Welcome to Tara IKRC
On this page you will find a wealth of opportunities to begin or deepen your spiritual progress through practising Buddha's teachings as presented by the meditation master, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
This Week at Tara IKRC
Beginners Retreat: Serenity and Stillness
Fri 22nd Nov 7:30pm - Sun 24th Nov 1:00pm
Hectic modern life seems to only increase our inner tension; even when we try to relax we find ourselves seeking excitement and stimulation which give only a temporary relief from our underlying stress.
What we really need in our life is peace, calm and stillness within while we are engaging with the maelstrom of daily modern living - we need to feel still and serene.
This weekend we will be introduced to the wisdom of ancient Buddhist sages, learning how to quell the inner turbulence and find real peace within. Everybody is welcome.
Lunchtime Meditation Classes
Meditations for a Clear Mind: Clarity Meditation
Mon-Fri 12:30-1:00pm
Usually, we find it difficult to control our mind. It seems as if our mind is like a balloon in the wind – blown here and there by external circumstances. If things go well, our mind is happy, but if they go badly, it immediately becomes unhappy.
If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Everyone is welcome! No need to book, just pay in the Shop upon arrival.
Powa Ceremony-Prayers for the Deceased
Thu 21st November 7:30-8:30pm
When we practise transference of consciousness, or‘powa’, with faith, compassion and concentration, we can transfer the consciousness of those who have recently died to a higher rebirth or to the Pure Land of a Buddha.
The powa ceremony can be performed by a single person or a group of practitioners for the sake of one or more deceased people, as well as for the sake of countless people who have died recently. By performing this practice, we also create a vast collection of merit that will also lead us on the path to the Pure Land of a Buddha.
Everyone is welcome! No need to book. You may bring food (not meat) or drink (non-alcoholic) offering if you wish.
Prayers for World Peace
Sun 24th Nov 2:00-2:45pm
By learning to cherish others we can experience greater peace of mind and help to establish world peace in general.
Through contemplating these prayers compiled by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche from traditional sources, we learn to cherish others.
If everyone sincerely prays to be able to cherish others, then gradually through the power of this prayer, everyone will actually cherish each other and the world will then be permanently at peace, and pure and everlasting happiness will pervade the entire world.
Everyone is welcome! No need to book, just drop in.
Why not stay over for a weekend? - Curry and Calm on Friday followed by a half day course
Stop Worrying, Start Living
Sat 7th Dec 10am-1pm
When we are anxious we feel tense and unable to enjoy anything. We deeplywish to experience peace of mind but do not know how to achieve this.In this course we will learn simple meditations and ways of thinking that canhelp to free us from this painful situation so that we can enjoy the deephappiness and contentment that naturally arises when our mind is peaceful,without our external circumstances needing to change.
Living with Joy and Purpose
Sat 7th Dec 2-5pm
We all want to be happy all the time and do not want to suffer but often our lives seem full of difficulties and our experience of happiness is fleeting and short-lived. Learn how we can find real purpose in our life and experience great joy through practising simple meditations and integrating Buddha’s teachings into our daily life. In this way every day will become truly meaningful and we will fulfil our wish for happiness and freedom from problems.
The Art of Forgiveness
Sun 8th Dec 10am-1pm
We all make mistakes and at times behave in ways that disturb the minds of others but when these things happen to us we sometimes hold onto feelings of blame, hurt and
resentment. This leaves us feeling unhappy and can create real problems in our interactions with others. Learn the great benefits that being able to forgive others brings in enabling us to keep a peaceful and happy mind whatever happens – in this lies true freedom!
Half-day course with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Taking the Wisdom Buddha Deep into Your Heart
ANNUAL HALF DAY COURSE AND TARA COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH
14th December 2024 | 11:00am - 1:00pm
If we really do not wish to experience suffering and problems we must realize emptiness, the selflessness of persons and phenomena.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche explains that until now our way of identifying ourself has been mistaken and because of this weexperience various kinds of suffering and problems throughout our life.
Christmas Retreat with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Discover Your Hidden Depths
23rd - 26th December 2024
On this special Christmas holiday retreat Gen la Khyenrab will guide us through talks and meditations which can change our perspective and ways of thinking so we can discover our own hidden potential and find real inner peace and tranquility.
Everyone is welcome to this retreat!
special talk with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
New Year, Fresh Beginning
31st December 2024 | 10pm-10:45pm
The New Year can be a time of reflection and renewal if used meaningfully. On this New Year’s Eve, Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab will share Buddha’s wisdom insights on how we can practically improve the lives of ourselves and others in the coming months.
Everybody is welcome!
six sessions of 'liberation from sorrow' prayers
24hrs Green Tara Retreat
December 31st - January 1st
11:00pm-12:10am | 3-4:10am | 7-8:10am | 11-12:10pm | 3-4:10pm | 7-8:10pm
A unique and wonderful way to begin the New Year ~ with praises and requests to Buddha Green Tara in 6 sessions over 24 hours. Tara has the power to free us from sorrow and fulfil our wishes for a happy, meaningful life.
This retreat will begin with the 11pm session on December 31 which is part of the New Year’s Eve event, as the first of the 6 sessions of retreat.
Everybody is welcome!
Dorje Shugden Empowerment and Commentary
Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th January 2025
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Weekly Drop-in Meditation Classes at Tara IKRC
Morning Meditation Classes
Fridays 10:30-12:00pm
with Gen Kelsang Dema
Lunchtime Meditation Classes
Monday to Friday 12:30-1:00pm
Evening Meditation Classes
Tuesdays 7:30-9pm
Wednesdays 7:30-9pm
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
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.
Meditation Classes in Your Area
Ashbourne || 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!
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!
Google reviews
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.