Going for refuge is the first of the four great preliminary guides which lead us to the state of full enlightenment. Through training in sincerely going for refuge we enter the gateway to Buddhism; and training in the compassionate mind of bodhichitta we enter the gateway to the Mahayana – the main path to the state of enlightenment.

If we do not have a practice of refuge in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – we will not enter Buddhism and this means we have no opportunity to attain permanent liberation from suffering or the supreme happiness of Enlightenment. Then we will have lost the meaning of human life.

There will be four guided sessions a day, (except when there is Wishfulfilling Jewel tsog offering puja), and the practice is accomplished within the sadhana Essence of Good Fortune.

A retired General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab is also the Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre. Gen-la is deeply respected throughout the Kadampa world as a sincere practitioner and powerful teacher.

We offer comfortable, clean accommodation with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere to help you gain the best experience of this special weekend retreat. 

Along with 38 acres of woodland and parkland as well as our Tharpa bookstore and gift shop and World Peace Cafe - Tara IKRC is the perfect place to engage in meaningful retreat and relax