Buddhist Meditation in Sarasota |
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida For information please scroll down or use the following links: Our Center
The Center is located just North of N Lockwood Ridge Rd & 17th St, on the East side of N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Directions: From I-75 take Exit 210 West. (Fruitville Road). Travel 3.7 miles West until you come to Lockwood Ridge Rd. Turn right, heading North, on Lockwood Ridge Rd and travel for 1.2 miles, when you will see KMC Florida on the right hand side (East) of the road.
Gen Kelsang Demo is a western Buddhist nun, and Resident Teacher at Parbawatiya Center. She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years. A great example of how to practice Kadampa Buddhism in the modern world, Gen Demo shows us how to find peace and happiness in our daily lives. Introductory Meditation Classes Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00pm
Our aim, as at all Kadampa Buddhist Centers, is to provide tools and methods whereby people can find increased peace and happiness in their daily lives. Everyone is welcome! Cost: $10 ($5 for students/limited income) per class. Center Sponsors pay $60 ($35 for students) each month, and can go to any class at the Florida Centers or branches for free. Meditations and Prayers for World Peace Sundays, 10:00-11:30am
Learn the art of relaxation and stress-release and discover the far-reaching benefits derived from all aspects of Buddhist meditation. Cost: $10 ($5 for students/limited income) per class. Center Sponsors pay $60 ($35 for students) each month, and can go to any class at the Florida Centers or branches for free.
Sundays, 10:00-11:15am KMC Florida in Sarasota offers a Children's Meditation Program in conjunction with the Meditation & Prayers for World Peace for adults at 10-11:15am every Sunday. This meditation program for children will give the opportunity for parents and children to learn to meditate together. Whilst the children's class, taught by KMC Florida senior student Sandy Tracey, meets in its own room, parents will be able to learn and practice meditation in the main Meditation Hall. Please pre-register by phone at (941) 373-1600 or email info@MeditationInSarasota.org. Cost: $1 per child. In-depth Buddhist Study Programs Foundation Program Our study program is available for anyone interested in a more in-depth study of Buddha’s teachings. We meet on Thursdays nights to study Geshe Kelsang’s books in a systematic manner on the Foundation Program. Students have a chance to share their experiences in paired group discussion and apply authentic lineage instruction to their daily life. Eventually we reach the point where we can transform any situation, however unpleasant, into a positive experience and an opportunity to make progress in our spiritual development. For registration call (941) 373-1600 or email us at info@MeditationInSarasota.org.
Our Day Courses are monthly events that we hope you will find both fun and inspiring. They generally run from 9:30am to 2:00pm on Saturdays and include a talk, meditations, Q & A, time for paired discussion, and a delicious vegetarian lunch! Get your week off to a great start with these practical and informative workshops which are open to everyone. Find out more information about current Florida Center events. Using ancient prayers translated into English, we receive the blessings, protection and guidance of the holy beings. We can make requests for ourselves or for others who need help or protection. These spiritual practices create a strong connection with the Buddhas, and help us purify our negativity and fill our mind with positive, healing energy. These meditations are open to everyone, though you might want to try one of the shorter ones first! People sit on chairs or on cushions on the floor. Pujas are open to everyone. Please check the calendar for exact dates and times. However, we recommend that you attend an introductory meditation class before attending these pujas. Our bookstore contains the 20 books written by our Spiritual Director and Principal Teacher, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. These extraordinary texts are suited for both beginners and more experienced meditators. They are also available on CD. Several of his books are also available in Spanish. Geshe Kelsang has taken Buddha's teachings, and without changing their essential meaning, presented them in a way that fits our Western lifestyle. There is also an assortment of cards, statues, sadhanas (prayer books) and other items for anyone who is interested. The bookstore is open before and after all classes at the Center. |
Kadampa Meditation Center (KMC) Florida was founded in 1997 in Sarasota, "the cultural capital of Florida". In 2004, the Center purchased 1.6 acres of land in Sarasota with a view to building a City Kadampa Temple for World Peace on the land. Since the purchase, KMC Florida has secured zoning approval from Sarasota County for the design that you see below, and completed additional work on the site infrastructure. We are now open for a full program of meditation classes at the Center location (2016 N Lockwood Ridge Rd). View the KMC Florida 
KMC Florida offers general meditation classes for beginners on Tuesday evenings. These consist of a guided meditation, a short talk, an opportunity for questions and answers, and light refreshments. Each talk is part of a series, yet is self-contained. This means that you can drop in at any juncture and still feel that you have something worthwhile to take home with you.
These classes are also suitable for beginners. Without inner peace in the minds of living beings, outer peace is impossible. Start the week off right by learning to increase and maintain a happy, positive mind. Everyone is welcome to join us for an inspirational talk, special prayers and guided meditation to create peace inside of people's hearts and therefore, the world. Every week we make special prayers and dedications for people around the world. 
If you enjoy meditating with others,