International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon

In July 2023, I attended a weekend retreat focused on teaching and meditation sessions on universal compassion by an incredible young woman Gen Demo who is the nun, teacher and director of the temple in our nation's Capitol. The sessions were conducted in the Temple itself. Truly a holy and sacred space. Beautiful and insprational. Plenty of comfortable chair seating and floor cushions and desks. Excellent sound system and headset accommodations for hearing impaired. Wheelchair accessible. Although the Temple is open and filled with natural sunlight, this 90 plus degree summer in Williams was cooled and comfortable during all sessions. Prayer books and other materials were available for anyone wanting to learn and participate. As a follower of Christ in the Episcopal tradition, I was always welcomed and felt comfortable in all places with all Buddhist monks and nuns, residents, practitioners and other retreat participants. Radical hospitality is practiced here. All meals were vegetarian with vegan and gluten free options available. Delicious simple shared meals are available...very balanced, healthy, free and mildly seasoned with plenty of add it yourself hot sauces on hand. : The community asks that no meat or meat products, tobacco or alcohol be brought onto premises. There is also a noise restriction after 830p each evening to assure a place of peace for rest. The guest rooms at the Center are simple, modest...no television or phones in rooms. Rooms very clean and large. Modern, in room bathroom with tub showers. Bed and pillows are very comfortable. Not lumpy or too soft or too hard. The rooms have air conditioning units and radiators for winter but I could not get my AC turned on. I had packed a portable, fan and I was just fine. No coffee makers in room so I suggest bringing your own portable kettle or maker if you can't wait to get your wake up coffee or tea before breakfast. The retreat is on the main highway between Williams and Flagstaff but no highway traffic noise was heard...nothing but peace and quiet. They have a wonderful bookstore and gift shop. Tours of the temple are offered daily. Pictures can be taken and questions are welcomed. I will most certainly return and retreat and hopefully visit new friends. May you find peace in your future visit.

I live 1.5 hours away and have been coming here sporadically since 2020. The energy here is so potent, the people are so very kind, and the food is amaaaaazing. Sunday meditations are my favorite! Cannot recommend this place enough you definitely don’t have to be Buddhist to enjoy it and benefit from the classes. ?

I greatly enjoyed my stay and appreciated everyone’s kindness. Thank you!

I just spent a few nights here and found it to be a wonderful place to practice for a weekend, month or longer. Peaceful and genuinely kind people, great food and a beautiful and tranquil temple with retreat center nestled at the edge of the mountain forest. The sign out front says it all Everyone Welcome!

Everyone who can feel energy of universe inside should visit this place.Very powerful place.