What to expect at our classes

Drop-in Meditation Classes

These weekly meditation classes consist of guided meditations and a talk on Buddhas teachings to provide us with practical advice to for a happy and meaningful life. Classes are self-contained so you can drop-in to any week. Everyone is welcome - these classes are suitable for beginners.

Weekend Meditation Courses

provide an opportunity to look at a particular subject in more depth. There will be several sessions, each session consisting of guided meditations and practical teachings to solve daily problems and find peace and happiness. With tea breaks in between for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Vajrapani Centre these courses are a great way to take a break from the busyness of daily life.

Special Events

During the year’s teaching program at Vajrapani Centre, as well as the regular classes, we also have the good fortune to hold special events such as receiving empowerment’s of particular Buddhas from Residential Teacher Gen Varahi and also invite guest teachers to lead retreats and courses. These events will greatly enrich, inspire and deepen our own meditation practice and are wonderful opportunities not to be missed
crowd of people meditating in buddhis temple

Chill Down Fridays

Our popular monthly meditation and meal evenings. Start the weekend with a relaxing meditation and short talk, followed by a delicious two course vegetarian meal. Join us for an evening of tasty food, relaxing chat and a little bit of wisdom. The perfect way to unwind and relax at the end of the week.

Meditation Retreats

Retreats are a chance to deepen our experience of inner-peace in meditation. The emphasis is on formal meditation with each session comprising preparatory prayers, a short explanation and then a longer period for our own meditation. Silence if often maintained between the sessions.

Chanted Prayers

Chanted prayers (pujas) are an important component of training in a spiritual life. They help us to still our mind, connect with enlightened beings, and receive blessings. Our Chanted Prayers are in English, from traditional sources. Booklets are available to follow along. Please check the online calendar for up to date schedules. All pujas are free of charge. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions about attending any of our pujas then please contact us.

In Depth Study Classes

Our in-depth study programmes of Foundation Program (FP) and Teacher Training Program (TTP) provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding and experience of meditation and Kadampa Buddhism. These are more formal classes where we systematically study one of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s texts in more detail and engage in paired and group discussions to deepen our experience.
Please Note: FP and TTP are not a drop-in class, students commit to attend each week. If you are interested in trying out either FP or TTP please contact us.
Why is there a charge for the classes?

We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, and not for profit. The funds we receive are used to pay for our venues, operating expenses and maintenance of the centre building. Although there is a charge for the classes we want to make them accessible to all, so If you are struggling with the cost of classes or courses, please speak to us about that, no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

Do I have to book online?

Please try to book online for weekend courses and other events. For weekly classes booking online is useful, but you can just turn up and pay on the door. You can also get a discount on all our weekly meditation classes by buying a Series Ticket online.

Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?

No, please feel free to drop in whenever you like. Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial, as each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive benefit from it.

Will I have to sit on the floor?

Although some classes do have the option to sit on the floor, there are always chairs available. However, If there is a special reason why you need to sit on the floor please let us know and we can reserve a mat for you.

What should I wear?

There are no dress requirements, please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
We do ask that you remove your shoes when entering the meditation room.

What if I am not religious or practice a religion other than Buddhism?

Everyone is welcome to attend.  Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhism is a non-evangelical religion. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith or to none. We make Buddhas teachings available to everyone with the belief that they are practical methods to solve daily problems.

I have never meditated before, are these classes suitable for me?

Yes, classes are open to everyone regardless of experience. Instructions on how to do the meditations are provided by the teacher who will also guide you through the meditation. If you do struggle with the meditation you can always just sit there and relax for a while!

Problems arise only if we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind. Therefore, if we want to be free from problems, we must transform our mind.

- Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Buddhist master Ven Geshe Kelsang Gyatso teaching dharma at a Kadamap Festival