The Secret to Lasting Happiness 18 - 20 Sep

Date: 18 - 20 September 2026

Teacher: Kelsang Sama

What is the real secret to lasting happiness? According to Buddha's teachings, true happiness arises not from always trying to satisfy our own wishes, but from developing a warm and compassionate heart that cherishes others.

The special meditation practice of exchanging self with others was once regarded as a "holy secret" and has been passed down through an unbroken lineage of Kadampa masters, from the great Buddhist teacher Shantideva to Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Through their great kindness, these precious instructions are available for us to practise today.

During this weekend retreat, we will learn how to gradually reduce self-centred attitudes and develop genuine love and compassion for others. As we learn to cherish others more deeply, we naturally experience greater inner peace, happiness, and fulfilment in our daily life.

These practical and transformative meditations help us change the way we relate to ourselves and others. Through sincere practice, we can begin to develop the compassionate mind of a Bodhisattva, a person whose greatest wish is to benefit others and who is progressing towards the lasting happiness of enlightenment.

This retreat offers a precious opportunity to step back from the busyness of everyday life, enjoy guided meditations and teachings, and deepen our experience of these inspiring methods for finding lasting happiness.

Everyone is warmly welcome, whether you are new to meditation or have been practising for many years.

Timetable:

Friday 18th September
7:30 – 9:00pm: Introduction

Saturday 19th September
9:00 – 10:30am: Session 1
11:45am – 1:00pm: Session 2
4:30 – 5:45pm: Session 3
7:30 – 8:30pm: Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog offerings Puja

Sunday 20th September
9:00 – 10:30am: Session 1
11:45am – 1:00pm: Session 2