Treasury of Unobservable Compassion - A Journey to the Pure Land
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
20th - 25th March 2026
Avalokiteshvara is the Buddha of Compassion and receiving this rare blessing empowerment will stimulate our natural seeds of compassion so that we can make quick progress in this life-changing experience. When our mind is governed by compassion we are always happy; it is an essential and powerful practice for everyone.
This will be followed by a short guided retreat with Gen la Kelsang Khyenrab in which we can increase our familiarity with this profound practice following the sadhana Powa Ceremony, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Everybody is welcome to join in and no previous experience or commitment is required.
Attaining Fearlessness
with Maria-Mirabela Healey
Saturday 28th March | 10am - 5pm
Tara is a female Buddha who swiftly protects us from both internal and external dangers and provides the supportive conditions we need for our spiritual growth. By relying upon her with sincere faith, we come to experience her compassionate guidance and blessings, enabling us to develop and maintain a peaceful and happy mind, whatever challenges arise.
In this day retreat, we will reflect on inspiring stories of Tara, deepening our confidence in her ability to help us quickly and effectively. Through this, we can strengthen our faith and learn how to rely upon her in a practical and heartfelt way.
Together, we will also engage in the beautiful and powerful Liberation from Sorrow prayers, creating a meaningful opportunity to connect with Tara’s compassionate energy and bring greater courage, protection, and inner peace into our lives.
Make Your Own Mala
Sunday 29th March | 10am - 1pm
with Ling Brandwood
The mala, a traditional Buddhist rosary used for counting recitations of prayers or mantras, is a very precious ritual object. A standard mala contains one hundred and eight beads and is often used during meditation to help keep the mind focused while reciting mantras. For many practitioners, a mala becomes a deeply personal and meaningful companion on the spiritual path.
In this special workshop, you will learn how to make your own mala — or repair an existing one — using an adjustable sliding knot. Creating your own mala can be a very joyful and meditative experience, allowing you to craft an object that you can use in your daily practice for many years to come.
Special Retreats
Less is More
Fri 3rd - Mon 6th April 2026
with Gen Kelsang Dema
Do you ever wish life could feel simpler—less crowded in your mind, with fewer demands, fewer possessions to manage, and more space for genuine joy and contentment?
Often, it can feel as though life only becomes busier and more complicated over time, bringing more pressure and less happiness. This retreat offers a chance to step back from that cycle.
Over the course of the weekend, we will explore practical ways to reduce stress and mental busyness, and to cultivate a light, peaceful, and joyful mind — one that remains steady and content regardless of external circumstances.
Suitable for everyone — no previous experience needed
How to Come to Terms with Our Death and Enjoy a Meaningful Life
Fri 24th - Wed 29th April 2026
with Guest Teacher Gen Kelsang Chökyong
Many of our everyday problems — stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction — arise from overlooking the truth of our impermanent nature. By gently learning to accept this reality, we can release deep-seated fears and discover a more peaceful, meaningful way of living.
On this special retreat, we will explore how to align our mind with the truth of our life, opening the door to a deeply fulfilling and purposeful future. Through guided meditations based on Buddha’s Lamrim teachings, we will begin to uncover our potential for limitless inner growth and lasting happiness.
Suitable for everyone — no previous experience needed
Weekly Drop-in Classes at Tara IKRC
Lunchtime Meditation Class
Monday to Friday 12:30-1:00pm
Suitable for Beginners
Tuesday Evening Meditation Class
Tuesday 7:30-9:00pm
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Suitable for Beginners
Wednesday Morning Meditation Class
Wednesday 11:00-12:15pm
with Donna Healey
Suitable for Beginners
Friday Morning Meditation Class
Friday 10:30-12:00pm
with Kelsang Sama
Suitable for Beginners
Meditation Classes in Your Area
Ashbourne || Belper || Burton-upon-Trent || Lichfield || Loughborough || Newcastle-under-Lyme || Spondon || Stafford || Swadlincote || 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.
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
Prostrations to the 35 Confession Buddhas
The Bodhisattva’s Confession of Moral Downfalls
Thursdays 7:30pm
One of the most powerful methods for purifying negativity is The Bodhisattva’s Confession of Moral Downfalls, also known as the Mahayana Sutra of the Three Superior Heaps.
In this practice, we visualize the Thirty-five Confession Buddhas and engage in purification in their presence. Through the power of their blessings and prayers, we can quickly purify even heavy negative actions by sincerely reciting their names with faith.
Prayers for World Peace
Sundays at 10:30-11:45am
(except during retreats, so please check the calendar)
Take a break from your day and find some inner calm.
Enjoy relaxing guided meditations, 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! Everybody welcome!
More of Kadampa Buddhism
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 practising for years, these podcasts are for anyone looking to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
The Modern Buddhism Podcast
Welcome to the Modern Buddhism Podcast, where we explore how meditation and Buddha's timeless wisdom can help all of us to cultivate a deeper inner peace, happiness, and resilience in daily life.
Listen to inspiring conversations with people who live these teachings every day.
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.