We may have a wish to learn how to meditate, or to find out about Buddhism, but where do we start?
The meditation classes run by Kadampa Meditation Centre Leeds (and its branches, once they’re open again!) are the perfect place. These classes are part of the ‘General Programme’ (GP) of Kadampa Buddhism designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gystaso for busy people of the modern world.
Maybe you’ve begun our exploration of meditation or Buddhism through reading books on our own, but actually training our mind through meditation depends on guidance from a qualified instructor. It is also invaluable to have the support of fellow practitioners.
You can attend classes either as series or as stand-alone classes, so you can attend any class even if the series has already started. Book your first class now.
Everyone is welcome!
Anyone can learn how to meditate, regardless of background or beliefs. Our classes are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, teachings, and practice. They are clear, accessible, and friendly.
Everybody is welcome. We are currently renovating the building to meet high standards of accessibility. The Centre will be fully wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps to all public areas and accessible toilets. A hearing loop will be installed in the Meditation Hall.
We want you to enjoy our classes and courses, our World Peace Café and our shop, and we want you to be as comfortable as possible while doing so.
Our classes and courses are open to everyone and everyone is welcome. They generally have three elements:
- Guided Meditation
Every class includes a chance to practise meditation. No prior experience, special equipment or special clothes are necessary – just come as you are. We meditate sitting on chairs & all the meditations are guided. - Talk
From Buddha’s teachings, these practical talks help us to solve our daily problems and find peace, happiness and, if we wish, a deeper purpose in our busy lives. - Discussion
A chance to discuss the topic of the talk and the meditation with others, and to ask questions. Don’t worry – there’s no expectation to talk if you don’t want to!
The classes will allow you to unwind your mind and return home relaxed and refreshed. They will provide you with new tools for dealing with stress, anxiety, and problems. They will also help you to overcome negative states of mind such as anger and jealousy, and to cultivate positive minds such as patience and love.
The talks and guided meditations will provide you with the foundation for developing a powerful meditation practice. A regular meditation practice has many benefits:
- Reduces stress
- Overcomes anxiety and worry
- Brings inner calm and a feeling of well-being
- Increases our patience, love, wisdom and other good qualities
- Gives us the clarity to solve our problems
- Helps us to deal with challenging people and situations
- Brings deep meaning and purpose to our life
For the time being, all our classes and courses for the people of Leeds and surrounding areas are taking place online – book your next class now.
If you’re based outside the area, find your nearest centre here.
Modern Buddhism is the ancient wisdom of Buddha’s teaching presented in a way that is easy to understand and practise in our busy modern lives. It has relevance for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. The emphasis at our classes is on learning the various techniques for training the mind taught by Buddha and how to apply them in daily life. Attending the classes will help us let go of anger, anxiety and other painful states of mind and replace them with peaceful, positive minds.
The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT–IKBU) is an international association of Mahayana Buddhist study and meditation centres that follow the Kadampa Buddhist tradition founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
These Centers all follow the three New Kadampa Tradition Study Programs (see below) and are guided by a common code of moral discipline called the Internal Rules of the NKT–IKBU.
To bring them together under the auspices of a legal entity, every NKT–IKBUCentre is a member of an international Buddhist charity with the same name ‘New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union’.
The charity is incorporated in England, and its constitution is completely democratic, sharing authority between a General and Deputy Spiritual Director, a team of managers and the member Centers themselves.
No, there is no need to bring anything with you.
If you have questions that are not answered here, please feel welcome to email: info@kadampaleeds.org.uk