Florida Peaceful Getaway Annual Retreat
LOVE the Great Protector
Guided Meditation Retreat Labor Day Weekend September 4-7, 2026
with Seven Florida Resident Teachers at
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida, 730 N Washington Blvd, Sarasota
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER
Join us in beautiful Sarasota for a special Labor Day weekend retreat based on The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Throughout the weekend, Resident Teachers from the seven Kadampa centers in Florida will share Buddha’s teachings and guide meditations that awaken our inner potential and show how Love is truly the Great Protector.
This retreat is a special event held every year at the Kadampa Temple for World Peace in Sarasota, Florida. This modern Buddhist Temple was designed 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 Dharma teachings and engage in meditation.
Whether you are new to Buddhism or a long-time practitioner, this retreat offers a joyful opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and return home inspired and empowered.
Schedule
Friday September 4
7:00-8:30pm Introduction to Meditation on Love with Gen Lhadron
Saturday September 5
9:00-10:15am Learning to Love with Gen Tashi
11:00am-12:15pm Appreciating the Kindness of Others with Sarah Frew
2:15-3:30pm The Benefits of Love with Kadam Ricc
7:00-8:00pm Wishfulfilling Jewel puja with tsog
Sunday September 6
9:00-10:15am Keeping a Balanced Mind Towards Others with Kadam Carol
11:00am-12:15pm Viewing Others as Important with Gen Namdrol
1:00-2:15pm Seeing Beyond People’s Faults with Gen Jindak
Monday September 7
9:00-10:15am Recognizing our Pure Potential with Gen Lhadron
11:00am-12:15pm Wishing Happiness to Everyone with Sarah Frew
The Teachers
Gen Kelsang 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. Gen Lhadron’s sincere teachings are presented with humor and practical examples making them accessible to all. With kindness & enthusiasm for meditation , she provides an inspiring example of a modern Buddhist practitioner for our society.
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.
Sarah Frew – a long-time student and practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism – participated in the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Centre. Sarah has held many additional roles including being a Manager and Festival Organizer. Through her joyful and engaging manner, she shares Buddha’s teachings in a kind-hearted and warm way that makes them accessible to everyone.
Kadam Ricc Bishop has been a disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 20 years. Venerable Geshe Kelsang assigned Ricc as a Resident Teacher in 2006 and he was granted the senior title of ‘Kadam” in 2010. Kadam Ricc has studied, practiced and taught others Kadampa Dharma for many years and is qualified to teach the paths of Sutra and Tantra. He takes a special delight in offering Buddha’s teaching as practical advice for a happy and meaningful life.
Kadam Carol Lutker is a longtime student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, and has been teaching Kadampa Buddhism in Long Island NY and Florida since 2001. She serves as an example of how to practice Dharma within the context of family and community, is married and has three grown children. As a teacher, Carol is especially appreciated for her warm, clear and practical instruction.
Gen Kelsang Namdrol is a modern Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Samudrabadra Kadampa Buddhist Center. She has been studying, practicing, and teaching Kadampa Buddhism for many years under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Gen Namdrol’s heartfelt and practical teachings are presented with warmth, clarity, and humor making them accessible to everyone.
Gen Kelsang Jindak has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 25 years. Ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2003, she was given the name Kelsang Jindak, which means “Fortunate Benefactor”. She has many years of experience teaching and volunteering at Kadampa Centers around the U.S. Gen Jindak has a clear, joyful teaching style and presents Kadampa Buddhism practically, for both beginners and experienced meditators alike.
