International Temples Project
The International Temples Project (ITP) was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso with the vision to build a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in every major city in the world.
These Temples are dedicated to world peace and everyone is welcome to visit them and enjoy the peace and tranquility they provide.
'Just looking at a Temple with a happy mind places good imprints on our mind and brings inner peace.
'Through the power of this special object, problems such as anger and attachment are reduced.' Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has described the International Temples Project as ‘a beautiful gift for future generations.’
We are extremely fortunate to have such a special opportunity to make a contribution to world peace.
There are many ways in which you can help the International Temples Project:
- Visit an International Center
- Offer a working visit
- Make a financial contribution
- Work a Day for World Peace
- Make prayers and dedications
Visit an International Center
International Centers are Kadampa Meditation Centers (KMCs) and International Retreat Centers (IRCs). These centers organize many courses and retreats throughout the year including International Festivals, National Festivals, and National Dharma Celebrations.
All the proceeds from courses and retreats at International Centers are donated to the International Temples Fund, so by attending these events you are engaging in meaningful activities and supporting the development of Kadampa Temples around the world.
Offer a working visit
There is always work to do at the KMCs and IRCs and very often they offer opportunities for working visits, where you receive seven days free board in exchange for five days voluntary work. You also have the opportunity to attend classes at the center while you are there.
Sometimes there are opportunities to work directly on Temples, and at other times the work involves projects that support the Temples. Either way, this is an extremely beneficial and meaningful way to spend your free time.
Information on working visits can be found on the individual KMC and IRC websites.
Make a financial contribution
If you wish to make a one-time or recurring donation to the International Temples Fund, you can do so at any time.
There are a number of International Temples Fund accounts at various centers around the world making it possible for many people to pay locally in their own currency.
Because these accounts are all non-profit, there are usually tax concessions either for the donor or for the recipient.
Work a Day for World Peace
Each year there is an opportunity to donate your earnings from a designated day to the International Temples Fund.
If you want to donate online using a credit card, please use the Work a Day for World Peace donation form.
Make prayers and dedications
Through Kadampa Temples flourishing throughout the world more and more people will receive the blessings of inner peace, and through inner peace there will come outer peace.
May everything we do to help and support the development of these Temples be the cause of lasting world peace in this world for this and all future generations.
Thank you.