Regional & International Festivals
KMC Chicago is part of a worldwide network of independent Kadampa Buddhist centers.
Over 1,200 of them in 40 different countries, all presenting authentic Buddhist wisdom for people living busy, modern lives.
Practitioners from these centers come together at regional, national, and international gatherings to learn, meditate, make meaningful friendships, and maintain an international spiritual community. Dharma Festivals and Celebrations are spiritual vacations.
Learn
Learn from the most senior teachers in Kadampa Buddhism.
Connect
Develop meaningful connections with people from around the region, across the country, or all over the world.
Be Inspired
Meet inspiring examples of people who are using Buddha's practical teachings to transform their everyday lives.
Midwest Dharma Celebration
The Midwest Dharma Celebration is an annual event that connects practitioners from around the Midwest. This weekend of practical teachings and guided meditations nourishes your spiritual life and increases your capacity for boundless inner peace and happiness. Perfect for all levels of experience. Everyone is welcome.
Midwest Dharma Celebration 2022
The 2022 Celebration has been canceled due to the proximity to the rescheduled International Fall Festival in upstate New York (see below for details).
MWDC will resume in 2023.
US National Festival
Once a year, Kadampa practitioners from across the United States gather at one of two Kadampa World Peace Temples in the U.S. (in upstate New York, or northern Arizona), for this meaningful spiritual vacation.
US National Festival 2022
The 2022 US Festival will be replaced this year with the International Fall Festival 2022. For details on the Fall Festival, see below.
International Festivals
Every year the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) organizes three International Festivals taught by senior Teachers: every spring and summer in England, and every fall at a new location each year.
The Festivals consist of teachings, empowerments, and meditations, and finish with short retreats. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of experience. They also provide an opportunity to meet and practice with like-minded people from all over the world. You will come away not only refreshed and relaxed but also spiritually re-energized.
Summer Festival 2022
July 29 - August 13, 2022
England
Week 1: Blessing empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni and teachings on Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche's extraordinary book, Clear Light of Bliss. With Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, retired General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU.
In Week 2: Further teachings on Clear Light of Bliss. With Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU.
Plan ahead for 2023: "The Paths of Sutra & Tantra" with Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong and Gen-la Kelsang Jampa. Heruka Body Mandala and Vajrayogini Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments and commentaries. July 28 - Aug 12, 2023 at Manjushri KMC, in England.
Fall Festival 2022
October 14 - 20, 2022
Glen Spey, New York
** NEW DATES AND LOCATION **
During the 2022 Fall Festival, Gen-la Dekyong, General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, will grant the blessing empowerment of Buddha Green Tara and give special teachings on the sublime twenty-one homages based on a transmission she received directly from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Spring Festival 2023
May 26 - 31, 2023
England
"The Source of Happiness and Goodness" with Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong. A special International Refuge Vow Ceremony and commentary to The Liberating Prayer based on a special transmission Gen-la received directly from Venerable Geshe-la.