Life presents us with countless opportunities and challenges. In Buddha’s teachings we find special meditation techniques for turning each and every situation to our advantage, so that we can embrace our life fully and without fear.
However, our ability to commit deeply and effectively to these transformative ways of thinking depends upon our spiritual power - the inner strength of our mind.
How can we increase this inner strength and turn our life into the journey of a spiritual hero or heroine, manifesting our full potential and bringing a rich deep happiness into our life and the lives of those around us? Through making a special connection with Vajrapani, the Buddha of Spiritual Power, and receiving his blessings.
Join us at Kadampa Meditation Centre Australia for this special event with the New Kadampa Tradition’s Deputy Spiritual Director, Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, and discover this powerful connection for yourself.
Festivals and Celebrations are a spiritual holiday like no other. They give us an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and to make time for our inner spiritual development for a concentrated period of time. In this way we accelerate our meditation practice, deepening our understanding and experience in a relatively short period of time. Everyone is welcome.
Teachers.
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa.
Gen-la Kelsang Jampa is the the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition. As a senior NKT teacher, Gen-la Jampa has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years, and under Geshe-la’s guidance has taught at many centers and events around the world. Gen-la is well-loved for his clear and inspiring teachings and his ability to touch people’s hearts through his sincerity and loving-kindness.
The Program.
The Venue.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Australia.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Australia (KMCA) is the national centre for Kadampa Buddhism in Australia. Located an hour outside of Melbourne in the lush forest of the Dandenong Ranges, it is the perfect place for experiencing inner peace.
To explore the accommodation facilities, please click here.
Address: 25 McCarthy Road, Monbulk
Site Map.
Fees.
In-person & Online
In-person Event Fee.
Whole event (does not include accommodation).
Fri 2 - 7 Jan = $320 (lunch and dinner incl.)
Daily Rates.
Fri 2 Jan = $25 (dinner incl.)
Sat 3 Jan = $90 (lunch & dinner incl.)
Sun 4 Jan = $75 (lunch & dinner incl.)
Mon 5 Jan = $75 (lunch & dinner incl.)
Tue 6 Jan = $60 (lunch & dinner incl.)
Wed 7 Jan = $35 (lunch incl.)
Online Event Fee.
Whole event only = $260
Children Event Fee.
0 - 7 years = Free
8 - 15 years = 50% discount
16 + = adult price
For ages 4 to 7, a daily fee of $8 applies for both lunch and dinner.
Accommodation Price (breakfast included)
Single room with ensuite = $600
Single room = $475
Double/twin room = $750
Pre-erected tent = $375
Dorm = $225
Camping = $150
Camping (per night) = $30
Children's Accommodation
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under 16 in shared rooms or dormitory accommodation with adults who are not their parent/legal guardian, nominated carer, or an adult family member.
- Children aged 4 and over who occupy a bed/space in a twin or double room will be charged at the full adult rate.
- Children aged 3 and under who share their parent's bed can stay free of charge.
- Children under 16 who are camping (in their parent's own tent) are free of charge. However, they are not permitted to sleep in their own tent and must share with an adult family member or nominated carer.
- For ages 4 to 15, a $4 daily fee applies for breakfast when staying in a twin/double room already paid for by an adult or when camping with an adult.
Young Adults Accommodation (16 & 17 year olds)
Young adults cannot be accommodated in shared rooms or dormitory accommodation. They may stay in twin accommodation if their nominated responsible adult is also sharing the room.
Belgrave Shuttles.
Shuttles are available from Belgrave Station to KMC Australia (Dandenong Ranges) on Friday 2 Jan (pick-up) and Wed 7 Jan (drop-off). $15 per person, per trip.
Audio Recordings.
All teachings = $55 (does not include morning meditations & retreat).
Bookings.
Bookings for the Australian Festival 2026 will open on
Sunday, 9th November at 8 PM AEDT.
Click here for more information about our terms of service.
Joining Online.
It is recommended to attend the event in-person. If you are unable to do so, the event is available to attend online.
Each session will be available for live streaming at the scheduled time. Sessions will then be available 48 hours after the live broadcast to watch on demand.
The recorded sessions will be available until Monday, 2 Feb, at 7:30 PM AEDT Time.
The Empowerment will be available to view for 24 hours only.