Weekend Retreat: Eight Steps to Lasting Happiness

This two-day meditation retreat at Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland in Baltimore offers a step-by-step introduction to eight meditations from the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, in the Kadampa Buddhist tradition. It is for anyone who wants to spend a weekend in guided Buddhist meditation, working to reduce negativity in the mind and build a greater capacity for inner peace and happiness. The retreat is led by Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Chogden.

What to Expect

The eight meditations are arranged in a sequence, so that understanding the first helps you understand the next. As they become familiar, the mind grows stronger and rests in peace and happiness for longer periods. The teaching holds that, with continued practice, this can eventually lead to freedom from suffering and the lasting peace of a completely pure mind.

Each day has four guided sessions of about an hour, and each session includes a few short chanted prayers. The books The New Eight Steps to Happiness and How to Transform Your Life serve as references.

On Saturday, sessions run from 10 to 11 AM and 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. After a lunch break, they continue from 2 to 3 PM and 3:30 to 4:30 PM.

On Sunday, the first session runs from 10:30 to 11:45 AM and is combined with the Meditations for Modern Life class. The remaining sessions are from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, 3 to 4 PM, and 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

About Gen Kelsang Chogden

Gen Kelsang Chogden is an American Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland. She has practiced Kadampa Buddhism since 1998 under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who gave her the title "Gen," marking her as a senior ordained teacher of the Kadampa Tradition. She is well loved for her warmth, kindness and wisdom, which grow from many years of sincere practice. Her teachings are practical and easy to apply to everyday life, and she is known for a gentle, joyful approach and a peaceful example.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland, 900 E. Northern Parkway, Baltimore, Maryland 21212. Lunch on Saturday is provided.

Before You Go

No prior experience or prerequisite is stated. Because the sessions are guided and the material is presented step by step, newcomers can follow along. The retreat is taught in English. Registration includes the Saturday lunch, and you can attend the whole weekend or Saturday only. Reduced rates are available for students, seniors and unemployed attendees, and for early registration. Supporter and Benefactor level members of the center attend free.