Ontario Dharma Celebration 2026
Nov 20-22 ~ Toronto
Blessing Empowerment of Medicine Buddha
The Ontario Dharma Celebration (ODC) is a special annual event open to everyone, held in Ontario at Kadampa Meditation Centre Toronto (KMCC).
It’s a wonderful opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together to receive heartfelt advice, practical teachings and meditations.
We can learn to live with greater meaning and joy by applying Buddha’s wisdom (Dharma) in daily life.
The focus of this year’s Dharma Celebrations will be the healing practice of Medicine Buddha.
In these modern times, people suffer from so much pain, confusion, and conflict.
We need a special reliable method to heal this pain—first from within our own mind, from which we can then develop the power to heal others.
Medicine Buddha practice fulfills this aim, bringing us closer to world peace.
Gen Kelsang Chodor will grant the blessing empowerment of Medicine Buddha.
The empowerment is a guided meditation and blessing ceremony that connects us directly with enlightened healing energy, awakening our potential for pure happiness and the ability to benefit others.
Please join us! Everyone is welcome. This is a most precious opportunity, not to be missed.
Gen Kelsang Chodor
Celebration Teacher
Gen Kelsang Chodor is the National Spiritual Director of Canada and the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada in Toronto.
He is admired by students because of his practical knowledge, warm presentations and authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humour.
He is skilled at putting everyone at ease and helping them solve their problems and anxieties with practical Dharma advice.
Gen Kelsang Kunden
Introduction Teacher
Gen Kelsang Kunden is the Resident Teacher at Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Guelph. Gen Kunden has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 26 years and received ordination from Venerable Geshe-la in 2002.
She emphasizes the practical application of modern Buddhism in a clear and humorous manner
Gen Kelsang Chöyang
Meditation Teacher
Gen Kelsang Chöyang is the Resident Teacher at Kuluta Buddhist Centre.
She has been studying under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 30 years.
Gen Chöyang is known for her sincere and practical approach to integrating Buddhism into daily life. Her teachings are powerful and inspiring.
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Friday, November 20th
7:30 - 9:00 pm: IntroductionSaturday, November 21st
9:00 - 9:45 am: Meditation
11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Empowerment with Gen Kelsang Chodor
3:00 - 4:30 pm: Teaching with Gen Kelsang Chodor
5:30 - 6:30 pm: Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers with TsogSunday, November 22nd
9:00 - 10:00 am: Meditation
11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Teaching with Gen Kelsang Chodor
3:00 - 4:30 pm: Teaching with Gen Kelsang Chodor -
The celebration is held at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1 -
There will be a dedicated video link for families.
Children and young adults are welcome to attend the Celebration.
KMC Canada does not assume responsibility for children attending the Celebration.
Children (of all ages) must be under adult supervision at all times.
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Attending the Celebration online
BOOKING OPENS FOR ONLINE CELEBRATION ON 20 October 2026IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON JOINING THE CELEBRATION ONLINE
It is recommended to attend the Ontario Dharma Celebration 2026 in-person but it will be possible to participate online if you are unable to do so.
What to book for
You will need to choose either in-person or online at the time of booking. You will not be able to book for both.Live streaming
For those who have booked to participate online, each teaching and meditation session will be available as a live stream.Availability
All sessions will be live-streamed and will follow the Celebration Schedule.The livestream sessions will also be recorded and recordings will be available online until midnight on December 6, 2026.
This excludes the Empowerment session which will only be available for 24 hours after the livestream.
Any questions please contact us at info@kadampa.ca. -
There is limited accommodation available at KMCC.
This will take the form of dorm beds and ‘indoor camping’ (a mattress on the floor)
Please email kmcc_assistant@kadampa.ca for more details.
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Lunches are provided on Friday, Saturday & Sunday and will be vegetarian or vegan/gluten-free.
Choose when you book which lunches you want and what your preferences are.
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The Tharpa Shop featuring books, sadhana booklets will be open during the celebration.
Offerings and other goodies will also be available to purchase during the celebration.
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The Celebration is organized and run by volunteers.
There are many opportunities and ways in which you can help.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet other Kadampas from across Ontario.
Your contribution of time and energy is an important part of making the Celebration happen and is deeply appreciated.
Please consider stopping by the volunteering desk in the registration area to find out how you can help, or email info@kadampa.ca to find out more.
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The Venue is wheelchair accessible and includes a wheelchair accessible washroom.
Please notify us in advance by email or letter if you have other special needs, such as 'Hard of Hearing'.
In particular, if you are a wheelchair user, or require additional seating space, please indicate this on your booking form in the special needs section. This will help us to allocate the correct space for you in the meditation room.
If you require more information about access or other facilities, please email info@kadampa.ca.
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The event is organized and hosted by Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada (KMC Canada), a registered charity (charity # 861356970 RR0001).
Registration
Pre-registration is necessary and full payment must be received prior to arrival at the Celebration.Booking Confirmation & ID
You will receive an email confirming the details of your booking and payment.Please keep this safe as you will be required to show either a paper or digital copy upon arrival.
If you are not able to show your confirmation letter, you will be required to show some form of photographic identification (ie. Passport or Driver’s License/ID card) in order to complete your registration onsite.
Bookings cannot be transferred to another person.
Payment & Refund Policies
Celebration Fee
• Full payment is required at time of booking.
• Cancellations: 25% of the Celebration fee is non-refundable in the case of cancellations up to 48 hours before the start of the Celebration (7:30 p.m. November 18, 2026).After this, the Celebration fee is fully non-refundable.
Meals
Meals must be purchased prior to the Celebration.
• Full payment is required at time of booking.
• Cancellations: 25% of the meal fee is non-refundable in case of cancellations up to 1 week before the start of the Celebration (7:30 p.m. November 13, 2026). After this, the meals are fully non-refundable.Any non-refunded fees arising from cancellations are donated to the NKT-IKBU International Temples Project.
Exceptions may be made in cases of sickness or bereavement. Please contact info@kadampa.ca within 2 weeks of the end of the Celebration.
This applies to the Celebration fee only and does not apply to meals.
Audio Recordings
Audio recordings are of the teaching sessions only and do not include the guided meditations or the empowerment ceremony.They can be purchased during the Celebration at the shop, or by e-mailing info@kadampa.ca
You must have booked and attended a session in order to receive the audio recording of that session.
Recordings are for the sole use of the registered recipient and may not be shared.
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For all questions & inquiries, please contact us by email at: info@kadampa.ca
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Healing with Every Breath - Discover the Transformative Power of Meditation
DATE & TIME
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION
TBD
Are you ready to discover a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress, open your heart, and find deeper peace—even in challenging times?
Special guest Teacher and Buddhist monk, Gen Thekchen, will introduce one of the most renowned ancient meditations taught by Buddha, known as 'taking and giving'.In this practice we transform the simple act of breathing into a powerful practice that deepens our love and compassion for others and heals our mind from the source of our own suffering.
This special practice helps us transform everyday difficulties into opportunities for genuine compassion and inner freedom.
The evening will be suitable for everyone, regardless of experience.It will include a talk and meditation followed by delicious refreshments.
Everyone is welcome!
FEES
TBDNo previous experience of meditation is required.
Everyone is welcome.
