Enjoy a weekend away at Tara IKRC

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TARA RETREAT - Relax into Reality A Weekend Retreat on Emptiness - 14-16 November 2025

Relax into Reality: A Weekend Retreat on Emptiness

Fri 14 Nov - Sun 16 Nov 2025

Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre, Derby

Discover the freedom that comes from seeing beyond appearances. On this peaceful weekend retreat, three experienced teachers will guide you into the profound wisdom of emptiness, opening the door to clarity and inner peace.

Joint Away Retreat hosted by Heruka KMC and KMC London.

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Join us for a deeply peaceful weekend retreat in the beautiful setting of Tara IKRC, nestled in the tranquil English countryside. In this special away retreat, we will dive into the profound teachings on emptiness — the ultimate nature of reality – guided by experienced Kadampa Resident Teachers from Heruka KMC – Kadam John, Duldzin Dragpa Centre – Kadam Ai Peng and KMC London – Gen Kelsang Zoma.

Take a journey beyond appearances — discover the liberating truth of emptiness.

Through guided meditations, teachings, and quiet reflection, we will explore how understanding emptiness allows us to break free from limiting appearances and misconceptions, leading to greater freedom, peace, and clarity in our daily lives.

Everyone welcome

Whether you’re new to Buddhist meditation or an experienced practitioner, this retreat offers a precious opportunity to step away from distractions and immerse yourself in wisdom and inner peace.

About the teachers

Kadam John McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Heruka KMC and has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for over 30 years. Known for his joyful and down-to-earth style, he has a rare ability to make even the deepest subjects clear and accessible, guiding students effortlessly to develop lasting inner peace and wisdom.

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Duldzin Dragpa KBC and has trained in Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Drawing from her own experience of applying Buddha’s advice in daily life, she shares the teachings in a warm, practical way that helps people see how to bring peace, happiness, and meaning into their everyday activities.

Gen Kelsang Zoma is the Resident Teacher of London KMC. Through her warm and light hearted example, she shows us how to apply these teachings in our daily lives to improve our happiness, wisdom and well-being bringing benefit to ourselves and others.

About the venue

Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre is nestled in 38 acres of serene parkland surrounding the elegant Ashe Hall. Tara IKRC offers a peaceful sanctuary where modern Buddhists — and seekers of peace — immerse themselves in meditation, learn timeless wisdom, and recharge both mind and spirit.

Travelling to Tara IKRC

Address: Ashe Hall, Ash Ln, Etwall, Derby DE65 6HT

By Car (from London): Take the M1 north towards Derby. Exit at Junction 24A for the A50 towards Stoke/Derby. Leave at the A516 exit for Etwall. Follow signs to Etwall and Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre (Ashe Hall, Ash Lane).

By Public Transport (from London): Take a train from London St Pancras to Derby (around 1h 30m). From Derby station, take a taxi (about 20 minutes) or a bus to Etwall. Tara IKRC is a short walk from the village centre.

Book Now - Limited Accommodation

Non Residential: £114
Single Room (shared bathroom): £250
Single Room with Toilet (no shower): £265
Single Room (en-suite): £285
Male Dorm: £205
Female Dorm: £205
Campervan £180 (additional person sharing campervan £160)

Breakfast, Lunch & Supper is included in the residential price, if you stay offsite breakfast isn’t included. You have the option of Vegetarian or Vegan options, please select which option you would like and add this to your booking.

Cancellations: Cancellations up to 4 weeks prior to the retreat will receive a full refund minus a 10% admin fee. Cancellations up to 1 week before receive 50% refund. No refund for cancellations made in the seven days immediately prior to the retreat.

What if my accommodation is sold out? Email us at epc@meditateinlondon.org with your preferred option, and we’ll add you to the waiting list.

£114.00

£250.00

£265.00

£285.00

£205.00

£180.00

£160.00

Schedule

Friday 14 November

3.00pm Registration opens
6.00pm Supper
7.15pm – 8.45pm Introduction

Saturday 15 November

9.00am – 10.15am Session 2
11.30am – 12.45pm Session 3
1.00pm Lunch
2.30pm Group walk
4.30pm – 5.45pm Session 4
6.00pm Supper
7.30pm – 8.45pm Session 5