International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon — Local services in Four Corners States

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...

You should visit the temple. It's beautiful and worth the visit alone. I deducted one star for the hotel rooms. They're okay but kind of dated, and they have a sign that says conserve water. If you're expecting nice hotel rooms, there are regular franchise hotels in Flagstaff. Also, you might want to rent a car because it was impossible to get an uber back to the airport since they're so far away from the city. If your intent is to have a spiritual retreat or event and to spend time in a peaceful, gorgeous temple, you'll give it 5 stars. But if you're staying overnight and like comfortable new hotel rooms, rent a car and commute from a hotel in Flagstaff. They have events throughout the year so I'm able to find something when I can...

Cult? I recommend doing some research. Having tried to do business with them I talked to someone there who was reluctantly trying to explain who they really are. First off, their lodging is affordable considering how lavish it appears, so an extra star although got me wondering how this place is funded... Having talked for several minutes wondering why their origination is so exclusive I was told about their leader who was, get this, referred to as "The Venerable...". If I felt safe to reason with attitudes like this I would have tried to resolve my issues with them but in my experience I just need to stay away and encourage seekers to proceed...