddhist Center
MIAMI – Kadampa Meditation Center Miami
ORLANDO – Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center
SARASOTA – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida
TAMPA BAY – Kadampa Meditation Center Tampa Bay