Tara International Kadampa Retreat Center

Tara INTERNATIONAL kADAMPA RETREAT CENTRE

Tara IKRC

Founded in 1984 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and set in the beautiful environment of Ashe Hall and 38 acres of mature parkland, Tara IKRC is the Kadampa retreat Center for the United Kingdom and a major UK center for Modern Buddhism. Our year round programme of residential and non-residential courses and events is open to all and caters for every level of experience from basic meditation classes to in-depth courses and retreats. Our very popular weekly meditation classes present Buddha’s advice for finding a happy, meaningful life in a way that we can immediately put it into practice in our busy, daily life.

Tara IKRC is known and loved by the many people who visit each year from all over the UK and all across the world. The centre hosts the annual UK Dharma Celebration, the largest Kadampa Buddhist event in the UK, next to the International Festivals.

Open 7 days a week, our busy World Peace Café and our Tharpa Bookstore and gift shop attract many day visitors. Our brand new 300 seater meditation hall, with external Buddhist ordainments, Temple size statues and qualified Buddhist paintings, is a truly breathtaking addition to the historic grounds of Ashe Hall and has become a local point of interest and a place of peace for many people.

Resident teacher

Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab

Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab is a retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and is currently the Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre. Following his Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, for more than forty years, he is an internationally renowned teacher who is greatly admired throughout the world for his powerful teachings, his wisdom, as well as his pure example of humility and loving-kindness. He is also well-known for his deep understanding of Buddha’s teachings and his ability to convey their profound meaning in a very clear and accessible way.

YEAR OF RETREAT AT A GLANCE

In-person only

Buddha Shakyamuni Empowerment - January 2nd - January 4th 2026 with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre. How to rely purely on a spiritual guide. Blessing empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni and teaching on Guru Yoga

Winter Retreat 2026 - January 5th - February 15th 2026 with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre. Venerable Geshe-la’s name mantra Close retreat combined with meditation on Lamrim, Lojong and Mahamudra

Winter Retreat 2026 - January 5th - January 31st 2026 Vajrayogini Short Close Retreat of Actions & Generation Stage Retreat (self-guided) - Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre is hosting this Highest Yoga Tantra retreat in a secluded meditation room within Ashe Hall, for qualified practitioners.

Avalokiteshvara Empowerment and commentary to Powa Practice Friday March 20th - Sunday March 22nd with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, The blessing Empowerment and Commentary to the practice of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, and commentary to the Transference of Consciousness (Powa) Practice for the Deceased

Post Spring Festival Retreat 2026: Friday May 29th - Tuesday June 5th with Kadam Morten Clausen is the Eastern US National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition and Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center New York City

Post Summer Festival Retreat 2026: Sunday August 9th - Saturday August 15th with Gen Kelsang Chogka, National Spiritual Director of Spain and Portugal and Resident Teacher of KMC Madrid

Post Fall Festival Retreat 2026 Friday October 16th - Tuesday October 20th with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre