Welcome to the Florida Dharma Celebration 2026!
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.
Inner Freedom
The Blessing Empowerment of Vajrasattva
and Teachings with Kadam Morten Clausen,
NKT Eastern US National Spiritual Director
March 20th-22nd
Buddha taught many different methods to purify non-virtuous actions, downfalls and broken commitments, but the supreme method is the practice of meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva. This practice is a scientific method to purify our mind and transform it from an impure mind into a pure mind using Tantric technology”
– Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra
An empowerment is a blessing ritual and guided meditation that connects us with a Buddha’s enlightened mind, bringing deep peace and happiness. Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purity, specializes in removing negativities. Through his empowerment we receive powerful blessings that purify our mind and give us a glimpse of inner freedom and universal love, inspiring us to realize our own spiritual potential.
In the commentary, Kadam Morten will explain Vajrasattva purification practice—an accessible and imaginative method that helps us heal the past, prevent future suffering, and uncover our mind’s limitless potential. As our mind becomes purified, we experience increasing lightness, inner freedom, and a deeper connection to enlightened reality, allowing us to live with wisdom, love, and genuine joy for ourselves and others.
Everyone Welcome!
The annual Florida Dharma Celebration provides an impactful opportunity to listen to, meditate on, and practice the special presentation of Modern Buddhism taught by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
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, Meditation and Recitation of Solitary Vajrasattva and Wishfulfilling Jewel.
If you would like to purchase any of these in advance, please click here to be forwarded to the Tharpa.com site dedicated to the Celebration. These sadhanas are available both as booklets and as e-booklets. You can also purchase the sadhanas as part of your registration and we will have them available for you when you arrive. All of the sadhanas and books are also available at your local center.
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 Lhadron
Gen Lhadron is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Florida.
She is an American Buddhist nun who since 2001 has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and practicing Kadampa Buddhism. Lhadron’s sincere teachings are presented with humor and practical examples that make them accessible to everyone. Through her kindness and enthusiasm for meditation practice, she provides an inspiring example of a modern Buddhist practitioner for our society.
Gen Lhadron will begin the weekend with an Introductory Talk.
Gen Kelsang Tashi
Gen Kelsang Tashi is a Buddhist monk and 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 Tashi will be leading the morning meditations.Event Schedule
Friday, March 20, 2026
4:00PM – 7:00PM – Room check in and registration
5:30PM – 6:30PM – Cafe open hours
7:00PM – 8:30PM – Introduction with Gen Lhadron
Saturday, March 21, 2026
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Meditation with Gen Tashi
11:00AM – 1:00PM – Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Vajrasattva with Kadam Morten
1:30PM – 2:30PM – Lunch
3:00PM – 4:30PM – Teaching with Kadam Morten
6:00PM – 7:00PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – 8:30PM – Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog (Chanted Prayers)
Sunday, March 22, 2026
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Meditation with Gen Tashi
11:00AM – 12:30PM – Teaching with Kadam Morten
1:00PM – 2:00PM – Lunch
2:30 – 4:00 PM – Teaching with Kadam Morten
Registration
Advance registration is highly encouraged. Booking through this site will start on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 5 PM EST and close Friday, March 20, 2026 at 12 PM EST to ensure fast-track registration upon arrival. In-person registration will also be available at KMC Florida beginning Friday, March 20, 2026 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@floridadharmacelebration.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
- Entire Weekend – $135
- Friday Intro only – $20
- Saturday only – $95
- Sunday only – $40
Youth Registration: Registration is available for children ages 0-17 years old.
- 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.
Note: Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. To inquire please send an email to: info@floridadharmacelebration.
Registration for Online Attendance
The Florida Dharma Celebration will be offered online to those who live within the state of Florida.
- The celebration will be live streamed in real time.
- The video recordings will be available for online viewing until Wednesday, March 25th at 11:59 PM.
- The Empowerment Replay will only be available for 24 hours beginning at 4 PM Saturday, March 21st to 4 PM Sunday March 22nd.
Pricing: Online Attendance
- Entire Weekend – $135
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.
Additional Registration Options & Pricing
Parking: $20 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@floridadharmacelebration.
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 10.
Accommodations
Onsite Accommodations
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 – $55/night/person
Please note that bedding and towels are provided for all onsite accommodations.
Offsite Accommodations
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
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.
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.
Booking Terms & Conditions
2026 Florida Dharma Celebration Registration Terms & Conditions
Please read the information below carefully:
Registration is necessary for this event. Booking through this site will close Friday, March 20th, 2025 at 12 PM EST to ensure fast-track registration upon arrival. In-person registration will also be available at KMC Florida beginning Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4 PM.
In-Person Registration: If you register to attend in-person at KMC Florida, you will NOT receive links to view online.
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 at the end of each day beginning Saturday, March 21 at 9 PM. The delayed video recordings will be available until the Wednesday, March 25th at 11:59pm. Please note that the Empowerment Replay is available for 24 hours beginning from 4pm Saturday, March 21st to 4PM, Sunday March 22nd. 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 $25 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, March 18, 2026). 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@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
