Spiritual Program

Buddhism is a science of the mind that gives us tools to eliminate negative emotions and develop our positive potential to the fullest - achieve enlightenment - for the benefit of all sentient beings. Our spiritual programs form the core of what we do, following the advice of our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and the policies of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).

We offer a wide range of study and practice opportunities. Our goal is to meet the varied spiritual needs of our community. In general, the teachings are structured around the graduated path to enlightenment (lam-rim) taught in the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition. We invite our guests to participate in as many or as few activities as each person finds beneficial. To get started or learn more, click on a link below.

Introductory Programs - a good starting point for newcomers to Buddhism and Kadampa Center

Beginner Programs - classes and basic practices that explore the fundatmentals of Buddhism

Intermediate Programs - programs best suited for students who have completed beginner programs. Some of these programs may have pre-requisites and regisration to attend to help ensure students have done enough study and practice to be ready for the material presented.

Retreats - information about opportunities to do individual and group retreat

Visiting Teachers - information about visiting teachers at Kadampa Center

Families and Children

Other Programs

  • Holy Days - a variety of practices and celebrations on the Buddhist holy days.
  • New Year's Eve Purification Practice - based on a fire puja to Dorje Khadro, who out of compassion devours our negative karma, this popular program is friendly for all levels and ages. As part of the ritual, our bad karma is visualized with black sesame seeds and thrown into the fire to Dorje Khado. By regretting our past mistakes and resolving to start the new year fresh, it's a wonderful way to start the new year.
  • Animal Blessing and Liberation - at least once a year we offer the opportunity to bless pets and free sentient beings that would otherwise be killed (typcially insects sold for pet food and bait) in a special ceremony. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their pets anytime and circumambulate the stupa for incredibly powerful blessings!
  • We have many other programs not listed here as well - please see our calendar for more information!

Donations to Support Programming

To help ensure our spiritual programs are accessible to everyone, teachings and classes are offered on the basis of "dana". This is a Sanskrit word that means "giving" or "generosity". We do not charge a fee or even "suggested donation". Instead, each person is encouraged to look into his or her heart to see how best to support the programs at Kadampa Center. This opportunity to practice generosity freely is an integral part of our spiritual practice.

First-time Visitors

We welcome visitors. Though Kadampa Center follows an ancient holy tradition, we strive to remain informal and welcoming of all guests and newcomers. When you come to Kadampa Center for the first time we would love to have you introduce yourself to us. For answers to commonly asked questions, please see our newcomers FAQ page. For students wanting to visit as a class assignment, please see our guidelines.

We look forward to seeing you at Kadampa Center!