Letting go of Fear
Sunday 11th May 10am-1pm
When we learn how to develop inner peace through meditation we create a place of refuge within our mind that protects us from developing this painful emotion. We discover the freedom of being able to respond in a positive and peaceful way to challenging situations and our life becomes a joy through which we can bring great benefit to others.
Everyone welcome!
The Happiness Toolkit
Saturday 17th May | 10-11am | 12-1pm | 3-4pm
When we experience negative states of mind that make us miserable we need quick and simple methods to adjust our mind into a positive happy state.
There are also many minds we can generate that protect us from generating negative minds and enable us to stay happy and content throughout our day whatever happens.
In this day retreat we will learn about these transformative ways of thinking and through contemplation and meditation on them equip ourselves for a happy and peaceful life that helps ourself and others.
Everyone welcome!
How to make tormas
Sunday 18th May 10am-1pm
Tara IKRC is delighted to be holding a workshop on the traditional Buddhist art of torma making. Tormas are traditional custom-made food offerings (usually made of marzipan or fondant) that are offered to the Buddhas in various ritual practices and prayers such as empowerments, retreats and chanted prayers. Representing an offering of great bliss, tormas can range from very simple to exquisitely beautiful.
Curry & Calm
Friday 16th May 6.30pm
The evening begins with a short teaching and a simple, guided meditation to bring a sense of inner peace at the end of a busy week, followed by a tasty, home-cooked, vegetarian curry meal
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.
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!
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!
Meditation Classes and Activities for Families
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.
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.