Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale
a branch of Kadampa Meditation Center Florida
4342 E Tradewinds Ave, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea FL 33308
(954) 372-7481
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Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale offers an extensive program of day courses, meditation classes, study programs and retreats where you can develop mindfulness and learn meditation techniques. The methods and practices taught at the Center are suitable for all individuals, whatever your level of interest. Following Buddha’s special advice, we can relax our mind, dissolve our pain and fear and become of greater benefit to others. Our centers offer practical meditation classes that help us solve life’s problems and find a deep and lasting inner peace. Most classes are self-contained and open to everyone.
We want to be happy all the time, even during sleep. How can we do this? We can do this through training in meditation because meditation makes our mind peaceful, and when our mind is peaceful we are happy all the time, even if our external conditions are poor. On the other hand, when our mind is not peaceful we are not happy, even if our external conditions are excellent.
~ Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, How to Understand the Mind
Meditation & Modern Buddhism in South Florida
Our center was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world renowned Buddhist meditation master who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society.
Gen Kelsang Norbu
Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Norbu has been practicing meditation and studying in the Kadampa Buddhist tradition for over 10 years. He was ordained in 2006 by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, and has been guiding students along the spiritual path since that time. Gen Norbu’s approach to practice emphasizes the joy of meditation, and the importance of each individual personally integrating Buddha’s teachings into their modern life.
Michèle Souter
Assistant Teacher
Michèle has been a joyful presence on our Teacher Training Program since it began, and studied on our Foundation Program for many years before that. She has an insightful sensitivity for the needs of people, and a kind, loving way of making others feel comfortable and cherished. As a teacher she skillfully introduces meditation and basic Buddhist ideas and practices to newcomers.
Frank Deleo
Assistant Teacher
Frank Deleo has been a member of our community for many years, and studies on our Teacher Training Program. Outside of the center, he is a professor at Broward College, where he teaches English as a Second Language. His presentation style is engaging and relatable, and as a teacher he emphasizes connecting with students at their level of understanding and experience.
Elliot Stetzer
Assistant Teacher
Elliot has been studying on our Teacher Training Program for several years now, and is an inspiring example of integrating Kadam Dharma into busy, modern life. His teachings are praised for their inspiring stories, and his compassionate presentation touches the hearts of many people.
Fort Lauderdale General Program Classes
The General Program (GP) provides a basic introduction to Buddhist teachings and meditation that is suitable for beginners. Through these classes we can learn how to use Buddha’s advice in our daily lives to solve our problems and find the peace and happiness we seek. General Program also includes advanced teachings and practices from both Sutra and Tantra.
Fort Lauderdale Free Meditations & Pujas
Fort Lauderdale Special Events & Day Courses
Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale offers an extensive program of day courses, meditation classes, study programs and retreats where you can develop mindfulness and learn meditation techniques. The methods and practices taught at the Center are suitable for all individuals, whatever your level of interest. Following Buddha’s special advice, we can relax our mind, dissolve our pain and fear and become of greater benefit to others.
Fort Lauderdale In-Depth Study Classes
Teachings, meditations, retreats, and teaching skills with Gen NorbuThe Foundation Program (FP) and Teacher Training Program (TTP) provide the opportunity to engage in a structured study and meditation program on the essential teachings of the Buddhist spiritual path.
Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study, and group discussion, these programs offer the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. In this way we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle.
Why we need Buddhism in Modern Times
The source of all our daily problems and suffering is our uncontrolled desire, also known as ‘attachment’. Since beginningless time, because we have had uncontrolled desire for the fulfilment of our own wishes, we have performed various kinds of non-virtuous actions – actions that harm others. As a result, we continually experience various kinds of suffering and miserable conditions in life after life without end.
When our wishes are not fulfilled we usually experience unpleasant feelings, such as unhappiness or depression; this is our own problem because we are so attached to the fulfilment of our wishes. When we lose a close friend we experience pain and unhappiness, but this is only because we have no ability to control our desire. When we lose our possessions and the things that we like, we experience unhappiness and we become upset and angry.
This is because we have uncontrolled desire for these things. If we were able to control our desire there would be no basis to experience these problems. Many people are engaged in fighting, criminal actions and even warfare; all these actions arise from their uncontrolled desire for the fulfilment of their own wishes. In this way, we can see that there is not a single problem experienced by living beings that does not come from their uncontrolled desire.
This proves that unless we control our desire our problems will never cease. Therefore, anyone – whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist – who does not wish to experience problems and suffering should learn to control their desire through training in the particular meditations that are presented in Buddha’s teachings.
VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the Founder of NKT-IKBU, is a contemporary Buddhist meditation Master who has dedicated his entire life to world peace by spreading the compassion and wisdom of Buddha throughout the world. Through the International Temples Project, which he founded, he has created hundreds of meditation centers and Temples worldwide, developed special study and meditation programs, and trained modern Buddhist Teachers in over 40 countries. Geshe-la is the author of numerous highly acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation that present even the most profound aspects of Buddha’s teachings in ways that are easy to understand and integrate into our busy lives. By applying his teachings to their lives everyone—Buddhist or not—can learn to solve their daily problems, improve their relationships with others, and follow a pure spiritual path that leads to permanent inner peace and happiness.
“Without improving our mind there is no way to solve our human problems.”
~ Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, and Principal Resident Teacher at Manjushri KMC
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is a modern Buddhist nun dedicated to helping people from all walks of life attain lasting happiness through developing inner peace. She has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for thirty years, and she has inspired many thousands of people through her sincere reliance on her Spiritual Guide, her tireless dedication to helping Kadam Dharma flourish throughout the world, and her clear and accessible teachings.
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, and Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Texas. He is dedicated to helping people solve their daily problems by developing the capacity of their mind through the practice of meditation and modern Buddhism. Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings, and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.
Kadam Morten Clausen
Eastern US National Spiritual Director
Kadam Morten Clausen is the Eastern US National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center New York City, and also Bodh Gaya Center in Bayside, Queens. For over 30 years he has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who gave him the title “Kadam,” indicating that he is a senior lay teacher of the Kadampa Tradition.
Gen Kelsang Rigpa
Western US National Spiritual Director
Gen Kelsang Rigpa is an American Buddhist monk, the Western US National Spiritual Director and the Resident Teacher at KMC-Hollywood and KMC-California. Through his clear presentation, he is able to help student discover for themselves how to integrate these timeless teachings into our modern world, making everyday life joyful and meaningful.
MEMBERSHIP
Please consider supporting the Center’s beneficial activities by joining one of our monthly membership levels. Simply ask to fill out a membership form at the center. You not only receive the benefits of attending unlimited GP classes, but you are also helping our center flourish for everyone in South Florida!
“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds.” ~ Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
DONATIONS
If you have enjoyed the offerings at KMC Fort Lauderdale, please consider supporting KMC Fort Lauderdale with a 100% tax-deductible gift! Our Center completely depends on class fees, memberships and donations to operate. In this world, wracked by discord, violence, and mental turmoil, KMC Fort Lauderdale is a refuge for all people, teaching them how to transform their minds and their lives for the better.
Whether you become a Supporting Member or give a one-time gift of $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford, this donation can make all the difference in our ability to better serve the South Florida community. We are a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), thus all donations are tax-deductible.
BOOKSTORE
The Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale Buddhist shop is an excellent resource for books on Buddhism, ritual items, and accessories. We are affiliated with Tharpa Publications, a non-profit corporation that publishes books on Buddhism and meditation by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
We have audio CDs, Buddhist art, and Sadhanas for prayer and meditation. Books are available in English, as well as in Spanish and many other languages. The shop also carries a wide selection of Buddha statues, shrine items (such as offering bowls) and ritual items (such as malas, vajras, and bells). Accessories, from jewelry and hand-made book covers to incense and journals, complement Buddhist practice and make excellent gifts.
FLORIDA CENTERS
Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale | 4342 E Tradewinds Ave, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea FL 33308 | (954) 372-7481
