Western Canada Dharma Celebration 2025
Nov 7-9 ~ Vancouver
What is the Western Canada Dharma Celebration?
The Western Canada Dharma Celebration (WCDC) is a 3 day annual event open to everyone looking to learn lasting solutions to the problems of our contemporary world. It is a weekend filled with inspiring and practical explanations of Buddhist teaching and guided meditation.
The Power of Compassion
Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara Empowerment
& teachings on compassion～
with Gen Kelsang Demo
This year our theme is the power of compassion. Learn how to open your heart to others, overcome feelings of frustration and anger, and become a true source of peace and happiness in the world. This weekend is not just about listening; it’s about experiencing a profound inner shift and learning to live with a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
Buddha taught that when we encounter difficult situations, we tend to regard the situation as the problem. In reality, whatever problem we experience comes from the side of our mind. If we can learn to respond to difficulties with a positive or peaceful mind, they will not be a problem for us. We can even see them as opportunities for growth and development, increasing our good qualities, especially our compassion.
Compassion is the best wealth–an inner treasure greater than any external possession.
On Saturday, Gen Kelsang Demo will grant the empowerment of the Buddha of compassion, Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara. Through making a connection to Avalokiteshvara and receiving his inspiration and blessings, our compassion will become stronger than ever before.
The empowerment will be followed by a clear and inspiring commentary on the practice and teachings inspired by the 2008 International Summer Festival by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, where Gen Demo will explain how to engage in these powerful meditations and how to integrate them into your daily life.
In between sessions there will be time to rest and relax in the cafe and bookshop, enabling you to take in the teachings and to leave feeling inspired and empowered.
Everybody welcome!
Celebration Teacher
Gen Kelsang Demo
Gen Kelsang Demo is the US Western and Midwestern National Spiritual Director and the Resident Teacher at the International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 29 years and has been teaching Kadampa Buddhism since 1998.
Gen Demo is deeply respected as a teacher and practitioner. She demonstrates a wealth of practical knowledge and provides clear and inspiring teachings for people of all levels of interest.
Introduction Teacher
Gen Kelsang Delek
Gen Kelsang Delek is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver. She has trained under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 30 years. She is renowned for her practical approach and clear explanations of even the most profound of Buddha’s teachings.
During the Celebration, Gen Delek will be teaching the Friday evening introduction.
Meditation Teacher
Kelsang Khacho
Kelsang Khacho, the Resident Teacher of Akshobya KBC, in the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU). She is a modern Buddhist nun who has been a devoted student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for many years. She is known for her loving and compassionate nature, as well as her practical presentation of Buddha’s teachings.
She is an inspiring example of modern Buddhism in practice and is dedicated to helping everybody discover Buddha’s wisdom and find real, lasting happiness.
During the Celebration, Khacho will be guiding the morning meditation on Saturday and Sunday.
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Friday, November 7th
7:30 - 9:00 pm: Introduction with Gen Kelsang DelekSaturday, November 8th
9:00 - 9:45 am: Meditation with Kelsang Khacho
11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Empowerment with Gen Kelsang Demo
4:00 - 5:30 pm: Teaching with Gen Kelsang Demo
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers with TsogSunday, November 9th
9:00 - 10:00 am: Meditation with Kelsang Khacho
11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Teaching with Gen Kelsang Demo
3:00 - 4:30 pm: Teaching with Gen Kelsang Demo -
The Power of a Calm Mind - The Science of Inner Peace
In a world where stress, anxiety, and uncertainty seem constant, finding peace and clarity can feel out of reach. Using Buddha's ancient wisdom we can discover methods to develop real happiness and inner calm - through learning to control and transform our own mind.In this special talk, Gen Demo will guide us on how to practically apply Buddha's meditation techniques in daily life. Discover powerful tools to handle life's challenges with clarity, confidence and a calm mind. This talk is for anyone seeking to find greater meaning and joy in everyday life.
DATE & TIME
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.LOCATION
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St, Vancouver (see map)FEES
$35 at the door or $25 early bird until Thurs Oct 30No previous experience of meditation is required. Everyone is welcome.
Bookings for this public talk are done separately from the Celebration bookings. To book, please use this link: www.meditateinvancouver.org
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IN PERSON CELEBRATION
Adults
• Full Celebration (Nov 7-9): $195
• Introduction: Friday, Nov 7: $25
• Single day: Saturday, Nov 8: $100
• Single day: Sunday, Nov 9: $70Children
• 0-7 years: no charge
• 8-15 years: 50% discount
• 16+ years: full adult priceAudio Recordings
• Full Celebration (Nov 7-9): $35
• Introduction: Friday, Nov 7: $5
• Single day: Saturday, Nov 8: $15
• Single day: Sunday, Nov 9: $15
Audio recordings are of the teaching sessions only and do not include the guided meditations or the empowerment ceremony.ONLINE CELEBRATION
Adults
• Full Celebration: $195Audio Recordings
• Full Celebration (Full Celebration): $35Audio recordings are of the teaching sessions only and do not include the guided meditations or the empowerment ceremony.
All profits generated by this Celebration will go to the International Temples Project (click here for more information).
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Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver
1833 Victoria Diversion, Vancouver, BC V5N 2K2 Canada (map) -
Celebration Meal Tickets
The Celebration Meal Tickets must be purchased when you book and offers the option to pre-book the lunch on Saturday.Meals are either vegetarian, which may include eggs and dairy, or vegan-gluten free. Please select which option you require when making your booking.
Meal Fees - Adult
Saturday, Nov 8: lunch: $18
Sunday, Nov 9: lunch: $18*Allergens: Please be aware that despite trying our best to avoid cross-contamination during food preparation, we cannot guarantee a total absence of gluten cross-contamination in our gluten free meals. Regrettably, we are unable to provide for any other dietary needs. An ingredient and allergen list will be available for all meals offered.
World Peace Café
There will be a Celebration World Peace Café offering a selection of savoury snacks, cakes and pastries as well as coffees, teas, hot chocolate and cold drinks.Celebration Shop
The Celebration Shop will sell a range of healthy snacks which include gluten free options, as well as chips, chocolate, and items for empowerment offerings and tsog offerings. -
We are not offering on-site accommodation, however if you require assistance please feel free to contact us at registration@meditateinvancouver.org.
Below are suggested sites to search for accommodation, click on the link.
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Arrival & Registration
You are required to show your booking confirmation letter (either digital or printed) to gain access to the Celebration site. 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.Parking
Free parking is available near the venue.Security
All participants are required to wear a Celebration Pass at all times. Please cooperate fully with this requirement for the safety and smooth running of the Celebration. Please bring essential items only and keep your valuables with you at all times. KMC Vancouver does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal items.Photography
Photography, video recording or tape recording are not permitted in the venue during the sessions unless you have obtained special authorization from the Celebration organizers. -
A Tharpa Shop featuring books, sadhanas, offerings and other goodies will be open during the in-person celebration. An on-line shop will also be available.
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Attending the Celebration online
You can register online here.IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON JOINING THE CELEBRATION ONLINE
It is recommended to attend the Western Canada Dharma Celebration 2025 in-person, but it will be possible to participate online if you are not able to attend in person.
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 November 23, 2025.
This excludes the Empowerment session which will only be available for 24 hours after the livestream.
Any questions please contact us at registration@meditateinvancouver.org. -
The Celebration is organized and run by volunteers. There are many opportunities and ways in which you can help, such as preparing food, serving, clearing, cleaning, setting up, helping in the café or bookshop. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet other Kadampas from across Western Canada. 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 contact your local centre for more information.
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The Venue is on the ground floor and the following are wheelchair accessible: the Main Meditation Room, the Celebration Cafe, the Bookstore, Tharpa Shop and 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 the welfare team who will do their best to assist you at registration@meditateinvancouver.org.
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There will be a dedicated video link room for families. Children and young adults are welcome to attend the Celebration. However, for their safety and well-being, some special conditions apply. Please note that two responsible adult carers must be nominated for all children’s bookings if the child is 15 years old and under.
Due to the public nature of the Celebration, children’s safety and welfare is the responsibility of their nominated responsible adult carers at all times. KMC Vancouver does not assume responsibility for children attending the Celebration. Children (of all ages) must be under adult supervision at all times.
Celebration Passes
To help ensure the safety of your child, and so that they can be easily reunited with their carers in case difficulties arise, passes for children under 16 will need 2 carers, identified on the back of their passes.
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The event is organized and hosted by Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver (KMC Vancouver), a registered charity (charity # 873 409 338 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
All dates / times refer to Pacific Time. (PT).KMC Vancouver has contracts with many suppliers; therefore, the following conditions apply:
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. PT, November 5, 2025). 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. PST, October 31, 2025). 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 admin@meditateinvancouver.org 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 registration@meditateinvancouver.org.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: registration@meditateinvancouver.org
BOOKING
