Weekend: Filling Buddhist Statues in the Kadampa Tradition

A rare, hands-on way to encounter a Kadampa Buddhist ritual, with meaningful ways to participate whether or not you bring a statue.

The workshop takes place on Saturday 14 November from 10:00 to 18:00 and continues on Sunday 15 November from 10:00 to 18:00, followed by clean-up from 18:00 to 19:00 and an OGS blessing for the statues from 19:00 to 20:30. Times are local to Geneva (Europe/Zurich, UTC+1). The event is presented as being with Timothy Leighton; the source does not state a more specific role.

CMK de Genève, 41 bis route de Frontenex, 1207 Geneva. The centre’s FAQ says the Geneva venue is wheelchair accessible. Full price is CHF 60; Pass holders pay CHF 20. The source also lists material fees of CHF 10 for statues under 23 cm, CHF 20 for a 23 cm statue and CHF 35 for statues over 23 cm, but does not explain how these charges apply to multiple statues or helper-only attendance. Registration is required and capacity is limited to about 10 people. The linked Google Form was open when checked, but no deadline or remaining-place count was published. The event page and registration form are in French; the spoken language is not explicitly stated.

Participants can bring a statue of their own, ask the centre to provide one, or choose the “curious bodhisattva” option to discover the tradition and help others. The weekend offers a rare opportunity to take part in cleaning, preparing and traditionally filling statues or stupas with materials such as mantra rolls.

• Timothy Leighton

  Teacher

  Timothy Leighton has practised Buddhism and meditation for many years. At CMK Geneva, he shares his experience of the teachings with sincerity, warmth and respect for the Buddhist path.

  website