Classes typically start with a short prayer for world peace followed by a breathing meditation to settle the mind.

"When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subside and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within."

How to Transform Your Life by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

This is followed by a talk explaining some aspect of Buddha’s teachings, for example, how happiness depends upon a peaceful mind, the benefits of cherishing others, the inner wealth of compassion and the wisdom that understands the ultimate nature of reality, emptiness. This is followed by a second meditation on that topic and helps to gain a deeper appreciation and experience of the teachings.

Sessions often finish with an opportunity for questions and answers.

No specific preparation is necessary, however, some people like to have a pen and notepad to hand in case they want to write something down.

No special clothing is needed as you will not be asked to do any physical exercise. Please wear whatever you find comfortable.

Either sit on a chair or on a comfortable cushion on the floor.

There are many meditation techniques that we can learn and practice. At these Kadampa meditation classes, in addition to simple meditations used to settle the mind, you will learn more transformative meditations coming from the lineage of the New Kadampa Tradition of Buddhism.

These meditations - the meditations of modern Buddhism - are all powerful methods to transform our mind from negative to positive states. Having received powerful instructions on Buddha’s teachings, our mind can be guided through a series of steps to finally arrive at an ‘object’ to place our attention on. We then hold our attention on this thought or feeling, increasing our mindfulness and concentration, and gradually gaining deep familiarity with it. We then carry this new, positive way of thinking into our daily life, improving our relationships and daily experiences. We gradually come to understand the true meaning and value of Lamrim meditation, and in this way, as our experience improves, we develop increasing confidence and make more and more progress.

Heruka KMC runs a programme of activities which follow the three study programmes of the New Kadampa Tradition.

All of the weekday classes and weekend courses and retreats come under the General Programme. For more in-depth study, students can enrol on either the Foundation Programme or the Teacher Training Programme.