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Beyond Distraction: developing single-pointed concentration for improved Dharma practice
Saturday 25 March 2023
With Richard Batty
No matter how much we attempt to practise Dharma, if we have not developed concentration our mind will be continually distracted by delusions. We will be trapped in the fangs of the wild beast of conflicting emotions. In such a state, whatever we do, whether it is reciting prayers, or visualizing Deities, or practicing other virtues, will lack strength and be unable to produce the significant results we need to attain the perfect state of enlightenment.
Normally, when we try to meditate on a virtuous object, such as our precious human rebirth, impermanence, or emptiness, our mind does not stay tranquilly placed on that object. Instead, it is continually distracted elsewhere. At such times, our mind is like a candle flame blown about by the wind. Such flickering light does not allow us to see things clearly. Similarly, for as long as our mind is blown about by distractions, we cannot focus on the object of meditation clearly.
If we are seriously interested in attaining Buddhahood, we must develop the power of single-pointed concentration in meditation.
This half-day course is for meditators who have a regular meditation practice but also recognize the need to improve their concentration.
Revisit, or learn for the very first time, the special methods to attain the peaceful state of tranquil abiding, a mind free from all disturbances. Be inspired to strive diligently to develop deep concentration and enjoy the guided meditations that will help you improve your meditation practice.
Event Schedule
Registration - 9.45am - 10am
Session 1 - 10am - 11.15am
Break - 11.15am - 11.45am
Session 2 - 11.45am - 1.15pm
This is an in-person event. Everybody welcome.
Free for Silver, Gold & Platinum members. Become a member.

Vajrasttava Purification weekend retreat
Friday evening 31 March to Sunday 2 April
With Resident Teacher, Kadam John McBretney
Buddha explained that unless we purify our minds of negative karma our suffering will never end.
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 on 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.
There will be four sessions a day and the practice is accomplished within the sadhanas Offering to the Spiritual Guide, and Meditation and Recitation of Solitary Avalokiteshvara. You will need a copies of the sadhanas, which are available to buy. There are a limited number of copies to borrow at Heruka Centre.
On Saturday morning the second session will be a video and talk by Kadam John about the NKT Festivals .
Friday 31 March:
Introduction to the retreat with Kadam John - 7 - 8.30pm
Saturday 1 April: NKT Day
Session 1 - 8am - 9.30am
Session 2 - Talk & new video about the NKT Festivals - 10.30am - 12pm
Followed by refreshments & opportunity to talk to seasoned Festival-goers
Session 3 - 3.30pm - 5pm
Session 4 - 6.30pm - 8pm
Sunday 2 April:
Session 1 - 8am - 9.30am
Session 2 - 10.30am - 12pm
Session 3 - 3.30pm - 5pm
Session 4 - 6.30pm - 8pm
This is an in-person event. Everybody welcome.
Free for members. Become a member.

NKT Day - The International Festivals
Saturday 1 April 2023
With Resident Teacher, Kadam John McBretney
NKT Day is an annual celebration held on 1st April at Kadampa Centres worldwide to commemorate the founding of the NKT-IKBU by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 1991.
On this special day we remember the extraordinary kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang in founding NKT–IKBU and pray for the continued flourishing of his beneficial activities throughout the world.
This year we are holding a morning event for people to find out more about the NKT International Festivals. These special international gatherings are held in the Spring, Summer and Fall of every year. They provide wonderful opportunities for people from all over the world to come together and enjoy receiving teachings, empowerments and engaging in spiritual practice in the company of the international Kadampa family.
Kadam John will give a talk explaining the function and benefits of attending the NKT International Festivals, which will be followed by refreshments. There will be the opportunity to watch a new video presentation about the Festivals and talk to seasoned Festival-goers about what to expect when you attend one of these special events.
Schedule
What are NKT International Festivals? Talk & video presentation with Kadam John - 10.30am - 12pm
Followed by refreshments & opportunity to talk to experienced Festival-goers
This is a free in-person event. Everybody welcome.

Avalokiteshvara Fasting & Purification Retreat ~ Nyungnay
With Kadam John McBretney
Friday 14 to Saturday 15 April 2022
This special fasting and purification retreat is performed in conjunction with the meditation practice of thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. Engaging in this retreat is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech and mind and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. It is also a special method for receiving the blessings of Buddha and improving our experience of love, compassion and bodhichitta.
On both days Kadam John will grant Mahayana precepts at 6.30am where we take vows to abstain from certain actions for 24 hours. Everyone attending the retreat will need to take precepts at 6.30am. For Mahayana precepts we use the sadhana called A Pure Life, available from Tharpa UK.
On the first day it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch. On the second day we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for 24 hours. On both days, we will do three sessions of meditation, combining prostrations with chanted meditation. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can still participate in the sessions on the second day by abstaining from all meals apart from lunch.
For each session we will engage in the Drop of Essential Nectar sadhana with time for visualizations and mantra recitation as explained in the sadhana. We have some copies of the sadhana to borrow, but you might like to consider buying your own.
Session times, both days
Mahayana Precepts: 6.30 to 7.15am
Session 1: 8am – 9.15am
Session 2: 10.30am – 11.45am
Session 3: 3.30pm – 4.45pm
This is an in-person event.
Free for members. Become a member.

OFFERING OUR FAITH ~ CELEBRATING VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO RINPOCHE
A special day of retreat at Heruka KMC
With Kadam John McBretney
Sunday 4 June 2023
Every day we remember the extraordinary kindness of Venerable Geshe-la, our Root Guru and Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition.
But on the auspicious day June 4, at Kadampa centres around the world, with minds of rejoicing and gratitude, we offer him our faith through using the special prayer Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso from his Faithful Disciples and collecting our Guru’s name mantra in a one-day retreat.
Session times
Session 1: 9am – 10.30am
Session 2: 11.30am – 1pm
Session 3: 2.30pm – 4pm
This is an in-person event. Everybody is welcome.
FAQs about meditation courses
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"Happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions."
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso