General Spiritual Director
Conishead Priory Grounds & Paths
Jun 5, 2026
Joy, connection &
a Calm mind
Over the festive period, Kadampa centers in Spain, the UK and the US hosted inspiring events on inner peace and connection. Gen Kelsang Chokga led a course at KMC Girona, while Kelsang Gema guided a purification retreat in Madrid. Gen Demo gave an evening talk at KMC Washington, and Kadam Lucy James led two public talks with guided meditations at KMC London, bringing clarity, calm and joy to all who attended.
KMC Madrid - the visit of Gen Chokga
Towards the end of December, our beloved National Spiritual Director, Gen Kelsang Chokga, visited KMC Girona. She led a class on Friday and a two-session course on Saturday. Afterwards, we shared a meal with the local Sangha and then watched the film The Life of Buddha.
It was a very meaningful weekend, and we feel deeply grateful and fortunate for this visit. Many thanks to Gen Chokga and to Venerable Geshe-la for everything we have received from him.
Evening Talk – The Power of a Calm Mind with Gen Demo
At KMC Washington this December we had a wonderful turnout at our Evening Talk with Gen Demo, The Power of a Calm Mind. Her teaching and guidance on how to practically apply Buddha’s Training the Mind techniques in our daily lives provided powerful tools for handling life’s challenges with clarity, confidence, and a calm mind.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
Kelsang Gema at KMC Madrid
During these festive days, we had the great joy of sharing a very special purification retreat at KMC Madrid, guided by visiting Teacher, Kelsang Gema.
Throughout the retreat, we explored the practice of purification in a deeply meaningful, and above all, very practical way, learning how to integrate it into our daily lives with a sincere and heartfelt approach. The clear and accessible teachings helped us develop greater confidence in the transformative power of a positive mind.
These were truly inspiring days. In an atmosphere of peace, joy and connection, we shared this special time of year with the Sangha. Practicing together, supporting one another, and enjoying community life made this retreat a deeply enriching experience for everyone who took part.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in this retreat with us; to Kelsang Gema for her beautiful example, kindness and dedication; and especially to Geshe-la, for guiding us with such great compassion along this joyful and meaningful spiritual path.
May the results of this retreat continue to accompany us and be reflected in our daily lives.
Find Your Why: The Power of Connection - Kadam Lucy Visits KMC London
At the end of December, KMC London had the great joy of welcoming Kadam Lucy James for two inspiring public talks centered on inner peace and finding true meaning. On Tuesday evening, the Morden Temple for World Peace hosted a warm and reflective gathering, followed by a Wednesday evening talk at the Kensington City Meditation Space. Both events explored the theme Find Your Why: The Power of Connection and attracted many people eager to discover deeper meaning in their lives.
Kadam Lucy shared practical and heartfelt insights into how true happiness and purpose arise from connecting with the inner peace of our own minds, rather than endlessly searching for fulfilment in external circumstances. Her talks encouraged attendees to reflect on what really matters and showed how cultivating inner clarity and compassion naturally enriches our relationships and daily lives.
Each evening included a guided meditation led by Kadam Lucy, helping everyone to calm the mind, let go of distracting thoughts, and rest in the peaceful, clear nature of their own minds. After the talks, guests enjoyed relaxed conversation over non-alcoholic mulled wine and festive treats - an uplifting and joyful way to conclude two beautiful evenings filled with connection, insight and inspiration.
