Events
Upcoming courses, retreats and special events at our meditation centres.
10 events · Clear filters
FeaturedSAT 31 OCT
A Buddhist Perspective on Death and Dying
Death is the one certainty in life, yet it is often something we avoid thinking or talking about. As a result, many of us feel anxious, unprepared, or uncertain when faced with illness, loss, or the reality of our own and others’ mortality. To celebrate Halloween, we will explore Buddha’s clear and practical teachings on what happens to us when we die. Far from being pessimistic, these teachings enhance our appreciation for life, overcome our fear and anxiety, and make our life a lot more meaningful. We can also help others who are dying. The day will include a discussion, and a chance to explore this important topic from both a practical and spiritual perspective.
10:30am–1:30pm
SAT 24 OCT — 25 Oct
Heart Jewel ~ Learning the Essential Daily Practice of a Kadampa
A “Kadampa” is someone who takes all of Buddha’s teachings as personal advice and puts them into practice in their daily lives. How they do this is by practising Lamrim (the stages of the path to enlightenment), Lojong (mind-training), and Mahamudra Tantra in a straightforward and integrated daily practice, both in meditation and by transforming their everyday activities. So what does it actually mean to be a Kadampa or modern Buddhist? What does a Kadampa actually do every day? What are their main spiritual practices both on and off the cushion? This weekend course covers why and how we rely on Buddha as a teacher and as a protector using the essential practice of Heart Jewel, how to meditate on Lamrim and Mahamudra within a compact daily sadhana, and how to bring our whole day into the path to enlightenment. Illuminating and practical for anyone who has been coming to the centre for a little while and developed an interest in creating a regular, authentic Buddhist practice. Suitable for near beginners through to total experts.
SAT 17 OCT
The Path to Pure Happiness – Monthly Lamrim Class
We all want to grow and experience greater peace and happiness. But real progress comes from following a clear and practical spiritual path — one that can be integrated into the realities of modern life. In these monthly classes, we will explore a special presentation of the stages of the path to enlightenment, known as Lamrim. First taught by the 11th-century Indian Buddhist master Atisha, Lamrim offers a clear and systematic guide to transforming our mind and our life through meditation and developing our wisdom. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, each class will explore a different aspect of these teachings, with practical advice drawn from The Mirror of Dharma. There will also be a tea break with time for discussion, followed by Heart Jewel Prayers and a guided Lamrim meditation.
2:30–5pm
SAT 26 SEPT
Refuge Day: Walking the Path
Join us for a talk on a practical approach to refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha that will energise our spiritual life, followed by a Buddhist Refuge Ceremony that dates back to Buddha Shakyamuni. In turbulent times, we all need a safe place to land. Without a reliable source of refuge, we can easily end up feeling powerless or even enraged with everything going on in the world. Yet many of the things we normally rely upon — our circumstances, possessions, relationships and achievements — can change in an instant, leaving us feeling vulnerable and unsettled. The Ceremony is a ritual meditation practice that draws us closer to the love and protection of the Three Jewels. You can choose whether you use it to formally become a Buddhist or simply as a powerful blessing and inspiration on your spiritual journey. This is a perfect day for those who have been enjoying classes at KMC London, and for the spiritually curious.
10am–4:30pm
SAT 19 SEPT
The Path to Pure Happiness – Monthly Lamrim Class
We all want to grow and experience greater peace and happiness. But real progress comes from following a clear and practical spiritual path — one that can be integrated into the realities of modern life. In these monthly classes, we will explore a special presentation of the stages of the path to enlightenment, known as Lamrim. First taught by the 11th-century Indian Buddhist master Atisha, Lamrim offers a clear and systematic guide to transforming our mind and our life through meditation and developing our wisdom. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, each class will explore a different aspect of these teachings, with practical advice drawn from The Mirror of Dharma. There will also be a tea break with time for discussion, followed by Heart Jewel Prayers and a guided Lamrim meditation.
2:30–5pm
FeaturedSAT 19 SEPT
How to Want Less and Enjoy Life More
We instinctively think that getting what we want will make us happy. Yet the more we scroll on social media, chase the latest gadget, or run after the next relationship, the more restless and dissatisfied we can become. Even when we get what we want, the satisfaction rarely lasts, and sometimes we end up feeling even more empty or frustrated than before. Our instinctive response? To want even more. Buddha explained that this cycle of craving lies at the heart of much of our stress and unhappiness — and showed how we can break free from it. In this practical half-day course, discover how Buddhist wisdom can help you recognise and gradually let go of craving and attachment, replacing them with contentment, inner freedom, and lasting happiness. Through talks, guided meditations, and practical advice, learn simple methods to enjoy life more by wanting less.
10:30am–1:30pm
FeaturedTUE 1 SEPT
How to Stop Overthinking: Practical Talk & Meditation
Slow down your mind and find inner peace. By learning to address overthinking we can both find greater happiness and open doors to our spiritual progress. Overthinking can tie us up in knots and bring us down. This morning meditation workshop will help those of us who find ourselves sometimes stuck in repetitive, negative and unhelpful thought patterns. By drawing upon the wisdom of Buddhist teachings we can learn practical tools for managing our thoughts and making our mind more calm and peaceful. Everyone is welcome.
7–8:30pm
FRI 24 JUL — 8 Aug
International Kadampa Buddhist Summer Festival at Manjushri KMC, Ulverston
The International Summer Festival is held annually at Manjushri KMC in Ulverston, the mother centre of the New Kadampa Tradition. It is a wonderful opportunity to receive teachings and empowerments from the General Spiritual Director, and to enjoy the special atmosphere of practising with thousands of people from around the world.
July 24 – Aug 8 at Manjushri KMC
FRI 22 MAY — 27 May
International Kadampa Buddhist Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, Ulverston
The International Spring Festival is held annually at Manjushri KMC in Ulverston, the mother centre of the New Kadampa Tradition. It is a wonderful opportunity to receive teachings and empowerments from the General Spiritual Director, and to enjoy the special atmosphere of practising with thousands of people from around the world.
May 22–27 at Manjushri KMC
MON 4 MAY
A Course in Modern Buddhism
A systematic study of the book Modern Buddhism by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. This course explores how we can integrate Buddhist teachings into our busy modern lives to solve our daily problems and find lasting happiness.
Mondays 7–9pm