Get away on retreat! Join our Regional Retreat led by the Resident Teachers of the Kadampa Centers in DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Roanoke and Harrisburg.
In our busy modern lives, it’s easy for our minds to become tired and tense, leaving inner peace feeling out of reach. But true mental clarity and lasting happiness are closer than we think.
In this weekend retreat, the Mid Atlantic Resident Teachers will guide meditations and teachings that help us access the natural stillness and spaciousness of our own mind. Drawing on the first stage of Buddha’s profound Mahamudra teachings, these practical methods offer genuine tools to calm the mind, reduce stress, and find balance in daily life.
Meditation on the sky-like nature of the mind is simple yet deeply transformative—perfect for both beginners and experienced meditators alike.
Join us for an inspiring weekend of rest, reflection, and renewal. Everyone is welcome.
To Register: Click Here once registration link added. Registration opening date to be announced!
Cost: $265 per person for a 3-person shared room. Cost includes accommodation, vegetarian meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast), and retreat sessions. Note that vegan or gluten free meals can be provided upon request. Pre-registration with 50% deposit required by April 17th. The remaining 50% payment is due 1 week prior to the retreat. See registration page for cancellation & refund policy.
There is also the option of staying offsite for $227. Cost includes meals and retreat sessions. Note with this option, you would need to arrange your own lodging.
Location: Mar-Lu Ridge Retreat Center, Ridge Inn. 4341 Mountville Rd, Jefferson, MD 21755
Accommodation Details: Rooms are equipped with AC and heating, 3 twin beds, and each has its own private bathroom with shower. Accessibility: Just contact us to reserve an accessible room by emailing director@meditationmd.org. Please note the meditation room is on the 2nd floor and there is no elevator.
Schedule:
Friday
Dinner 5:30pm
Introduction 7:30pm
Saturday
Breakfast 8am
Session 1 - 9am
Session 2 - 11am
Lunch 12pm
Session 3 - 4:30pm
Dinner 5:30pm
Session 4 - 7:30pm
Sunday
Breakfast 8am
Session 5 - 9am
Session 6 - 11am
Venue Photo Gallery:
About the Teachers:
Kadam Michelle Gauthier, Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC
Kadam Michelle has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for more than 25 years. She is an inspiring example of Modern Buddhism in practice. She presents Buddha’s teachings with beautiful clarity, warmth & sincerity, skillfully guiding people from all walks of life to find inner peace and lasting happiness.
Gen Kelsang Chogden, Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland
Gen Chogden has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 1998 under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who gave her the title “Gen” indicating that she is a senior ordained teacher of the Kadampa Tradition.
Gen Chogden is well-loved for her warmth, kindness, and wisdom, which have come from her sincere and heartfelt practice of Kadam Dharma over many years.
Her teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life. Through her gentle and joyful approach and her peaceful example, she has helped many people find true happiness in their hearts.
John Baker, Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Philadelphia
John Baker has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 25 years. He has engaged in extensive Dharma study and retreat. He teaches in a gentle and practical way with an emphasis on transforming the experiences of everyday life through meditation practice.
Kadam Deann Bishop, Resident Teacher of Dharmapala Kadampa Buddhist Center in Roanoke, VA
Kadam Deann has been a devoted disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in the New Kadampa Tradition for over 30 years. Having previously served as the Resident Teacher of Dharmapala Kadampa Buddhist Center for many years, she returned to this role in 2025. She is recognized as a strong and enthusiastic Dharma practitioner who successfully integrates a busy modern life with her spiritual practice.
Gen Kelsang Chondzin, Resident Teacher of Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center in Harrisburg, PA
Gen Chondzin has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for almost 20 years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and his senior Teachers. Chondzin has been ordained since 2005. In 2012, Chondzin began teaching after completing a Special Teacher’s Training Program taught by Gen-la Dekyong, the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition. Chondzin is known for her gentle kindness, patience, and practical presentation of Buddha’s teachings that are easy to apply in modern daily life.