Events

SAT 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.

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.

FRI 23 OCT

Silence in The City: Friday Retreat Day

Step away from the constant buzz of modern life and join us for half a day of silent, gadget-free retreat in Central London. This half-day retreat includes three one-hour meditation sessions, and is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Enjoy periods of silence between sessions, along with light refreshments and the option to relax at the Centre or take a quiet walk in nearby Holland Park. In a world that rarely pauses, Silence in the City offers a chance to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the natural peace of your own mind.

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.

SAT 17 OCT

Silent Saturday: Tech-Free Retreat

These half-day retreats — gentle, peaceful meditations, unplugged from the digital world — are super helpful in our modern age, and we warmly invite you to take advantage of them. You will be introduced to and guided in three 45-minute meditation sessions, focused on breathing meditation, pacifying our busy thoughts, and the peaceful clarity of our own mind. In between sessions feel free to hang out and relax — read one of our library books, sit quietly, drink tea or coffee, or take some time to stroll around the local area. Treat yourself to a well earned and much needed break, and learn some practical skills for keeping this peace going back at home and at work. Beginners or more experienced meditators, everyone is welcome to join us.

SAT 3 OCT — 4 Oct

Guru Yoga & Mandala Offering Retreat

Guru Yoga and Mandala offering retreat combines two of the four great preliminary guides that we need to practise if we want to gain mahamudra realisations — the quick path to enlightenment. We all wish for spiritual realisations, but these depend upon creating certain inner conditions such as purifying negativity, accumulating merit, and receiving blessings. In this retreat we focus on the preliminary practices of accumulating merit and receiving blessings. Making mandala offerings is the gateway to accumulating the collection of merit, and Guru yoga is the gateway to receiving blessings. The practice is accomplished within the sadhana Offering to the Spiritual Guide.

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.

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.

SAT 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.

FRI 18 SEPT

Silence in The City: Friday Retreat Day

Step away from the constant buzz of modern life and join us for half a day of silent, gadget-free retreat in Central London. This half-day retreat includes three one-hour meditation sessions, and is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Enjoy periods of silence between sessions, along with light refreshments and the option to relax at the Centre or take a quiet walk in nearby Holland Park. In a world that rarely pauses, Silence in the City offers a chance to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the natural peace of your own mind.

SAT 12 SEPT

Teachings on the Heart Sutra: Solving All Our Problems With Wisdom

The Heart Sutra captures the very essence of Buddha’s extraordinary wisdom. Though brief, it is one of the most treasured and widely studied of all his teachings. It is vital to increase our wisdom because the more wisdom we have, the less ignorance we have; and the less ignorance we have, the less suffering we experience. On this special course we will explore the meaning of the Heart Sutra to see beyond the distorted thoughts and appearances that are the source of so much anxiety and unhappiness. By deepening our understanding of how things actually exist, we find we can release all our fear and stress at its source. Our mind can remain consistently peaceful, positive, and happy — regardless of what is happening around us. Perfect for beginners and experienced meditators alike.

MON 7 SEPT — 5 Oct

How to Build a Daily Tantric Practice

TUE 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.

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.

FRI 17 JUL — 18 Jul

Special Events with Kadam Morten & Kadam Lucy

A special weekend of teachings and empowerments with visiting international teacher Kadam Morten and our Resident Teacher Kadam Lucy James. A rare and precious opportunity to receive teachings from a senior international teacher.

SAT 11 JUL

Silent Saturday: Tech-Free Retreat

A morning of silent meditation and reflection, completely free from technology. Leave your phone behind and enjoy the profound peace that comes from genuine inner silence. A rare chance to step away from the digital world.

SAT 4 JUL

Channels, Chakras & the Mind of Great Bliss: A Beginner's Guide to Completion Stage Tantra

A day course with Kadam Lucy exploring the practices of completion stage Tantra — the most profound methods for achieving enlightenment. Learn about the channels, chakras and winds of the subtle body, and how to use them to develop the mind of great bliss.

SAT 27 JUN

The Quick Path to Full Awakening: A Beginner's Guide to Generation Stage Tantra

A day course with Kadam Lucy exploring the practices of generation stage Tantra — powerful methods for transforming our ordinary experience into the path to enlightenment. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

SAT 20 JUN

How to Let Go of Anger

A half-day course exploring practical methods from Buddha's teachings for overcoming anger and developing patience. Learn how to transform difficult situations and relationships through the power of a peaceful mind.

SAT 20 JUN

The Path to Pure Happiness – Monthly Lamrim Class

A monthly class exploring the stages of the path to enlightenment (Lamrim). These teachings present a complete spiritual path that anyone can follow to develop lasting happiness and eventually attain full enlightenment.

FRI 19 JUN

Silence in The City

Friday retreat days offering a rare opportunity to enjoy a day of silent meditation and inner peace in the heart of London. Step away from the noise and busyness of modern life and discover the profound peace that comes from training in meditation in silence.

FRI 12 JUN — 14 Jun

Away Retreat in Brighton

How to Let Go and Go With The Flow — a weekend of meditations and relaxation in Brighton. Buddha taught many methods for letting go of our mental baggage and finding new levels of happiness in our daily lives. One such method is embracing the changing nature of everything. Join us for this inspiring and practical meditation retreat with Kadam Lucy James at Bodhisattva KMC, Brighton.

THU 11 JUN — 18 Jun

Foundation Programme Taster Sessions

If you've been coming to meditation classes at KMC London for a while, and have been wanting to deepen your meditation practice or make it more consistent, the FP might be perfect for you. In this enrollment-only program, we systematically study one book at a time. Each class includes guided meditation, teachings, prayers, pair & group discussion, and advice on how to apply that week's subject to our daily lives. You're warmly invited to attend these FP taster sessions free of charge.

SUN 7 JUN

Kids Club

Our Kids classes aim to develop and nurture the positive qualities in children through meditation and positive thinking. Themes include love, kindness and patience, with a range of fun activities including story-telling, drama and crafts. Children will also be guided in simple meditations and learn techniques to gain confidence, focus and consideration for others. Ideal for ages 6–11 years. Children must be accompanied by their adult care-giver.

SAT 6 JUN

Offering Our Faith Retreat

A day retreat at the City Meditation Space exploring how to develop and offer our faith through meditation and prayer. A wonderful opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice in a peaceful environment.

SAT 30 MAY

Special Breathing Meditation ~ Half Day Retreat

A half-day retreat exploring special breathing meditations for calming the mind and developing inner peace. Learn powerful techniques to let go of stress, anxiety and negative thinking through the practice of breathing meditation.

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.

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.