Welcome to the Florida Dharma Celebration 2024!
The Florida Dharma Celebration is a special event held every year at the Kadampa Temple for World Peace in Sarasota, Florida. This event was created by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, founder of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union, to provide an opportunity for people from all over Florida to gather together as a spiritual community to receive empowerments, Dharma teachings and engage in meditation retreat.
About the Teachings
A Radiant Heart of Loving Kindness
The Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Maitreya with Teachings on Exchanging Self with Others
April 5-7, 2024
with NKT Eastern US National Spiritual Director, Kadam Morten Clausen
“Maitreya is the manifestation of all the Buddha’s realization of loving kindness. His function is to guide us along the stages of the path to enlightenment.” – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Love is universally one of the most important things in life, and our happiness is directly linked to the quality of this love in all of our relationships. The more we nurture our ability to love, the more we will experience its wonderful benefits, including a deepening sense of connection to everyone around us.
During this special weekend of the Florida Dharma Celebration, Kadam Morten will grant the empowerment of Buddha Maitreya, the embodiment of a fully-awakened heart of loving kindness. The empowerment is a blissful guided meditation that connects us to Maitreya’s enlightened love, giving us great power in our spiritual development. By receiving his inspiring blessings, we can grow our own innate potential for loving kindness, and develop the confidence we need to progress along the spiritual path.
Following the empowerment, Kadam Morten will give special teachings on the practice of exchanging self with others. This profound practice enables us to change our perspective at a very deep level, enabling us to open our hearts more fully to others so that we empathize with them and how they see things. In this way we can become someone whose loving kindness and boundless good heart is a source of inspiration and benefit to others.
What is an Empowerment?
An empowerment is a blissful guided meditation through which we connect to a Buddha’s enlightened mind, in this case, Buddha Maitreya’s enlightened mind. Through receiving this empowerment we will draw closer to this enlightened being and awaken our own potential to develop the universal love of a Buddha. Maitreya’s inspiring blessings will help us improve our ability to care for and love others, which is the source of all our happiness and the best protection from problems and pain. Eventually, through receiving these blessings continually, we will come to know the most powerful love, the love that wishes for everyone to attain the complete and lasting happiness of enlightenment, and moves us to work joyfully and tirelessly towards that goal.
Prayer Booklets
The following prayer booklets will be used during the Celebration:
Prayers for Meditation, Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Wishfulfilling Jewel, The Yoga of Buddha Maitreya.
If you would like to purchase any of these in advance, please visit Tharpa.com/us. These sadhanas are available both as booklets and as e-booklets.
About the Teachers
Kadam Morten Clausen
Kadam Morten is the Eastern US National Spiritual Director and the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center New York City. Known for his clarity, humor and inspirational presentation of Dharma, his teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life. He has helped many people through his gentle and joyful approach and example.
Kadam Morten will be granting the empowerment and giving the main commentary throughout this event.
Gen Kelsang Gomlam
Gen Kelsang 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 Gomlam will be teaching the introduction on Friday evening.
Kadam Michelle Gauthier
Kadam Michelle Gauthier is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Tampa Bay and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for more than 25 years. She is an inspiring example of Modern Buddhism in practice. She presents Buddha’s teachings with beautiful clarity, warmth and sincerity, skillfully guiding people from all walks of life to find inner peace and lasting happiness.
Kadam Michelle will be guiding the morning meditations on Saturday and Sunday.
Event Schedule
Friday, April 5, 2024
4:00PM – 7:00PM – Room check in and registration
5:30PM – 6:30PM – Cafe open hours
7:00PM – 8:30PM – Introduction with Gen Gomlam
Saturday, April 6, 2024
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Meditation with Kadam Michelle
11:00AM – 1:00PM – Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Maitreya with Kadam Morten
1:00PM – 3:00PM – Lunch
3:00PM – 4:30PM – Teaching with Kadam Morten
6:00PM – 7:15PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – 8:30PM – Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog (Chanted Prayers)
Sunday, April 7, 2024
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Meditation with Kadam Michelle
11:00AM – 12:30PM – Teaching with Kadam Morten
12:30PM – 2:00PM – Lunch
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Teaching with Kadam Morten
Attendance Options
You can register to attend either IN PERSON or ONLINE/DELAYED VIDEO RECORDING using the buttons below. Please note that registrations must be completed separately for the event and accommodation. There are registration bundles available to include parking, audio recordings, and meals to make registration easier. Please reach out to info@meditationinsarasota.org if you have any questions about your registration.
IN-PERSON
Join people from all around Florida who will gather in person 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 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.
ONLINE/DELAYED VIDEO RECORDING
The Florida Dharma Celebration will be recorded for students who are within the catchment area of the event and who have valid reasons for not being able to attend the event in person, such as disability or long-distance travel. The delayed video recordings will be available for online viewing 48 hours after the event has finished, beginning Sunday, April 7th at 7 PM. The delayed video recordings will be available for 7 days, until the following Sunday, April 14 at 11:59pm.
Please note that the Empowerment Replay is available for 24 hours beginning from 11 AM Monday, April 8 to 11 AM Tuesday April 9.
About the 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
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.
International Temples Project
The proceeds from this event will be donated to the International Temples Fund (ITP), a global charitable project founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
The ITP aims to introduce the Buddhist faith and practice of the New Kadampa Tradition publicly and to exemplify contemporary Buddhist practice through service to the public.
Its scope and activities are constantly evolving in response to the needs of the ever-changing demands of busy lives. It presently achieves its aim through developing and building traditional and non-traditional temples and meditation and retreat centers, and through the activities of World Peace Cafés and Tharpa Publications.
How to Register
Advance registration is highly encouraged. Booking through this site will close Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12 PM EDT to ensure fast-track registration upon arrival. In-person registration will also be available at KMC Florida beginning Friday, April 5 at 4 PM.
You can register to attend either IN PERSON or ONLINE using the buttons 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.
Register to Attend In-Person
To register to attend the event in-person, please use the buttons below:
Register for Onsite Accommodation
Limited onsite accommodation will be available inside the Temple for those attending in person (2-night minimum booking required). Please register as soon as possible if you wish to stay onsite.
Register to Attend Online
The Florida Dharma Celebration will be offered online via delayed video recording for students who live in Florida, and who have valid reasons for not being able to attend the event in person, such as disability or long-distance travel. Please note this information:
- The delayed video recordings will be e-mailed to online registrants at 7 PM Sunday, April 7th. If you do not receive an e-mail at this time on Sunday, please check your SPAM folder for an e-mail from info@meditationinsarasota.org
- The delayed video recordings will be available for 7 days, until the following Sunday, April 14 at 11:59pm.
- Please note that the Empowerment Replay is available for 24 hours beginning from 11 AM Monday, April 8 to 11 AM Tuesday April 9.
- Delayed video replay is only available for the full Celebration and registration must be completed no later than April 6.
Event Pricing
In-Person Attendance:
- Entire Weekend – $135
- Friday Intro only – $20
- Saturday only – $85
- Sunday only – $45
Youth Registration (age 9-16): Youth registration is available for children Ages 9-16. If you have children 8 and under, please send an e-mail to info@meditationinsarasota.org for information on how to register them. Children 8 and under are free. We have a family video link area available for families with small children.
- Entire Weekend – $67.50
- Friday Intro only – $10
- Saturday only – $42.50
- Sunday only – $22.50
Online Attendance: Entire Weekend – $135
Note: Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. To inquire please send an email to: info@floridadharmacelebration.
Onsite Accommodation Pricing
Limited onsite accommodation will be available inside the Temple for those attending in person (2-night minimum booking required). Please register as soon as possible if you wish to stay onsite. Onsite accommodation options include:
- Single Room – $95/night
- Shared Room – $65/night/person
- Dorm Room – $45/night/person
Please note that bedding and towels are provided for all onsite accommodations.
Additional Registration Options & Pricing
Parking: $15 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: $10 Saturday Lunch | $10 Sunday Lunch – Vegetarian lunches are available on Saturday and Sunday as a registration bundle for a cost of $10 per meal. 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 for Friday and Saturday Dinners.
Audio Recordings: $25 entire weekend | $5 Friday only | $10 Saturday only | $10 Sunday only – Recordings of the teachings you register for will be available for purchase online and at the event. The empowerment and meditations are not recorded. The audio recordings will be sent via e-mail by Friday, April 19.
Camper Parking: $25/night, 2-night minimum – Contact us for camper reservations.
Offsite Accommodation Recommendations
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
Americas Best Value Inn
811 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-365-0350
1.1 miles
Residence Inn
1040 University Pkwy
Sarasota, FL 34234
941-358-1468
4.7 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
Booking Terms & Conditions
2024 FLORIDA DHARMA CELEBRATION REGISTRATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please read the information below carefully:
Registration is necessary for this event. Booking through this site will close Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12 PM EDT to ensure fast-track registration upon arrival. In-person registration will also be available at KMC Florida beginning Friday, April 5 at 4 PM.
In-Person Registration: If you register to attend in-person at KMC Florida, you will NOT receive links to view online.
In-Person COVID Information: Risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Online Registration: The Florida Dharma Celebration will be recorded for students who are within the catchment area of the event and who have valid reasons for not being able to attend the event in person, such as disability or long-distance travel. The delayed video recordings will be available for online viewing 48 hours after the event has finished, beginning Sunday, April 7th at 7 PM. The delayed video recordings will be available for 7 days, until the following Sunday, April 14 at 11:59pm. Please note that the Empowerment Replay is available for 24 hours beginning from 11 AM Monday, April 8 to 11 AM Tuesday April 9. Online links are intended for the registered recipient only and should not be shared.
How to Register: Step-by-step instructions can be found on the registration page.
Payment & Refund Policy: Please read the following information carefully!
- Online 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, April 3, 2024). 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 (including COVID-19 self-isolation or local lockdown), or other reasonably unforeseen circumstances. All such requests must be made in writing to info@FloridaDharmaCelebration.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.
Contact Us
This event is organized by Kadampa Meditation Center Florida.
For any questions about the Florida Dharma Celebration, please contact us:
Email: info@FloridaDharmaCelebration.org
Phone: (941) 373-1600
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida is located at:
730 N Washington Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34236
Kadampa Centers in Florida
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
