General Spiritual Director
Finding Refuge in Buddhist Teachings
Apr 9, 2024
KMC Reading
The center
Kadampa Meditation Centre Reading is a modern Kadampa Buddhist centre based in Reading. It was established in 1993, originally in Windsor and later, in 2005, it relocated to Reading. The centre covers a large area including the Thames Valley, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.
The Centre has a flourishing spiritual programme including regular classes at the Centre in Reading, branches at Reading University and Maidenhead and an innovative program of 'pop-up events' across the region.
A flourishing Foundation Programme will begin to study Joyful Path of Good Fortune in June 2019 . There is also a Teacher Training Programme that started in 2018.
The centre and its activities are open to everyone. You do not need to be Buddhist to take part in the courses or to benefit from them. Everyone is welcome.
Resident Teacher
The Resident Teacher at KMC Reading is English nun Gen Kelsang Nyingpo.
Gen Nyingpo is a well-loved and respected Teacher with a wealth of experience having been ordained as a Buddhist nun for over 20 years and taught for many years internationally.
Gen Nyingpo is a kind and down to earth Teacher. She has a great sense of humour and understands how people in the modern world need help and support through meditation and Buddha’s teachings.
Guest Teachers
The centre frequently invites guest Teachers from other Kadampa Centres around the world.
These popular events introduce the breadth and depth of modern Kadampa Buddhism and show its practical application to our daily lives.
The photo shows a recent event in Reading Town Hall with Kadam Bridget Heyes, the National Spiritual Director for the UK and Ireland.
EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE THAMES VALLEY
KMC Reading organises a range of events in the Thames Valley region throughout the year. See the centre website for details.
Always on the lookout for future venues, the education team is exploring pop-up branches and events in large and small towns and villages in Windsor, Ascot, Marlow-on-Thames, Slough and various beautiful villages along the River Thames.
Regular pop-up events are organised in a variety a stunning venues and locations including:
Woodland Retreats
These popular events are held in a peaceful woodland in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Four times a year the centre organises half-day retreats. Set in 72 acres of mature woodland, with spectacular views, participants enjoy sessions of guided meditations and practical advice with Resident Teacher Gen Nyingpo.
For more information see the woodland retreat page on the website.
See below for feedback from recent retreats.
Henley
Henley-on-Thames. During 2018 and 2019 the centre held half-day courses in a 16th Century converted barn, full of character and located in the town centre.
Newbury
SHAW HOUSE – a stunning 16th Century Grade I listed historic house set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Newbury. Full of history and royal connections - regular public talks are held in the Great Hall and a mini half-day retreat in 2019 was held in Queen Anne’s former bedchamber!
Wokingham
In the centre of Wokingham, the centre holds numerous public talks in the spectacular main hall at the Town Hall.
Farnham
The Maltings, a well known venue across the region is where the centre hold events in Farnham.
Windsor
A new daytime class was started in Windsor in January 2020 at the Old Court Artspace (the old firestation). Gen Nyingpo teaches 3 or 4 week course throughout the year. For more information, click here.
Goring on Thames
A Learn to meditate half-day event will be held in the small Oxfordshire village of Goring-on-Thames in April 2020. Possible future courses will be held depending on demand. For more information, click here.
Marlow on Thames
A Learn to meditate half-day event will be held in the Buckinghamshire village of Marlow-on-Thames in February 2020. For more information, click here.
