The Life of Buddha
4th April 2025 at 7-9pm
The Life of Buddha is a special dramatic presentation, inspired by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and his teachings, that visually captures the essence of Buddha Shakyamuni's life. Based on the twelve principal deeds of Buddha, it reveals in a clear and moving way the essential characteristics of a spiritual life.
Making Happiness a Habit
Sat 5th Apr 10am-1pm
Learn how it is possible change this situation by practising simple meditation techniques and changing our way of viewing the world and other people. Through these powerful techniques that anyone can learn we will develop the ability to remain happy all the time whatever happens.
Everyone welcome!
Events this weekend!
Finding Peace in a Troubled World
Sat 5th Apr 2025 2-5pm
In this world of so much conflict it is easy to develop feelings of hopelessness. We all want to live in a peaceful world where there is no fear or danger but it seems impossible for that world to appear to us.
Through practising simple meditation techniques arising from Buddha’s wisdom and compassion we can discover an ocean of peace and love within our own mind.
Magical Play of the Mind
Sun 6th Apr 2025 10am-1pm
On this course we will learn how everything in our waking world arises from our mind just as people, places, and feelings arise in our dreams. When we understand that our mind is the creator of everything we are empowered to change the world we perceive and experience in our daily life into a place that brings us great joy and peace simply through changing our mind. Learn how we can develop the potentials within our mind to create the future we want for ourself and others.
Everyone welcome!
Kids Club 10.30am
These classes will help your child develop:
- loving kindness and compassion
- confidence and focus
- consideration for others
- a state of calm and peace
- a happy and positive mind
Special events with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab in 2025
Developing Authentic Renunciation
In-depth retreat with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
On this special retreat through talks, discussions and meditations Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, retired General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher of Tara IKRC, will open our minds to our infinite potential, encourage us to sincerely practise with delight and follow in the footsteps of all the Buddhas
How to be a Kadampa
Post-Summer Festival Retreat 2025
By keeping Atisha's Advice in our heart we can maintain a peaceful happy mind, our human nature and good qualities will improve, we will be able to show a good example for the people of our troubled world and we will quickly attain full enlightenment.
Finding Stillness Within
11-13 April 2025 with Buddhist Nun Kelsang Tharlam
On this retreat we can taste for ourself the stillness and joy that naturally come when we apply simple yet profound methods for developing our inner peace. We will also learn how we can carry this experience into our day to day so that we can maintain our inner stillness regardless of how busy our external circumstances may be.Everybody is welcome!
World of Compassion and Loving Kindness
17th - 21st April 2025
with Gen Kelsang Losel
We all essentially have kind hearts and wish to benefit others - but often we lack the skill and wisdom to be able to do this effectively - and sometimes even with the best intention it can all go horribly wrong!
Everyone is welcome!
Weekly Drop-in Meditation Classes at Tara IKRC
Lunchtime Meditation Classes
Monday to Friday 12:30-1:00pm
Evening Meditation Classes
Tuesdays 7:30-9:00pm
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Suitable for Beginners
Evening Meditation Classes
Wednesdays 7:30-9:00pm
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Friday Morning GP Class
Fridays 10:30-12:00pm
Suitable for Beginners
Meditation Classes in Your Area
Ashbourne || Belper || Burton-upon-Trent || Derby City || Lichfield || Loughborough || Newcastle-under-Lyme || Stafford || Uttoxeter
Each class of the term is self-contained, so you are welcome to join at any point. Each class is followed by complimentary refreshments and the opportunity to ask questions. We also have many books and materials available to help you deepen your understanding and meditation experience through further reading.
You do not need to be a Buddhist to attend, and no previous experience of meditation is required. Everybody is welcome!
Post Festival Retreats 2025
Solving our Daily Problems with Loving Kindness
Thursday 29th May - Thursday 5th June 2025
with Gen Kelsang Rabten, Resident Teacher of KMC Australia and KMC Melbourne
This Post-International Spring Festival retreat gives the opportunity to deepen the blessings we received at Spring Festival and take the many clear instructions into our heart so that loving kindness becomes our lived experience and governs all our choices and reactions.
How to be a Kadampa
Sunday Aug 10 - Saturday Aug 16 2025
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, Resident Teacher at Tara IKRC
During the next Summer Festival Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong and Gen la Kelsang Jampa will emphasise teachings and meditations on Advice from Atisha's Heart . During these teachings Venerable Geshe-la's teaching on how to engage in retreat on this precious text will be transmitted.
Free Events at Tara IKRC
Blessings for a Year
Meet all the Buddhas throughout the year
Thursdays 7:30pm
A monthly event throughout the year focused on meeting and engaging in the practice of different Kadampa Deities. Enjoy a rare opportunity to engage in these very special chanted prayers that help us to make our life more meaningful. No need to book and no fee, just drop in!
The prayers start at 7.30 pm and the duration varies based on the prayer booklets (sadhana) we use.
Prayers for World Peace
Sundays at 2:00-2:45pm
(except during retreats, so please check the calendar)
Take a break from your day and find some inner calm.
Enjoy relaxing guided meditation, a short teaching on love and compassion, and the beautiful Prayers for World Peace that will help you navigate life with a more peaceful, positive mind. No need to book. Just drop in! Everyone is welcome!
Kadampa Podcasts: Living Clarity
Welcome to Kadampa podcasts, where we explore the art of living a happier and more fulfilling life through the teachings of Kadampa Buddhism.
Each episode is an inspiring extract taken from a teaching given by various Kadampa Buddhist Teachers worldwide. Whether you're new to Buddhism or have been practicing for years, these podcasts are for anyone looking to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
I don't know if I can express with words everything I've lived in this wonderful place! I think as much as I try, I can't because it was just magical! The beauty of the place, the peace that the place brought me, the meditations, the people who lived there or just volunteered, everything was just perfect, everything was as it should have been. I just have to thank everything I've experienced and I highly recommend it! I will definitely be back too!
A very special and beautiful place. The people are incredibly sweet and welcoming. The meditation classes and retreats are well-designed for all levels, and the rooms are very comfortable for a long-term stay. I have a transformational experience every time I visit here.
Such an amazing place. You can feel the calming influence as soon as you get there. Lovely staff and the food and drinks are great too.
Such an amazing place. Have stayed there twice now, once for a retreat and once during the week just so I cpuld be in the energy of the teachings and get reconnected again. I highly recommend the teachings and even if you don't follow Buddhism it's a beautiful energy to be in
Loved it. Beautiful gardens and lovely teachings by the lovely Buddhists The cafe was great and food was healthy and tasty . Will be visiting again
I have just returned from the weekend retreat and have to say I had the most wonderful time! I had never been anywhere like this before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Wow, it is such a beautiful place with beautiful people. The classes and meditations are very clear and eye opening. I will now be using these in my daily life and want to learn a lot more. I will definitely be back. Thank you so much for a life-changing weekend.
What can I say about the most beautiful place I have ever been fortunate to have been a part of. The community, the grounds, the food, the love, the tranquility, second to none. If you can, you should. What a place.