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, January 17th – Tuesday, January 20th
Lamrim Retreat – Transform Your Mind, Transform Your Life
January 17-20
About the Retreat
Everyone is welcome to these guided meditations, called Kadam Lamrim, a special presentation of the “stages of the path to enlightenment”.
In this retreat, we will gain familiarity with the profound Lamrim meditations from texts by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a meditation master. Through engaging in meditation, we will improve our virtuous concentration and gain practical insight and determinations to carry into daily life. Learn to focus on your good qualities, positive intentions and your potential for inner peace, compassion and wisdom.
All sessions will be guided by Resident Teacher Matthew Stein unless otherwise noted.
Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Come for one session, one day or the entire retreat.
Meditations based on Lamrim teachings as presented in The Mirror of Dharma.
Additional books: Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Meditation Prayers: Prayers for Meditation, Heart Jewel
Retreat Schedule
Saturday, Jan. 17
10:30 – 11:30am – retreat intro
12 – 1pm – retreat session
3 – 4pm – retreat session
5 – 6pm – retreat session
Sunday, Jan. 18
*Sunday Sessions Canceled due to Inclement Weather*
11am – 12:15pm – Regular Sunday Morning Drop-In Class
3 – 4pm – retreat session
5 – 6pm – Wishfulfilling Jewel w/ Tsog offering puja
6:30 – 8pm – Teaching w/ retreat session
Monday, Jan. 19
11am – 12:30pm – Teaching w/ retreat session
5:30 – 6:30pm – retreat session (guided by senior teacher Ryan Cronin)
7 – 8pm – retreat session (guided by senior teacher Ryan Cronin)
Tuesday, Jan. 20
10:30 – 11:30am – retreat session (guided by senior teacher Vin Tiu)
12 – 1pm – retreat session
5:30 – 6:30pm – retreat session
7 – 8:30pm – Retreat Conclusion
Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Come for one session, one day or the entire retreat.
Cost
Entire retreat: $70 | $35 for Basic members
Per Day: $25 | $12 for Basic Members
Single Session: $10 | $5 for Basic Members
Free for Full or Benefactor Members
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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Schedule
All sessions will be guided by Resident Teacher Matthew Stein unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, Jan. 17
10:30 – 11:30am – retreat intro
12 – 1pm – retreat session
3 – 4pm – retreat session
5 – 6pm – retreat session
Sunday, Jan. 18
*Sunday sessions canceled due to inclement weather*
11am – 12:15pm – Regular Sunday Morning Drop-In Class
3 – 4pm – retreat session
5 – 6pm – Wishfulfilling Jewel w/ Tsog offering puja
6:30 – 8pm – Teaching w/ retreat session
Monday, Jan. 19
11am – 12:30pm – Teaching w/ retreat session
5:30 – 6:30pm – retreat session (guided by senior teacher Ryan Cronin)
7 – 8pm – retreat session (guided by senior teacher Ryan Cronin)
Tuesday, Jan. 20
10:30 – 11:30am – retreat session (guided by senior teacher Vin Tiu)
12 – 1pm – retreat session
5:30 – 6:30pm – retreat session
7 – 8:30pm – Retreat Conclusion
Cost
Entire retreat: $70 | $35 for Basic members
Per Day: $25 | $12 for Basic Members
Single Session: $10 | $5 for Basic Members
Free for Full or Benefactor Members
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, January 24th – Sunday, January 25th
Clarity of Mind Retreat
January 24-25
With Resident Teacher, Matthew Stein
About the Retreat:
In our busy lives, it can be hard to believe that we have the potential for mental clarity and deep inner peace. With so many worries and distractions, we can get used to a background hum of anxiety and tension most of the time. The idea that we could experience true, lasting happiness through learning to develop and maintain a peaceful mind can feel far-fetched and out of reach.
The best way to get in touch with our profound potential for inner peace and clarity is to meditate on the mind itself. With regular practice, this meditation will completely transform your life. In this retreat, we will engage in meditation sessions of this special meditation. Resident Teacher, Matthew Stein will explain the process and guide the meditations, giving you the opportunity to discover a deep happiness and contentment in your own heart.
No experience necessary!
Everyone is welcome!
Schedule (sessions are 1 hour)
Saturday, Jan. 24
10am
11:30am
2:30pm
4pm
7:30pm – Wishfulfilling Jewel puja
Sunday, Jan. 25
11am – Regular Sunday Morning Drop-In Class
3:30pm
5pm
7-8:30pm – Offering to the Spiritual Guide Chanted Prayers
Cost
Entire retreat: $50 | $25 for Basic members
Per Day: $25 | $12 for Basic Members
Single Session: $10 | $5 for Basic Members
Free for Full or Benefactor Members
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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Schedule (sessions are 1 hour)
Saturday, Jan. 24
10am
11:30am
2:30pm
4pm
7:30pm – Wishfulfilling Jewel puja
Sunday, Jan. 25
11am – Regular Sunday Morning Drop-In Class
3:30pm
5pm
7-8:30pm – Offering to the Spiritual Guide Chanted Prayers
Cost
Entire retreat: $50 | $25 for Basic members
Per Day: $25 | $12 for Basic Members
Single Session: $10 | $5 for Basic Members
Free for Full or Benefactor Members
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.
Friday, February 13th | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Odiyana Sangha Valentine’s Dinner
A Fun Evening of Sangha, Friendship & Food
Valentine’s Celebration Edition
Location
Casadoro
2929 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Everyone is warmly invited to join the Odiyana Sangha for a special Valentine’s Dinner filled with friendship, community, and conversation.
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 by Friday, 2/6 so that we may make a reservation**
Saturday, February 7·10:30am – 3:30pm
Love that Lasts: A Meditation Workshop
Saturday, February 7th | 10:30 am – 3:30pm
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
It’s easy to feel close to others when things are going well—but when people are difficult or situations become tense, our good feelings can quickly disappear. Often, it’s in these moments that our relationships are most tested.
This course explores how learning to approach others with a warm and loving heart helps us remain balanced and open, even when things are challenging. By nurturing this inner strength, we naturally create more harmonious and meaningful connections.
Through guided meditations and practical teachings, you’ll learn how to:
stay peaceful and kind, even when others are difficult
reduce emotional friction and misunderstanding
build deeper, more fulfilling relationships
grow qualities such as patience, empathy, compassion and acceptance
With love in the heart, relationships become a source of strength, support and genuine happiness.
Everyone is welcome!
Schedule:
Teaching & Meditation | 10:30 – 11:30am
Teaching & Meditation | 12 – 1pm
Teaching & Meditation | 2:30 – 3:30pm
While it is encouraged to attend the full event, participants may also drop-in for any individual session.
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
$25
$12 for basic members
Single session $10 ($5 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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Cost
$25
$12 for basic members
Single session $10 ($5 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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Saturday, February 21·10:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday, February 21st | 10:30 am – 3:30pm
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
Silence is golden. Join us for our first “Day of Silence” retreat!
Things can feel so complicated, but when we discover inner stillness everything becomes lucid and clear. We move out of the complicated contradictions of our “head” and into the wise, centered space of our heart. Silence and silent retreats are a perfect chance to let this inner noise settle.
On a silent retreat we stop ordinary busyness and start to attune to the beauty that is found within. This beauty and peace we discover inside ourselves makes us feel happy with ourselves. We become free of insecurities and low self-esteem, always thinking that the answer to feel better is “out there”. Instead, we just relax and understand what we have been looking for—happiness—has always been inside.
Schedule:
Session 1: 10:30am – 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Lunch Break
Session 3: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
**Silence will be kept from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Participants are encouraged to attend the whole retreat and keep silence in between sessions. If you cannot attend the whole retreat, feel free to drop for any sessions that you are able.
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
$25
$12 for basic members
Single session $10 ($5 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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Cost
$25
$12 for basic members
Single session $10 ($5 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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Saturday, March 7·10:30am – 3:30pm
A Special Breathing Meditation Retreat: The Power of Mantra
Saturday, March 7th | 10:30 am – 3:30pm
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
About the Retreat:
“In this meditation, we combine our breathing with the recitation of the mantra OM AH HUM, which is called the ‘mantra of all Buddhas.’” – The New Meditation Handbook, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Generally, the purpose of breathing meditation is for calming the mind and to reduce distractions before engaging in a practical meditation, such as any of the meditations on the stages of the path to enlightenment. A simple breathing meditation will help us do this, but the meditation explained in this retreat also performs many other functions.
All Buddhas are contained within three groups: vajra body, vajra speech, and vajra mind. The mantra of vajra body is OM, the mantra of vajra speech is AH, and the mantra of vajra mind is HUM. Therefore, if we recite these three letters with faith, we will receive the blessings of the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.
In this introductory retreat, Resident Teacher Matthew Stein will introduce and guide a special breathing meditation in which we combine our breathing with the recitation of the mantra OM AH HUM.
Schedule:
Session 1: 10:30am – 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Lunch Break
Session 3: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
**Participants are encouraged to attend the whole retreat, but feel free to drop in for any sessions that you are able.
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
$25
$12 for basic members
Single session $10 ($5 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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
Cost
$25
$12 for basic members
Single session $10 ($5 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 for the class if you wish to attend online.
March 21 – 22, 2026
Fearless Wisdom: The Empowerment of Green Tara
Saturday, March 21st – Sunday, March 22nd
With Resident Teacher Matthew Stein
Attending both days of the weekend event is encouraged, but not required. You are welcome to attend the Saturday Empowerment and teaching even if you cannot attend Sunday.
About the Empowerment
Tara is a female Buddha, the embodiment of the fearless wisdom of all enlightened beings, who moves more swiftly than the wind to help anyone who is suffering and anxious. She has a particularly close connection with the Kadampa tradition of Buddhism, and pledged always to help Kadampa practitioners throughout the ages; this is as true today as it has ever been.
During this weekend, we will receive the Tantric empowerment of Arya Tara, receive the transmission of her mantra, and have the opportunity to engage in the much-loved prayers to the twenty-one Taras called Liberation from Sorrow.
Buddhist Tantric practice is truly out of this world; using the creative power of our imagination we bring the future result of our spiritual practice into the present. Resident Teacher Matthew Stein will give accessible guidance to the Tantric practice of Arya Tara and show how we can, if we wish, easily apply this incredible way of thinking to bring about positive changes in our everyday lives.
This empowerment is open to everyone, Buddhist or otherwise. Just spending time with the twenty-one Taras has some beautiful benefits, regardless of how new or experienced you are.
Everyone is welcome to this special event.
It’s customary to bring a small offering to the empowerment, i.e., cookies, chips, chocolates; a small bottled or canned non-alcoholic beverage; candles, or soaps. You are welcome and encouraged to do so!
Want to know more about empowerments? Visit the Empowerment FAQs page!
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
10:30 am -12:30 pm: Empowerment (Please arrive no later than 10:15am)
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Teaching 1
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Meditation session
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Tea break
11:00 am – 12:15 pm: Teaching 2 (In conjunction with Sunday morning meditation class. You do not need to attend the empowerment or previous sessions to attend this session)
Attending both days of the weekend event is encouraged, but not required. You are welcome to attend the Saturday Empowerment and teaching even if you cannot attend Sunday.
Cost
$60
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements
For more information, contact: epc@meditationinconnecticut.org
Cost
$60
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please contact the Administrative Director at admin@meditationinconnecticut.org if you need to make arrangements
For more information, contact: 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 Rob at admin@odiyana.org to make arrangements.
