December 26 – 31
with Gen Samten Kelsang

“Nowadays, with the world in turmoil, there is a particular need for modern people to cultivate bodhicitta. If we are to make it through these perilous times, true Bodhisattva’s must appear in this world.” – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Become a modern-day Bodhisattva, or “friend of the world”. Venerable Geshe-la always says “A good heart brings good results”. The supreme good heart is bodhicitta, which is developed and then supported through the practice of the “six perfections”: giving, moral discipline, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom.

Gen Samten will be leading this experiential exploration of the six perfections by teaching from Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.

This is an essential companion for modern meditators. In this beloved text written around 1400 years ago, the Buddhist master Shantideva elucidates the essential practices of a Bodhisattva. This ancient wisdom is just as relevant today. By learning how to combine these six perfection into our daily life, we will become confident and encouraged how to return to our normal lifestyle but in an elevated, wiser, more compassionate way.

Gen Samten will begin this course by granting the blessing empowerment of Buddha Maitreya, who is the Buddha of loving-kindness. An empowerment is a profound, blissful guided meditation that uplifts us and plants positive seeds for positivity inside our mind. These blessings perfectly complement the teachings on the six perfections, so that you can grow your good heart that is inspired by the empowerment.

​Gen Samten Kelsang is the Resident Teacher at KMC New York. He is dedicated to helping everyone find peace of mind through the experience of meditation and through developing the capacity of their minds.

As one of Venerable Geshe-la’s senior disciples, Gen Samten has had the unique opportunity to engage in a three-year retreat and carries with him a wealth of experience in skillfully guiding sincere practitioners to profound meditative insights on retreat.

During the Breaks

Between retreat sessions take time to relax and carry your experience of peace in the following ways:

• enjoy the tranquility of our 82 acres of grounds
• nourish yourself with a refreshing drink and healthy snack in the World Peace Café
• explore our bookstore and gift shop