Family Meditation Classes

Sundays 10:30-11:30am with Maria Healey

Dharma Tots & Dharma Children

Our family meditation classes teach children as well as adults to meditate and it introduce you to basic Buddhist concepts derived from Kadampa Buddhism: how to connect to a sense of inner peace, to identify with our astounding potential, develop compassion, generosity, gratitude, develop self-confidence and let go of agitating states of minds like anger and jealousy. Regular attendance at these classes can assist kids with the development of important life skills such as increased empathy, respect for others, self-confidence, self-control, and concentration.

These sessions will help children connect to their imaginations and bring out their positive qualities. They learn that our painful emotions are like clouds passing in the clear blue sky of our minds. These lessons in meditation and ancient wisdom teachings can plant seeds in these young minds that will flower for years to come, giving them insight into the power we have to create our own experiences.

These classes will present some of Buddha’s teachings in a way that is fun, simple and easy for children to understand, as well as meeting other children and having a fun day out.

Please scroll down for more information and bookings for Dharma Tots or Dharma Children classes.

Dharma Tots Classes

This class is suitable for children aged 0-4 years and their carers. With little ones present, we do not expect the class to be silent. Our experienced Kadampa Teacher, Maria Healey will skilfully guide this class so both babies and adults have a meaningful experience.

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 class assistant, Sam Shaw.

At the end of the meditation we will listen to Avalokiteshvara's mantra (the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion), followed by a Q&A session for the adults whilst the children play and have fun with the entertaining selection of toys that are set up for this class.

Dharma Children Classes

This class is suitable for children of ages between 4 and 12 years. Parents, grandparents and carers are welcome to join the class if they wish. Our experienced Kadampa Teacher, Maria Healey, will skilfully guide this class so both children and adults will have a meaningful experience.

The class starts with a short prayer, for which children are invited to join in chanting following the words on the prayer cards. After which there will be a teaching based on the theme of each class (eg: compassion, love, patience etc). At the end of the teaching they will all join in and practice a short breathing meditation followed by meditation on the topic of the day (eg: compassion, love etc)

At the end of the meditation we will listen to Avalokiteshvara's mantra (the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion), followed by a session of arts and crafts based on the topic of the day, with the class assistant, Sam Shaw. 

Everyone is welcome!

Venue & Parking

These classes are taking place at:

Tara IKRC, Ashe Hall, Ash Lane, Etwall DE65 6HT

Free parking and disabled parking available on site.

Schedule

10:00am Doors open

10:30-10:50am Teaching

10:50-11:00am Guided meditation

11:00-11:30am Q&A for parents and Play session for babies/children

The Teacher

Maria Healey who is a parent, a Kadampa Teacher and a meditation practitioner of many years.  

The arts and crafts sessions will be facilitated by Sam Shaw.

Fees & Booking

Regular: £0 for under 4 year olds | £5 for 4 to 12 year olds | £5 per adult
Members: no charge (click here for more info about the monthly membership)

How to book: You can book in advance via our website or simply drop in and register upon arrival. Pre-registration is encouraged to allow a smoother registration process and decrease your waiting time at the door. Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of the event. Please arrive 15 minutes before class starts.

To book in advance, click on the booking button below and fill out the booking form. At the end of the booking process, you will receive an email confirming your booking.

Payment methods: For pre-registration via our website, we accept credit cards. For registration on site upon arrival, we accept cash, debit and credit cards.

Terms & Conditions

Please click here to familiarise yourself with our terms and conditions, and refund policy before booking your ticket.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: info@tarakmc.org or call us on 01283 732338 during Reception opening hours.