What we’re about
We are now offering both in person and live streaming meditation classes, as well as on-demand classes! Please visit our website for the full schedule, and to register to attend classes.
Welcome to Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago!
We have a location in Chicago in the Wicker Park neighborhood, and in Oak Park just west of the city. We offer a variety of weekly drop-in classes, each includes guided meditation and teachings covering easy-to-understand and practical Buddhist wisdom for a happy, peaceful life, even in modern times. The classes are suitable for complete beginners up to those with lots of experience, all are welcome, and there’s no special dress or behavior that’s expected. We also offer more in-depth training such as weekend courses, retreats, and study programs covering the range of Buddhist thought.
Each month, the focus of each class changes, and our MeetUp Calendar is a great way to see all the current topics at-a-glance, as well as special events, often held on Saturdays. If you are planning to attend a class, go ahead and RSVP on MeetUp, it’s nice for people to see other members planning to attend :)
Thank you, and please never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!
May you find peace in your mind and joy in your heart.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- How to Transform Your Life - Oak Park meditation classKadampa Meditation Center Chicago - Oak Park, Oak Park, IL$12.00
Fridays | 10:30am - 11:30am | Oak Park
with Kadampa teacher Rich Zarbock | $12
Info & Registration here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Friday-Morning-Drop-In-ClassThis class is held in person, and is also available by livestream for monthly members.
_______________________________________________The book How to Transform Your Life is a practical manual for daily life, which is especially appropriate for busy, modern people. It shows how we can develop and maintain inner peace, how we can reduce and stop our experience of problems, and how we can bring about positive changes in our life that will enable us to experience deep and lasting happiness.
Everyone is welcome - whether you’re brand new to meditation or an experienced practitioner. Each class includes clear and practical guidance based upon the book, two guided meditations, plus an opportunity to ask questions.
Buddhism | Buddhist | Spiritual
- Guru Yoga Mandala: In-Depth Meditation Retreat, in Oak ParkKadampa Meditation Center Chicago - Oak Park, Oak Park, IL$25.00
Info & Registration here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/event-details/guru-yoga-mandala-in-depth-retreat-2
## Time & Location
Nov 30, 2024, 10:00 AM – Dec 02, 2024, 11:45 AM
Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL 60304, USA## Details
In this very special retreat, we will engage in the traditional practices of making mandala offerings using a traditional mandala kit, and making heartfelt prayers to our Spiritual Guide. By engaging in these two practices, you greatly increase the positive energy in your mind, purify your negative karma, and make your mind greatly inspired. All of this makes it very easy to transform your mind and make swift spiritual progress.
This is an in-depth retreat, however all levels of students are invited to attend -- from beginners to advanced practitioners. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend the Saturday morning introductory teaching and the first retreat session, since the remainder of the retreat sessions are self-guided.
This retreat will be based upon the book Great Treasury of Merit, and will use the traditional prayers and meditations found in the booklet Offering to the Spiritual Guide.
⚠️ Please note: We will be using traditional mandala kits and malas for this retreat, so everyone is strongly encouraged to bring their own materials. We will spend some time during the Saturday introduction learning the proper way to use a mala and to make a mandala offering using our kits. All materials -- books and ritual items -- are available for purchase in our gift shop.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 30
10:00 - 11:00am: Introductory Teaching
11:30 - 1:00pm: Session 1 (guided)
lunch break
2:30 - 4:00pm: Session 2 (self-guided)Sunday, December 1
3:00 - 4:30pm: Session 1 (self-guided)
5:00 - 6:30pm: Session 2 (self-guided)Monday, December 2
8:15 - 9:45am: Session 1 (self-guided)
10:15 - 11:45am: Session 2 (self-guided)TEACHER
Kadampa teacher Rafael Valadez (Saturday morning only)BOOKS & MATERIALS
This event will be based on the following books, sadhanas (prayer booklets), and other materials:- Book: Joyful Path of Good Fortune
- Book: Great Treasury of Merit
- Book: The New Guide to Dakini Land
- Sadhana (prayer booklet): Offering to the Spiritual Guide
- Ritual item: Mala (prayer beads)
- Ritual item: Mandala kit
It's not necessary to have your own copy of the books, but some people like to follow along or read more afterward. We will have some copies of the prayer booklets for use during sessions. You can click any title above to learn more about it or to order a printed, e-book, or audio copy (depending on the title) from Tharpa Publications. You can also purchase copies in person at our Oak Park and Wicker Park locations. We also typically have malas and mandala kits available for purchase.
COST
$25
Discounts for members**: 50% off for Standard Members; free for TTP, Plus Members, and Benefactor Members. Please note: to receive the member discount, your membership must be active at the time the event will take place.
No one turned away for lack of funds; contact us to request financial accommodations.
Refund policyLIVESTREAMING
This in-person event is also available by livestream for monthly members. To attend by livestream, monthly members should register through the Livestreaming for Members page. Not a member? Learn more about our membership options here. - Becoming a Friend of the World - Oak Park meditation classKadampa Meditation Center Chicago - Oak Park, Oak Park, IL$15.00
Sundays | 10am - 11:15am | Oak Park
with Gen Kelsang Zamling, Resident Teacher | $15
Info & Registration here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Sunday-Morning-Drop-In-ClassThis class is held in person, and is also available by livestream for monthly members.
_________________Many people have the altruistic wish to help others and the world, but few understand how to accomplish this successfully in daily life. Bodhisattvas are friends of the world, which means that they care about everyone. Through the force of their strong compassion, they engage in six special practices, called the six perfections, that enable them to transform all their activities into methods for helping and benefiting everyone. Discover the joy and profound meaning in learning to live a life of service.
Each class will include guided meditation, practical instruction, and time for questions. No previous experience is necessary, and absolutely everyone is welcome!
Buddhism | Buddhist | Spiritual
