MEDITATION
FOR PEACE, RESILIENCE AND HAPPINESS
EXETER & DEVON
Meditation & Modern Buddhism
for peace, resilience
and authentic happiness.
We offer a range of Buddhist meditation classes and other events, both at the Centre in Exeter and in other towns in Devon. All our courses and events give practical methods to relax, develop inner peace and facilitate a creative response to the challenges of modern life. Everyone can benefit and is very welcome to attend – you do not need to be a Buddhist. See you soon!
- Learn to relax and let go of stress and anxiety
- Protect your peace of mind – even in challenging situations
- Improve concentration and focus
- Develop genuine and realistic optimism and positivity
- Everyone can benefit and is welcome to attend – you don’t need to be a Buddhist
- Classes are suitable for both complete beginners and those who already have experience of meditation.
- Sessions begin with a simple guided meditation to help stop distracting thoughts and calm the mind.
- This is followed by a talk on a specific topic relevant to daily life and another guided meditation based on the talk.
- Seating is in chairs but you are welcome to sit on a cushion if you prefer.
- Classes are self contained so you can come to a whole course or just drop in when you can.
- No need to book.
NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT
2024 Tuesday 31 December 3.15 - 5pm
@ Kadampa Meditation Centre, Exeter, 55 Union Road, Exeter
3:15pm Mince pies (& other festive morsels)
4:00pm Tara Prayers
Chanted prayers to Green Tara - a wonderful way to end the year and bring positivity and peace into 2025.
"Please pacify all sickness, poverty, misfortune, fighting and quarrelling, Throughout all directions where I and others live,
And cause the Dharma and all good fortune to flourish"
~ from the Tara prayers
No charge - just turn up.
NEW YEAR'S DAY EVENT
Morning course with Gen Chonyi
2025 Wednesday 1st January 10.30am - 12.45pm
@ Kadampa Meditation Centre, Exeter, 55 Union Road, Exeter
We all like to wish each other a Happy New Year ... but how exactly is that possible? How can a cheerful wish become reality?
A relaxing morning with guided meditations to bring genuine joy into the New Year.
Session one 10:30 – 11.15 am
Break with festive refreshments
Session two 11.15 am – 12.45 pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes refreshments.
WEEKEND EVENT
weekend meditation retreat with Gen Chonyi
4th and 5th January, 10.30am - 4.30pm each day
@ KMC Exeter, 55 Union Road, Exeter
A relaxing weekend of guided meditations known as the ‘Stages of the path to enlightenment' or 'Lamrim'.
The purpose of these meditations is to
- enable us to appreciate the extraordinary potential of our human life
- challenge us to face the fears, dissatisfaction and uncertainty of ordinary existence
- inspire and empower us to go beyond the ordinary and to accomplish the supreme happiness of permanent peace of mind
Everyone is very welcome to attend regardless of previous experience.£40 for the whole weekend (students £27)
£25 for one day only (students £16) - includes refreshments and vegetarian lunches
£40 for the whole weekend (students £27)
£25 for one day only (students £16) - includes refreshments and vegetarian lunches
SPECIAL
VISITING TEACHER EVENT
Day Course with visiting Teacher, Gen Kelsang Norden
Saturday 25 January 10:00am - 3:45pm
@ Kadampa Meditation Centre, Exeter, 55 Union Road, Exeter
We are delighted to welcome Gen Norden who will be teaching this event. Gen Norden is a Kadampa Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Compassion Kadampa Meditation Centre Newcastle and KMC Finland. She has been teaching Kadampa Buddhism and meditation across the US and the UK for over 30 years.
... In Exeter we have a special connection with Gen Norden as she was the first Kadampa Teacher here back in the mid 1990s, so we are very much looking forward to seeing her again in Devon and benefiting from her wealth of experience.
Dreams may be blissful, frightening or simply mundane, but Buddha’s teachings show us how to use our dream experiences to gain an essential insight into the nature of the mind and a profound understanding of our very existence.
This course will also include advice on how to sleep well and enjoy a meaningful rest. Everyone welcome!
Session one 10:00 – 11.15am
Tea / coffee break
Session two 12 – 1:15pm
Lunch
Session three 2:30 - 3:45pm
> £25 > Students £16
Vegetarian lunch included. Please book in advance.
WEEKEND EVENT
Meditations to Heal Our Self and Others
morning retreat with Jenny Green
Saturday 22 February, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Kadampa Meditation Centre, Exeter, 55 Union Road, Exeter
A beautiful sequence of guided meditations that bring peace to our world and harness the healing power of compassion and love.
To enhance the experience on this course we will keep silence in the breaks between the meditations. Self-service hot drinks and refreshments included.
Session one 10 – 10.40am
Break
Session two 11 – 11.40am
Break
Session three 12 – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 Please book in advance
SPECIAL EVENT
Prayers for World Peace
Saturday th February, 11.00am – 12.00pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Everyone wants to see world peace, but without first developing inner peace, outer peace is impossible. Join us for Prayers for World Peace, which includes a relaxing breathing meditation, a short teaching on growing our inner peace and beautiful chanted prayers with space for silent meditation. Everyone is welcome.
‘The power of our prayers depends upon the strength and purity of our intention. If we have a genuinely compassionate motivation, our prayers will definitely be effective’ – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
UNGUIDED RETREAT
Vajrasattva Purification Retreat
with Gen Chonyi
Thursday 7th - Sunday 10th November -
@ Kadampa Meditation Centre, Exeter, 55 Union Road, Exeter
We dedicate most of our time and energy trying to avoid problems by making changes to the external world. However, the main cause of our unhappiness and difficulties cannot be found in external conditions. It is the negative karma we have created in the past through performing harmful actions. By relying upon Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification we will cleanse our mind of delusions, negativity and obstacles. Through special meditation and mantra recitation we have the great opportunity to purify our mind quickly, so that we can make swift progress on the spiritual path.
This retreat is more suitable for those who already have some experience of our other classes and events. Apart from the introduction on Thursday evening the other sessions will be unguided - although there will be an explanatory guidance sheet and some suggested reading to help you deepen your understanding.
Thursday 7th November
7.15-8.30pm Introduction with Gen Chonyi
Please try to attend this session if you are not already familiar with this retreat.
Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November
These sessions are unguided
Retreat sessions daily:
8:00 – 9:30am
11:00am - 12:30pm
4:00 – 5:30pm
7:00-8:40pm
> The Vajrasattva practice is accomplished within the sadhana Offering to the Spiritual Guide.
> The final session on Sunday will be with tsog offering. Bring some food, eg fruit or biscuits to offer if you wish.
There will be silence in the breaks until 1pm each day.
> £3 per session or £12 for as many sessions as you like
Free to everyone on the monthly membership scheme.
No need to book. Drinks are available between sessions 🙂
SPECIAL EVENT
Prayers for World Peace
Saturday 17th February, 11.00am – 12.00pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Everyone wants to see world peace, but without first developing inner peace, outer peace is impossible. Join us for Prayers for World Peace, a free meditation class, which includes a relaxing breathing meditation, a short teaching on loving kindness, from the book New 8 Steps to Happiness, and beautiful chanted prayers. Everyone is welcome.
‘The power of our prayers depends upon the strength and purity of our intention. If we have a genuinely compassionate motivation, our prayers will definitely be effective’ – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
SPECIAL EVENT
with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 17th February, 11.00am – 11.45am
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
11:00 - 11:45am
Be genuinely inspired that, by developing our own inner peace and learning to cherish others, each one of us can contribute towards world peace. A short talk followed by beautiful chanted prayers and a meditation. Everyone is welcome - just turn up!
‘The power of our prayers depends upon the strength and purity of our intention. If we have a genuinely compassionate motivation, our prayers will definitely be effective’ – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
> No charge … make a donation if you wish
SPECIAL EVENT
morning course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 24th February, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Why does it seem that our love leads to so much pain, anxiety and general distress? It is because we fail to understand the difference between love and attachment. Pure love is a completely reliable source of happiness whereas the pain and sorrow in our relationships arises from our attachment.
By learning how to discriminate clearly between love and attachment our relationships with partner, family and friends will become more harmonious and we will draw closer to an experience of lasting happiness.
A relaxing and uplifting morning with talks and guided meditations. Vegetarian continental breakfast served in the break!
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes breakfast. Please book in advance. Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
SPECIAL EVENT
morning course with Jenny Green
Saturday 9th March, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Three simple meditations to calm the mind and develop a sense of harmony that will enrich our daily life. To enhance the experience on this course we will keep silence in the breaks between the meditations.
Session one 10 – 10.40am
Break
Session two 11 – 11.40am
Break
Session three 12 – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – Refreshments included. Please book in advance.
SPECIAL EVENT
Open Morning & Prayers for World Peace
Saturday 16 March
Open morning 10-11am
Come and say ‘hello’! Just drop in for a chat, a look around or to get some more information on our classes and events.
Prayers for World Peace - With Jenny Parsons 11:00 - 11:45am
Be genuinely inspired that, by developing our own inner peace and learning to cherish others, each one of us can contribute towards world peace. A short talk followed by beautiful chanted prayers and a meditation. Everyone is welcome - just turn up! > No charge … make a donation if you wish
'The power of our prayers depends upon the strength
and purity of our intention. If we have a genuinely
compassionate motivation, our prayers will definitely be
effective' - Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
SPECIAL EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENT
Public Lecture with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 16th March, 3.00 - 4.00pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Many people think that faith is contradictory to rational thought and that the whole ‘faith thing’ is distinctly weird! This lecture will explore the meaning and purpose of faith in Buddhism and how Buddhist teachings can be regarded as an inner science that can, and should, be tested through logical reasoning and practical experience.
You are welcome to stay on afterwards for discussion and a cuppa.
> Book in advance £7 > Pay on the door £10
SPECIAL EVENT
Spanish meal: 6pm
Delicious veggie tapas meal - a chance to relax and socialise before the film
£7 - please book in advance
Movie: The Wheel of Life: 7-9.30pm
(with short interval for ice cream or popcorn)
Performed during the NKT International Buddhist Festival in Paris, November 2008, this play tells the story of the life of King Bimbisara, a friend and contemporary of Buddha Shakyamuni. Presenting the entire path to liberation in a way that makes it come alive and immediate to our experience, the Wheel of Life expresses the essence of Buddha’s teachings, inspiring us to engage wholeheartedly in a spiritual life.
No need to book for the film - just turn up.
£6 / students £5 Everyone welcome
Watch the trailer!
SPECIAL EVENT
morning course with Jenny Green
Saturday 9th December, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
"Since it is impossible to fulfil all our desires or to stop unwanted things happening to us, we need to find a different way of relating to frustrated desires and unwanted occurrences.”
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Learn practical methods to view challenging situations from a new perspective and to protect your peace of mind when things go wrong.
A relaxing and uplifting morning with talks and guided meditations. Vegetarian continental breakfast served in the break!
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes breakfast. Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
SPECIAL EVENT
morning course with Louis Bartlett
Saturday 18th November, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
A happy person is free from negative thoughts and is connected to others by a mind of love. What are the habits of such a person? Beneficial actions that cherish those around them and create a harmonious society.
Through training in meditation we can develop deeper and deeper happiness, free ourself from our inner problems – our delusions – and cultivate our boundless potential for good qualities such as love, compassion, patience, and wisdom.
“...This is the real method to solve our own inner problems – problems of ignorance, depression, anger and so forth – and is also the real method to benefit others practically."
– Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
A relaxing and uplifting morning with talks and guided meditations. Vegetarian continental breakfast served in the break!
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes breakfast. Please book at least 24 hours in advance. Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
SPECIAL EVENT
Weekend Retreat with Gen Chonyi
11 and 12 November 10.30am - 4.30pm each day
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
An explanation of the profound meaning of Liberating Prayer. Contemplation and meditation on this short text is the best method to develop faith in Buddha and his teachings, which is the root of all spiritual realisations.
Session one 10.30 – 11.30am
Tea / coffee break
Session two 12 – 12.45pm
Lunch
Session three 2.15 - 3.10pm
Tea / coffee break
Session four 3.40 - 4.30pm
Whole weekend > £40 > Students £27
One day only > £25 > Students £16
Vegetarian lunches included - let us know in advance if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
SPECIAL EVENT
Morning Course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 4th November, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
We may sincerely wish to develop positive states of mind but still find this difficult due to lacking a strong potential for spiritual realisations. This course will give an introduction to the precious practice known as ‘Heart Jewel’ through which we can gather the inner conditions for success in our meditation practice.
Session one 10 – 11am
Tea break and short video about Kadampa Temples (it’s International Temples Day!!)
Session two 11.45am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes refreshments.
SPECIAL EVENT
Day Course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 21 October 10.30am - 4.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
How to breathe energy, joy and authentic confidence into our life based on an understanding of our true potential.
An inspiring day of talks and guided meditations. Vegetarian lunch included - let us know in advance if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
Session one 10.30 – 11.30am
Tea / coffee break
Session two 12 – 12.45pm
Lunch
Session three 2.15 - 3.15pm
Tea / coffee break
Session four 3.45 - 4.30pm
> £25 > Students £16
SPECIAL EVENT
Morning Course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 14th October, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Enjoy a morning of transformative and profoundly healing meditations based on the power of compassion, love and purposeful imagination..
Vegetarian continental breakfast served in the break!
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes breakfast. Please book at least 24 hours in advance. Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
SPECIAL EVENT
Morning Course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 30th September, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Three simple meditations to clear away mental clutter and incessant thoughts allowing us to enjoy inner space, clarity and calm. To enhance the experience on this course we will keep silence in the breaks between the meditations.
Session one 10 – 10.40am
Break
Session two 11 – 11.40am
Break
Session three 12 – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – Refreshments included. Please book in advance.
SPECIAL EVENT
Morning Course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 16th September, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Are you your own worst critic? Toxic self criticism drags us down, undermines our confidence and sabotages our happiness. Fill your mind with positivity on this course, learning to value your own good qualities and potential and also delight in the special qualities of others.
A relaxing and uplifting morning with talks and guided meditations. Vegetarian continental breakfast served in the break!
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes breakfast. Please book in advance. Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option.
SPECIAL EVENT
Morning Course with Gen Chonyi
Saturday 19 August, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
‘When our mind is free from the turbulence of distracting conceptions it becomes calm and smooth. When we are enjoying internal peace and happiness our craving for external sources of pleasure naturally declines and it is easy to remain content.’
From How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Practical guided meditations to relax, refresh and enjoy the stillness and clarity of our own mind.
A morning of talks and practical guided meditations suitable for everyone.
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes vegetarian breakfast served in the break! Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option. Please book in advance (you can pay in full or just a £5 deposit and pay the rest on the day – select your preferred option below)
A short retreat for long life, merit and wisdom
Weekend 18 & 19 February
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
There is nothing more precious than our human life. Because we have a human life we have the opportunity to experience both temporary and ultimate happiness through training in the spiritual path.
By relying upon the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus we can increase our life span by strengthening our life supporting wind at our heart chakra. ‘Yoga’ in this context means ‘a method for accomplishing attainments’ and is a mental activity. The practice is also a special method for increasing our merit and wisdom thus gathering the necessary conditions for success in our spiritual journey.
There are three sessions of chanted prayers and meditations each day.
~ session one 8.30am
~ session two 11.00am
~ session three 3.30pm
All session last approx 1 hour 15 minutes
Everyone is welcome. There will be no teachings during the retreat but if there are people not familiar with this practice there will be a little guidance so you can join in with confidence
“O Protector Amitayus, born from a HRIH,
On a moon seat upon a thousand-petalled lotus,
With a vermillion colour like a young rising sun
Covered with a pleasing, red-yellow veil.”
From the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus prayers
£3 per session or £10 for all six sessions. No need to book – just turn up!
Day Course with Gen Kelsang Chonyi
Sunday 19 March, 10.30am – 4.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Understanding karma gives us the power to change our life. On this course you will try out an effective method, to purify past negative karma. This practice gradually releases us from obstacles and repeated bad experiences so we can accomplish our full potential.
An inspiring day of talks and guided meditations with time to relax with like-minded friends
A morning of talks and practical guided meditations suitable for everyone.
Session one 10.30 – 11.30am
Tea/coffee break
Session two 12noon – 12.45pm
Lunch break
Session three 2.15 - 3.10pm
Tea/coffee break
Session four 3.40 - 4.30pm
> £25 > Students £16 – includes vegetarian lunch. Let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option. Please book in advance (you can pay in full or just a £10 deposit and pay the rest on the day – select your preferred option below)
Morning Course with Gen Kelsang Chonyi
Saturday 11 February, 10.00am – 12.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
Love can give rise to great happiness but it also appears to lead to much pain, anxiety and general distress! This is because we fail to understand the difference between love and attachment. Love is the source of happiness whereas the pain and sorrow in our relationships arises from our attachment.
By learning how to discriminate clearly between love and attachment our relationships with partner, family and friends will become more harmonious and we will draw closer to an experience of lasting happiness.
.
A morning of talks and practical guided meditations suitable for everyone.
Session one 10 – 10.45am
Break with breakfast
Session two 11.30am – 12.30pm
> £15 > Students £12 – includes vegetarian breakfast served in the break! Breakfast is vegetarian, let us know at time of booking if you would like a vegan or wheat free option. Please book in advance (you can pay in full or just a £5 deposit and pay the rest on the day – select your preferred option below)
Understanding Faith - Part One
Morning Course with Gen Kelsang Chonyi
Saturday 31 December, 10.00am - 1pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
An explanation of the meaning of Buddhist faith and guided meditations on the Guru Yoga of Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka together with mantra recitation. Through this practice we will draw very close to our root Guru, our spiritual potential will ripen and we will create powerful causes for Kadam Dharma to flourish throughout the world.
Session one 10 – 11.15am
Tea / coffee break
Session two 11.45am – 1pm
> £12 > Students £10 (you can pay in full or just a £5 deposit and pay the rest on the day - select your preferred option below)
You are welcome to stay on for a simple lunch. It'll be a vegan soup with both vegetarian and vegan accompaniments 🙂
> £3 for lunch
A New Sense of Direction & Purpose
Day retreat with Gen Kelsang Chonyi
Sunday 29 January 2023, 10.30am - 4.30pm
@ Pure Land Buddhist Centre, 55 Union Road, Exeter
A one day retreat embarking on an inner adventure, seeking and creating expansive peace, self-knowledge and profound transformation. Each session will include a talk and guided meditations covering the initial scope of the stages of the path to enlightenment, known as Lamrim.
Session one 10.30 - 11.30am
Tea / coffee break
Session two 12 - 12.50pm
Lunch
Session three 2.20 - 3.10pm
Tea / coffee break
Session four 3.40 - 4.30pm
> £25 > Students £16. Includes vegetarian lunch.
(let us know at time of booking if you'd like a vegan or wheat free option)
Please book in advance
REGULAR MEDITATION CLASSES
Refresh your mind and enjoy a moment of calm with these simple, practical meditations.
January 2023 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
£3 per class
All welcome – just turn up
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Talks and meditations showing how to transform our daily life – including demanding and challenging situations – into opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development. The series is based on the book Universal Compassion by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
January 2023 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
£6 per class / students £5
All welcome – just turn up
March 9, 16, 23, 30
£5 per class / students £5
All welcome – just turn up
St Boniface Roman Catholic Church, Park Road, Crediton, EX17 3ES
Meditations to make every day special and bring peace and happiness to our own and others lives.
February 6, 13, 20
March 6, 13, 20
£6 per class
Just turn up on the day – you are welcome to any or all of the sessions.
Talks and meditations showing how to transform our daily life – including demanding and challenging situations – into opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development. The series is based on the book Universal Compassion by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 9, 16, 23, 30
£6 per class
Just turn up on the day – you are welcome to any or all of the sessions.
Classes for those who wish to go a little deeper.
Exeter, Pure Land Centre
Enrolled Study Class
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
9.30-12.45pm
