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Saturday & Weekend Events
How to Be Kind to Yourself
Saturday 29th March 2025, 10am-1.15pm
How we view and treat ourselves affects everything we think, say and do. How we experience our life and the things, people and situations we encounter are in turn affected. When we value being kind to ourselves, we will naturally put effort into doing so.
On this half-day course, Gen Keslang Dragden, Resident Teacher at KMC Plymouth, will use Buddhist teachings we can all use, to explain how to be kind to ourselves and to develop a positive and accepting view of ourselves.
When we put these teachings into practice, we will develop the ability to be strong and happy regardless of life’s challenges. When we maintain a skilful self-kindness we will find ourselves freed from so many inner constraints and energised to easily and joyfully extend our kindness outwards to others.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am – 11.15am Teaching with guided meditations
Session 2: 12pm – 1.15pm Teaching with guided meditations
Our Coffee Bar will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance: £15
This event is free to members – become a member HERE
Class format
These events are suitable for everyone, no previous experience needed. Everyone is welcome.
Enjoy the benefits of more time than in our evening classes, the opportunity to meet and talk with fellow attendees and the chance to take some time out in the peaceful atmosphere of KMC Plymouth.
- Guided breathing meditation
- Practical teaching
- Second meditation with guidance based on the teaching
- A break for light refreshments in our World Peace Café
- A further teaching and meditation session as above
- Option to ask the Teacher questions at the end of the class and discuss with fellow attendees
The Wisdom of Self-Esteem
Saturday 12th April 2025, 10am – 1.15pm
What do we base our self-esteem on? Do we have an appropriate and well-founded sense of self-worth and confidence? How can a lack of self-esteem affect us and others in our life?
In this half-day meditation course we will learn to identify the thoughts and feelings which can keep us limited in our outlook, and even feeling discouraged, and understand the potential harm they can do. By understanding these “unhelpful” minds, we can explore an alternative, entirely reliable basis for developing wise and healthy self-esteem. In doing so, we can start to relate to and grow our true potential for inner peace and lasting happiness.
This event is suitable for everyone and no previous experience is required. Everyone is welcome!
Schedule
Session 1: 10am – 11.15am Teaching with guided meditations
Session 2: 12pm – 1.15pm Teaching with guided meditations
Our Coffee Bar will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance: £15
This event is free to members – become a member HERE
Class format
These events are suitable for everyone, no previous experience needed. Everyone is welcome.
Enjoy the benefits of more time than in our evening classes, the opportunity to meet and talk with fellow attendees and the chance to take some time out in the peaceful atmosphere of KMC Plymouth.
- Guided breathing meditation
- Practical teaching
- Second meditation with guidance based on the teaching
- A break for light refreshments in our World Peace Café
- A further teaching and meditation session as above
- Option to ask the Teacher questions at the end of the class and discuss with fellow attendees
Awakening The Heart
Urban Half-Day Retreat
Saturday 26th April 2025, 10am-1.30pm
Enjoy time out from the busyness of life and transform your mind in our half day urban retreat of three sessions with simple, profound guided meditations.
When we open our heart to others through these key meditation practices, this develops so much peace of mind and happiness. We will improve all our relationships with others through learning to cherish others.
The first meditation is about learning to cherishing others – thinking that others are important, and that their happiness and freedom are important.
The second is a practical meditation on compassion – the sincere wish to protect others from suffering.
The third is a practical meditation on love – the sincere wish to give happiness to others.
All these meditations can be practised by anyone, and no previous knowledge or experience is required. Everyone is welcome on this special day of opening our hearts to all living beings.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am – 10.45am Teaching with guided meditations
Session 2: 11.30am – 12.15pm Teaching with guided meditations
Session 2: 12.45pm – 1.30pm Teaching with guided meditations
Our Coffee Bar will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance: £15
This event is free to members – become a member HERE
Urban Half Day Retreat Format
These events are suitable for everyone, no previous experience needed. Everyone is welcome. Enjoy the benefits of more time than in our evening classes, the opportunity to meet and talk with fellow attendees and the chance to take some time out in the peaceful atmosphere of KMC Plymouth.
Each of the three sessions will include:
- a guided relaxation meditation
- a short practical teaching
- a second meditation with guidance based on the teaching
Between sessions there is a break for light refreshments in our World Peace Café and the chance to socialise and discuss the session and teachings with others.
After the third session, there is also the opportunity to ask the Teacher questions and discuss our learning and experiences.
Special Meditation Event In Appledore, North Devon
Be Kind To Your Mind
with Heide – Bideford Branch Class Teacher
Saturday 10th May 2025, 10.00am – 1.15pm
Please note this event is being held in APPLEDORE
When our mind is peaceful, we naturally feel tranquil and contented, but as soon as negative states of mind arise they destroy our peace like a sudden storm destroying the tranquillity of an ocean.
Learn how our negative states of mind develop and how to let them go. Discover how to experience the natural peace & contentment of your mind and how we can apply this even when we face difficult situations, worries and concerns.
This event is suitable for everyone and no previous experience is required. Everyone is welcome!
Venue
Blue Lights Hall, 2 Vernons Lane, APPLEDORE, EX39 1QU
Special Visiting Teacher Meditation Event
The Secret of Happiness
“An Inner Journey”
with Gen Kelsang Dema, Resident Teacher of Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre, Cheshire.
Saturday 17th May 2025, 10am-3:45pm
“Happiness is a state of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions. If our mind is pure and peaceful we shall be happy, regardless of our external circumstances, but if it is impure and unpeaceful we shall never find happiness, no matter how much we try to change our external circumstances.” Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
We all seek happiness and freedom from unhappy feelings, thoughts and experiences. When we understand that we already have the means to achieve permanent, meaningful happiness within our mind, regardless of what life throws at us, we can start to tap into this potential with some simple yet profound instructions; joyfully engaging in unlocking the secret to true, lasting happiness.
Unlock your mind’s potential at this special event which will explore practical and realistic approaches to finding true happiness through understanding and developing helpful states of mind.
Schedule
Our World Peace Café will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
- Session 1: 10.00am – 11.15am
- Tea Break
- Session 2: 12.00pm – 1.15pm
- Lunch Break
- Session 3: 2.30pm – 3.45pm
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance:
- Non-Members and Standard Members: £20
- Premium members: Free to premium members – become a member HERE
About The Teacher
Gen Kelsang Dema is Resident Teacher at Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre in Cheshire. Gen Dema is a highly respected teacher with many years of dedicated study and practice, earning her recognition for her deep understanding of Buddhist teachings. Her teachings are characterised by their clarity, depth, and relevance to contemporary life.
Offering Our Faith
A Special Day Retreat for Geshe-La’s Birthday
Sunday 1st June 2025, 10am-3:45pm
To celebrate the birthday of our Founder, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, join us at KMC Plymouth to engage in wonderful prayers and meditations using the sadhana, “The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land According to Highest Yoga Tantra”.
Composed by Venerable Geshe-la himself and extracted from the Ganden Emanation Scripture, this sadhana, or ritual prayer for spiritual attainments, is a perfect preparation for Mahamudra meditation. Through engaging in this practice of Guru yoga – a special way of relying upon our Spiritual Guide – we can quickly receive the blessings of all the Buddhas, transforming our negative mind to one which is positive and joyful.
The day will start with “Wishfulfilling Jewel”, a set of meditative prayers and of offerings.
This is an ideal opportunity to celebrate our kind founder and enjoy the blessings from the practice of “The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land According to Highest Yoga Tantra”.
Copies of “The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land According to Highest Yoga Tantra” can be purchased at KMC Plymouth or online at Tharpa Publications HERE.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers with offerings
Session 2: 12pm-1:15pm
Session 3: 2.30pm – 3:45pm
Fees
This event is FREE for everyone to attend.
There is no need to book this event, simply turn up a few minutes before the session starts.
Special Visiting Teacher Meditation Event
Building Self-Confidence
with Kadam Bridget Heyes
NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director of the UK
Principal Teacher at Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre
Saturday 7th June 2025, 10am-3:30pm
Why do we sometimes lack the confidence and belief in ourselves to do and be the things we want? When we see ourselves from a limited perspective, holding self-critical opinions and failing to see our true potential, we experience unhappy states of mind – these can be deeply ingrained within us and need powerful wisdom for us to be able to let go of them.
On this special day course, Kadam Bridget will explain how to develop an authentic self confidence built upon a realistic understanding of our potential and our limitations. She will outline how to use this confidence in all that we do to overcome insecurities and doubts that often hold us back, allowing an inner joy and freedom to make real progress and benefit ourself and others.
We will enjoy meaningful self-confidence to the benefit of ourselves and others. Each session will contain guided meditations & teachings we can take with us from the class, to move forward with confidence.
Schedule
Our World Peace Café will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
- Session 1: 10.00am – 11.15am
- Tea Break
- Session 2: 12.00pm – 1.15pm
- Lunch Break
- Session 3: 2.15pm – 3.30pm
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance:
- Non-Members and Standard Members: £20
- Premium members: Free to premium members – become a member HERE
About The Teacher
Kadam Bridget Heyes is the Principal Teacher at Nagarjuna KMC, a senior disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gysatso Rinpoche, and has been practising for over 35 years. Kadam Bridget is the NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director of the UK and is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart, and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice. Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practice and integrate into daily life.
Group Walk – Plymbridge Woods
Saturday 14th June 2025
Join us for a relaxing walk in Plymbridge Woods. This is a gentle paced walk suitable for everyone to enjoy and friends and family are welcome as are dogs. Enjoy some timeout with likeminded friends
Meet at the centre or at Plymbridge Woods car park.
Along the route we will take time to enjoy a peaceful guided meditation with Gen Dragden and if we are lucky, we’ll find an ice cream van too!
Everyone is welcome.
Car Sharing
If you need a lift or can offer transport from and back to the centre, please contact us by email HERE
What if the Weather is Bad?
This walk will go ahead regardless of the weather (it will just be a lot shorter and will emphasise a café!)
Times
Meet at KMC Plymouth by no later than 10am
OR
Meet at Plymbridge Woods car park at 10.30am
More Information
You can find information about the area, access and parking here: National Trust
Fees
This event is FREE – friends and family and well-behaved dogs all welcome! No need to book, just turn up!
Refuge Retreat
Sunday 15th June 2025, 10am-3:45pm
This is a guided retreat with short teachings and guided meditations.
We all seek the comfort, ease and safety of the things, places and people we hold dear. We find solace and acceptance in these, and they are a form of taking refuge from our daily life.
Likewise, we often turn of doctors when we are sick and seek their help to overcome our suffering. On this in-depth retreat we can learn to seek refuge from our suffering and difficulties in Buddha, who is like the doctor, his teachings, known as Dharma, which are like the medicine we need, and in the Sangha, our spiritual friends and community, who are like the nurses who help us take the medicine.
In this way we can go for refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha which is how Buddhists protect themselves from suffering, now and in the future. With deep experience of this practice, we stop worrying and embrace a rich and meaningful spiritual life. Through practicing refuge, we gain confidence and strength to make authentic spiritual progress.
In this guided retreat, Resident Teacher at KMC Plymouth, Gen Kelsang Dragden will take us on a journey to explore and deepen our experience and faith in the inner protection we gain from taking refuge in the Three Jewels.
This event is suitable for everyone, and everyone is welcome. No previous experience is required.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers with offerings^
Session 2: 12noon with guided meditation*
Session 3: 2.30pm with guided meditation*
Fees
*Advanced Booking or Purchase On the Door: £3 per session
^ Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers session is free for all to attend
Sunday Day Ticket: £4 (all 3 sessions – includes free prayers session at 10am)
KMC Plymouth Members: Free – To become a member, CLICK HERE
Please note that should you book for a single session but decide to stay longer for more sessions, you’ll be very welcome to do so. Just see a member of the team in our Coffee Bar.
Plymouth Hoe Outdoor Meditation
Saturday 21st June 2025, meet at Smeaton’s Tower for 10:30am
Enjoy a relaxing outdoor guided meditation with Gen Kelsang Dragden, Resident Teacher at KMC Plymouth. Everyone is welcome at this free event, so why not bring your friends and families along too – you can even bring well-behaved dogs!
On the day we will meet at Smeaton’s Tower then move on to a quieter area either in the park area or overlooking the wonderful vista of Plymouth Sound, to partake in the meditation.
What if the weather is bad?
This event will be held regardless of the weather so come prepared for glorious sunshine or pouring rain depending on what the weather forecast is!
Times
Meet at KMC Plymouth for 9:45am to walk to the Hoe
OR
Meet at Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth Hoe for 10:30am
Fees
This event is FREE – friends and family and well behaved dogs all welcome! No need to book, just turn up!
Love: The Great Protector
Saturday 5th July 2025, 10am-1.15pm
Most relationships between people are based on a mixture of love and attachment. This is not pure love because it is based on a desire for our own happiness – we value the other person because they make us feel good.
Pure love is has no conditions and stems entirely from a concern for others’ happiness. It never gives rise to problems but only to peace and happiness for both ourself and others. We need to remove attachment from our minds, but this does not mean that we have to abandon our relationships. Rather, we should learn to distinguish attachment from love, and gradually try to remove all traces of attachment from our relationships and to improve our love until it becomes pure.
Everyone is welcome, no previous experienced required.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am – 11.15am Teaching with guided meditations
Session 2: 12pm – 1.15pm Teaching with guided meditations
Our Coffee Bar will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance: £15
This event is free to members – become a member HERE
Half Day Course Format
These events are suitable for everyone. No previous experience needed.Everyone is welcome.
Enjoy the benefits of more time than in our evening classes, the opportunity to meet and talk with others and the chance to take some time out in the peaceful atmosphere of KMC Plymouth.
- Guided relaxation meditation
- Practical teaching
- Second meditation with guidance based on the teaching
- A break for light refreshments in our World Peace Café
- Second teaching and meditation session
- Option to ask the Teacher questions at the end of the class and discuss with others
Guru Yoga Mandala Offering Retreat
There are two dates for this event:
Sunday 13th July 2025, 10am-3:45pm
Sunday 20th July 2025, 10am-3:45pm
Please note: These retreat sessions will not be guided, and no teachings are given during the sessions.
We all wish for spiritual realisations, but these depend upon creating certain inner conditions such as purifying negativity, accumulating merit, and receiving blessings.
On this day retreat we will focus on the preliminary practices of accumulating merit and receiving blessings. By performing the profound practice of Guru Yoga we can receive the powerful blessings of all the Buddhas through our Spiritual Guide. With the practice of offering the mandala we accumulate a great collection of merit.
Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is required. For those undertaking this practice for the first time there will be plenty of experienced practitioners who will be only too pleased to help and support you during the day.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers with offerings
Session 2: 12pm-1:15pm
Session 3: 2.30pm – 3:45pm
Fees
This event is FREE for everyone to attend. No need to book, just turn up!
Living Lightly
Saturday 19th July 2025, 10am-1.15pm
Life can be so serious at times, and we become embroiled in the day-to-day trudge of life, carrying our problems around with us like heavy bags weighing us down. And indeed, life can be full of hardships and difficulties but there is an alternative way to approach these problems and to live a life which is lighter, more joyful and peaceful.
In this half day workshop we will explore the role of our mind in creating the experience being bogged-down in the everyday problems we face, why we try to control our life to be a certain way or for the desired outcomes of our wishes to come true. We will also learn how taking ourselves too seriously combined with trying to control our external conditions and experiences can actually creates the very problems we are trying to avoid.
With this knowledge we will begin to unravel the heaviness in our life, understand the true nature of our problems and to work with them in a positive and productive way, unburdening us from our load, moving towards a live lived lightly and contented.
Schedule
Session 1: 10am – 11.15am Teaching with guided meditations
Session 2: 12pm – 1.15pm Teaching with guided meditations
Our Coffee Bar will be open during the break serving hot and cold drinks, delicious home-made cakes and a variety of snacks.
Fees
Drop in or you can book in advance: £15
This event is free to members – become a member HERE
Half Day Course Format
These events are suitable for everyone. No previous experience needed.Everyone is welcome.
Enjoy the benefits of more time than in our evening classes, the opportunity to meet and talk with others and the chance to take some time out in the peaceful atmosphere of KMC Plymouth.
- Guided relaxation meditation
- Practical teaching
- Second meditation with guidance based on the teaching
- A break for light refreshments in our World Peace Café
- Second teaching and meditation session
- Option to ask the Teacher questions at the end of the class and discuss with others
The Stages of The Path Retreat
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2025
The Stages of The Path, also known as ‘Lamrim’, is a special arrangement of all Buddha’s teachings that is easy to understand and put into practice. It reveals all the stages of the path to enlightenment and offers practical tools and meditations we can use each day to train our mind, overcome suffering and move towards fulfilling the purpose of our precious human life.
During these retreat sessions Gen Dragden, Resident Teacher at KMC Plymouth, will guide us in these step-by-step practical methods to access our limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, and to fulfil our potential – we just need to know what to do at every stage of our spiritual journey, which is the purpose of this retreat.
Ideal for beginners and an excellent opportunity for those with familiarity to deepen their experience of these crucial meditations. Everyone is welcome and you may attend as many or few of these sessions as you wish.
Schedule
Saturday 30th August
Session 1: 9am with guided meditation*
Session 2: 11am with guided meditation*
Session 3: 2pm with guided meditation*
Session 4: 4pm with guided meditation*
Sunday 31st September
Session 1: 10am Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers with offerings^
Session 2: 12noon with guided meditation*
Session 3: 2.30pm with guided meditation*
Fees
*Advanced Booking or Purchase On the Door: £3 per session
Weekend Ticket: £14 (all 7 sessions)
Saturday Day Ticket: £10 (all 4 sessions)
Sunday Day Ticket: £4 (all 3 sessions – includes free prayers session at 10am)
KMC Plymouth Members: Free (all 7 sessions). To become a member, CLICK HERE
^ Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers on Sunday 31st: Attendance is free to all
Please note that should you book for a single session but decide to stay longer for more sessions, you’ll be very welcome to do so. Just see a member of the team in our Coffee Bar.