How to be a Kadampa
Sunday Aug 10 - Saturday Aug 16 2025
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
**Day passes and camping available**
By studying Kadam Dharma and keeping these precious teachings 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
Free your mind
Friday - Monday 22-25 August 2025
Free your mind from all your burdens, and let go of your stress, anxiety and frustration.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful, tranquil environment of Tara IKRC and enjoy being guided into an experience of real inner peace and contentment, through meditation.
The Four Noble Truths
Opening Ceremony and Weekend Course
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
With everyone in our world today experiencing so much unhappiness and confusion Buddha’s ancient yet timeless message is more urgent and relevant than ever before. The essence of this wisdom is encapsulated in his famous Four Noble Truths.
On this special weekend, the first teachings offered in the newly constructed Meditation Hall at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre, Gen la Kelsang Khyenrab will give a practical guide on how we can take Buddha’s message deep into our hearts and in this way begin to heal our world and solve all daily human problems permanently.
Curry and Calm
Enjoy a guided meditation and peaceful atmosphere followed by a delicious Buffet of authentic Indian cuisine. A perfect way to finish off the week
Kid's classes this weekend!
Meditation for Families
Sundays at 10:30-11:30am
*Monthly event-please check our calendar for dates
The class starts with a short prayer - you are invited to join in chanting, but if you prefer not to, that's absolutely fine.
Followed by a teaching based on one of the 21 meditations from The Meditation Handbook by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, after which we can engage in a short breathing meditation, whilst the children are watched by the class assistant.
Kids Club
Sundays at 10:30-11:45am
*Monthly event-please check our calendar for dates
These classes aim to develop and nurture your child’s good qualities through Buddhist meditation and positive thinking. In each class we practise a simple breathing meditation which helps to make their mind calm and peaceful.
We also do a variety of activities, such as arts and craft, drama, stories, music and fun outdoor activities and games.
Events with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
The Illusory Dance of Appearance and Emptiness
Half-Day Course with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
Saturday 13th December 10am - 1pm
Christmas Lunch at 1.30pm
Following Je Tsongkhapa's teachings from theGanden Emanation Scripture, which are the nature of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, Gen-la Khyenrab will today share some special insights from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche's oral transmission. The wisdom realizing this union is the correct view of emptiness, which is Buddha's ultimate view
Living Ultimate Reality
The Way of the Wisdom Buddhas
Tuesday 23rd - Saturday 27th December 2025
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
and Kelsang Tharlam
Ultimate reality, or emptiness, is the way things really are. Buddha explained that normally we are under the influence of our mistaken perceptions of reality; these mistakes lead us into suffering and despair because we are so out of touch with how things really are. When we gain a deep knowledge of profound emptiness we can permanently liberate ourselves from all these mistakes and all types of problems and pain.
Turning Your Life in the Direction of Happiness
Special Talk with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
31st December | 7:30-9:00pm Talk
9:00-11:00pm Vegetarian buffet (vegan and vegetarian)
When the new year comes around we all wish for a happy year.
Join us for an uplifting talk and meditation at Tara IKRC with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab. Start the New Year with inspiration, confdence and joy!
Making Our Wishes Come True
December 31st 2025 - January 1st 2026
11:00pm-12:10am | 3-4:10am | 7-8:10am | 11-12:10pm | 3-4:10pm | 7-8:10pm
The magic continues with this wonderful way to begin the New Year.
We will make praises and requests to our common holy Mother, Arya Tara, following the powerful prayers Liberation from Sorrow.
Supreme Unchanging Friend
How to rely purely on a Spiritual Guide
Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th January 2026
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
On this weekend course Gen la Kelsang Khyenrab, following the profound instructions of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, will guide us to the correct view and intention on how to follow our Spiritual Guide purely and sincerely. This course is also a perfect preparation for the 2026 Winter Retreat.
These two events can be attended either separately or together.
Supreme Ocean of Infinite Good Fortune
Venerable Geshe-la’s name mantra Close retreat
Monday Jan 5 - Sunday Feb 15 2026
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
An opportunity to draw closer to our Root Guru through the recitation of Venerable Geshe-la’s name mantra; those who wish may collect 100,000 mantra recitations to complete a close retreat of numbers.
Weekly Drop-in Meditation 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
Friday Morning Meditation Class
Wednesday 10:00-11:00pm
Suitable for Beginners
Friday Morning Meditation Class
Friday 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!
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!
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 practicing 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.