At this year’s Australian Dharma Celebration, Gen Kelsang Rabten will grant the empowerment of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification. The blessing ceremony will be followed by teachings on how to purify our negative karma by relying on Vajrasattva.
Without the burden of negative karma weighing us down, all our wishes - and especially our hopes for spiritual progress - would be easily fulfilled. Rather than struggling, like a small bird attempting to fly with rocks tied to its legs, we should purify the mistakes of the past, heal our minds and fly freely and easily to our enlightenment. Purification is the key to this.
“Since purification is the root of future happiness and spiritual realisations, we should strive to cleanse our mind of delusions and negative karma by practising the meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva.” - Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
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.
Teachings and Empowerment Teacher
Gen Kelsang Rabten.
Gen Kelsang Rabten is the Resident Teacher of KMC Australia (Dandenong Ranges) and KMC Melbourne (CBD). Ordained in 1994, he has studied under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 30 years. He has taught in many centres around the world including Australia, New Zealand, and South-East Asia.
Gen Rabten exemplifies the essence of the modern Kadampa’s way of life, brings a warm heart and joyful attitude to sharing Buddha’s teachings and the practice of meditation.
Meditations Teacher
Gen Kelsang Tara.
Gen Kelsang Tara is a fully ordained Australian Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Perth.
Gen Tara has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for many years, and ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2015. Gen Tara’s inspiring teachings reflect her sincere wish to help those in need and to share her experience of Buddha’s life-changing instructions with others.
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 3 - Mon 6 Apr = $195 (lunch and dinner incl.)
Daily Rates.
Fri 3 Apr = $25 (dinner incl.)
Sat 4 Apr = $90 (lunch & dinner incl.)
Sun 5 Apr = $75 (lunch & dinner incl.)
Mon 6 Apr = $30 (lunch incl.)
Online Event Fee.
Whole event only = $160
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 = $360
Single room = $285
Double/twin room = $450
Pre-erected tent = $225
Dorm = $135
Camping = $90
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 3 Apr (pick-up) and Mon 6 Apr (drop-off). $15 per person, per trip.
Audio Recordings.
All teachings = $55 (does not include morning meditations & retreat).
Bookings.
Bookings for the Australian Dharma Celebration 2026 will open on
Sunday, 1st March at 7 PM AEDT.
Post Dharma Celebration Retreats.
The Australian Dharma Celebration is a precious opportunity to receive empowerment and teachings from our National Spiritual Director, Gen Kelsang Rabten. This experience is greatly enhanced if we can spend some time after the Dharma Celebration in retreat to improve our understanding of the teachings and take their meaning to heart.
Click here to view the list of available retreats.