The Five Forces Retreat

The Five Forces Retreat is a two-day, in-person Buddhist meditation retreat in San Francisco, offered at Kadampa Meditation Center SF in the New Kadampa Tradition of Modern Buddhism. Its subtitle, "Essential Meditations on the Path to Happiness," describes the spirit of the weekend: practical teachings, guided meditation and chanted prayer, led by resident teacher Gen Kelsang Choma. Everyone is welcome, and no meditation experience is needed.

What to Expect

The retreat moves between meditation sessions and teaching, with the days built around a steady rhythm of one-hour sessions. You can expect practical teachings, guided meditations and chanted prayers, so there is room both to learn and to sit in practice.

The first day has four retreat sessions: 10 am to 11 am, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and 4 pm to 5 pm. A break for lunch falls in the middle of the day.

On the second day, a teaching session runs from 11 am to 12 pm. Two retreat sessions follow, from 2 pm to 3 pm and from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The retreat closes from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers with Tsog, a prayer offering in the Kadampa tradition.

About Gen Kelsang Choma

Gen Kelsang Choma is the most senior American nun within the New Kadampa Tradition of Modern Buddhism in the US. A close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, she has studied on the Teacher Training Program for 35 years and is qualified to teach both Sutra and Tantra. She is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center San Francisco and is often invited to teach around the country. People value her teachings for their clarity and warmth.

The Setting

The retreat takes place in person only, at Kadampa Meditation Center SF, 3324 17th Street, in San Francisco's Mission District neighborhood area, California. There is no online option.

Before You Go

This retreat is open to all levels. You do not need any previous experience of meditation, and anyone interested in learning and practicing is welcome. The retreat is taught in English, within the Buddhism of the New Kadampa Tradition.

The retreat sessions, practical teachings, guided meditations and chanted prayers are all part of the retreat, and it is free for members of the center. Travel, accommodation and meals are not included, so plan for your own lunch and any other food you may need over the two days.

You may bring the Prayers for Meditation booklet if you wish, though it is optional. It is sold in the center's bookstore, and some prayer booklets are available to borrow if you would rather not buy one.