retreats, workshops and events for all levels
Special Events
Odiyana Center offers meditation classes that are open to everyone; you don’t have to be Buddhist or have any special experience or background. The classes resonate with a lot of people because they provide very practical methods for finding peace, happiness and meaning in the midst of busy modern daily life. The classes also give effective ways of helping others and dealing with many of the problems in the world today.
Saturday, November 7th | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
How to Stop Overthinking
Saturday, November 7th | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
About the Course
Do you ever feel that you spend too much time “in your head” rather than enjoying life from the heart? Do your thoughts feel like they’re on a never-ending loop or do you have difficulty making decisions, going back and forth between options unable to decide what’s right? In this practical and uplifting class, discover how meditation can help you quiet mental chatter, let go of worry, and create space for clarity and peace. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this class offers tools to calm the mind and open the heart.
Everyone is welcome!
The Teacher
Matthew has practiced and taught Kadampa Buddhism and meditation for many years under the guidance of many senior teachers of the New Kadampa Tradition.
Matthew previously lived at the Kadampa World Peace Temple in New York where he engaged in in-depth study and retreat, and in 2023 he completed the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Northern England. Matthew teaches from the heart in a clear, warm and relaxed way, that is always practical and relevant to our daily lives.
Cost
$15
$7 for basic members
Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person and Online Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Live-streaming is available for Center Members. Please contact the Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditationinconnecticut.org for a zoom link after you have registered if you wish to attend online.
For more information contact: info@meditationinconnecticut.org or 860.266.6041
Cost
$15
$7 for basic members
Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person and Online Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Live-streaming is available for Center Members. Please visit Odiyana Center’s Member Portal Website for the zoom link after you have registered for the class if you wish to attend online. Members can request a link to the Members’ Portal by contacting the Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditationinconnecticut.org
Friday, November 13th – Sunday, November 15th
Clear and Joyful Meditation: Silent Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Friday – Sunday, November 13th – 15th
With teachings from Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
About the Retreat
Would you like to experience a silent meditation retreat?
It’s not always easy to be still with your own mind, so you might want to take advantage of this opportunity to do so in a safe, supportive environment. The emphasis will be on training in meditation in several sessions each day, following the instructions on how to attain tranquil abiding, which is a special type of concentration. A brief explanation of how to engage in the retreat will be given in the introduction Friday evening, most other sessions are silent and self-guided. In between sessions, you can enjoy our beautiful meditation center or go for a walk in the neighborhood!
What are the benefits of a silent retreat?
Maintaining verbal silence and physical isolation with a spiritual motivation makes it easier to recognize and reduce more subtle distractions, thereby experiencing a deeper level of inner peace than we normally experience in daily life. With our mind clearer, our meditations can lead to deeper insights and experiences than in daily life alone.
How can I get the most benefit from the retreat?
Participants are encouraged to prepare for this retreat by training in meditation on a daily basis leading up to the retreat. If you are interested but unsure of how to prepare, please ask us! If you are brand new, just let us know and we can explain how to meditate in a simple way.
“Eliminating the distractions of my mind completely,
Observing and holding a single object of meditation with mindfulness
And preventing the obstacles of mental sinking and excitement from arising,
In this way I will control my mind with clear and joyful meditation.”
– Request to the Lord of All Lineages, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
The Teacher
Matthew has practiced and taught Kadampa Buddhism and meditation for many years under the guidance of many senior teachers of the New Kadampa Tradition.
Matthew previously lived at the Kadampa World Peace Temple in New York where he engaged in in-depth study and retreat, and in 2023 he completed the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Northern England. Matthew teaches from the heart in a clear, warm and relaxed way, that is always practical and relevant to our daily lives.
Schedule
Friday, November 13th
7:00 – 8:15 pm Introduction
Saturday, November 14th
9:00 – 10:00 am Session 1 (silence begins)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Session 2
2:00 – 3:15 pm Session 3 w/ teaching
4:00 – 5:00 pm Session 4
7:00 – 8:00 pm Session 5
Sunday, November 15th
9:00 – 10:00 am Session 1
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Session 2
(session 2 will be part of regular Sunday morning meditation class; silence not maintained)
2:00 – 3:15 pm Session 3 w/ teaching
(coming out of silence after session 3)
4:00 – 5:00 pm Session 4
7:00 – 8:00 pm Wishfulling Jewel w/ Tsog
Cost
Full Retreat
$60 | $30 for basic members
Friday Introduction Session
$12 | $6 for basic members
Saturday / Sunday (per day pricing)
$30 per day | $15 per day for basic members
Single Sessions
$10 per session | $5 per day for basic members
Retreat (all sessions) Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
For more information contact: info@meditationinconnecticut.org or 860.266.6041
Cost
Full Retreat
$60 | $30 for basic members
Friday Introduction Session
$12 | $6 for basic members
Saturday / Sunday (per day pricing)
$30 per day | $15 per day for basic members
Single Sessions
$10 per session | $5 per day for basic members
Retreat (all sessions) Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
For more information contact: info@meditationinconnecticut.org or 860.266.6041
Wednesday, December 9th | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Finding Peace through Meditation
Wednesday, Dec 9th | 6:00 – 7:00pm
with OKBC Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
Location
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
413 Main St., Middletown, CT
Discover the secret to lasting happiness by cultivating inner peace. When your mind is calm, joy follows naturally regardless of life’s challenges. Join Odiyana Kadampa Buddhist Center Resident Teacher, Matthew Stein, for a session featuring a guided meditation, practical techniques to maintain a peaceful mind in daily life, and time for open discussion.
Whether you’re new to meditation or seeking to deepen your practice, everyone is welcome to attend this talk.
No Cost
Friday, December 11th | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Odiyana Holiday Sangha Dinner
A Fun Evening of Sangha, Friendship & Food
Location
Bombay Olive Indian Restaurant
450 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06110
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Bombay Olive Indian Restaurant
Whether you are a long-time member of our Sangha or a newer Odiyana friend, we hope you will join us for a relaxed evening of community, laughter, and wonderful food.
We look forward to sharing a beautiful (and yummy!) evening together!
Please note, we will each pay for our own meals at the restaurant.
Everyone welcome!
Please register here by Monday, 12/7 so that we may make a reservation.
Please register here by Monday, 12/7 so that we may make a reservation
Please note, we will each pay for our own meals at the restaurant.
Everyone welcome!
Saturday, December 12th | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Rejoicing! How to authentically enjoy the holiday season
Saturday, December 12th | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
About the Course
At the heart of Buddha’s teachings lies the practice of rejoicing. Rejoicing is a joyful mind that takes delight in the positive actions of ourself and others. In this course we will learn special methods to see the beauty and goodness in life so that we can choose to focus on things that keep our mind in a happy, peaceful and positive state. This practice is an antidote to negative emotions and a powerful self-care tool that keeps us feeling confident and optimistic even during the busy and often challenging holiday season.
This class includes teaching, guided meditation and is appropriate for all levels.
Everyone is welcome!
The Teacher
Matthew has practiced and taught Kadampa Buddhism and meditation for many years under the guidance of many senior teachers of the New Kadampa Tradition.
Matthew previously lived at the Kadampa World Peace Temple in New York where he engaged in in-depth study and retreat, and in 2023 he completed the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Northern England. Matthew teaches from the heart in a clear, warm and relaxed way, that is always practical and relevant to our daily lives.
Cost
$12
$6 for basic members
Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person and Online Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Live-streaming is available for Center Members. Please contact the Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditationinconnecticut.org for a zoom link after you have registered if you wish to attend online.
For more information contact: info@meditationinconnecticut.org or 860.266.6041
Cost
$12
$6 for basic members
Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person and Online Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Live-streaming is available for Center Members. Please contact the Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditationinconnecticut.org for a zoom link after you have registered if you wish to attend online.
For more information contact: info@meditationinconnecticut.org or 860.266.6041
Thursday, December 31st | 6:00 – 8:15 pm
New Year’s Eve Celebration: Sharing a Compassionate Intention
Thursday, Dec. 31st | 6:30 – 8:15pm
with Resident Teacher, Matthew Stein
Enjoy a brief talk on compassion followed by a guided meditation and the practice of Avalokiteshvara (the Buddha of Compassion), a beautiful arrangement of prayer and mantra recitation. Together, we will dedicate our peaceful minds and positive energy to the welfare of all.
Everyone is welcome.
If you wish, you can light a candle at the center, representing your own compassionate determination for the new year.
6:30 – 7:30pm Talk and Buddha of Compassion Practice
7:30 – 8:15pm – Social Time
A free event. By donation only.
Monthly on Saturdays
Highest Yoga Tantra Practice Class
Saturdays Monthly, Next Class: October 24th | 11:00am – 12:30pm
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
About the Course
Buddha’s teachings on the Vajrayana path reveal profound meditations for attaining enlightenment swiftly. In this class, Resident Teacher Matthew Stein will guide us through Ven. Geshe-la’s essential advice on how to engage in the Highest Yoga Tantra practices of Heruka and Vajrayogini.
Note: This class on Highest Yoga Tantra is open to those who have received an empowerment of Heruka and Vajrayogini, or who plan to do so the next time these empowerments are given at an International Festival.
“But no matter how much I searched, O Noble Lady,
I could find no certainty of your being truly existent.
Then the youth of my mind, exhausted by its elaborations,
Came to rest in the forest hut which is beyond expression.”
— The New Guide to Dakini Land By Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Cost
$15
$7 for basic members
Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
Saturday, Nov. 7th, 4pm – 5:30pm – Training in the Divine Pride
Saturday, Dec. 12th, 4pm – 5:30pm – Training in Clear Appearance
Ongoing Fridays, 11am – 12pm – Dakini Yoga (always check our web calendar for the most up to date schedule)
An In-Person and Online Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Live-streaming is available for Center Members. Please visit Odiyana Center’s Member Portal Website for the zoom link after you have registered for the class if you wish to attend online. Members can request a link to the Members’ Portal by contacting the Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditationinconnecticut.org
Cost
$15
$7 for basic members
Free for full members and benefactors
Learn more becoming a supporting member
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements.
An In-Person and Online Event
Held in-person at Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Live-streaming is available for Center Members. Please visit Odiyana Center’s Member Portal Website for the zoom link after you have registered for the class if you wish to attend online. Members can request a link to the Members’ Portal by contacting the Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditationinconnecticut.org
held on the 10th and 25th of each month
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No registration is necessary to join these prayer sessions.
Weekly Classes
Looking for weekly classes? Click here to visit the classes page.
listen now
Looking for more dharma? Enjoy brief teachings with Kadampa teachers from around the world.
no one turned away
No one will be turned away from a class for lack of funds. Please contact Lesley at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org to make arrangements.
