Day Courses at Dorjechang Centre are an ideal way to learn and gain experience of meditation techniques away from the busyness of normal life. Each day is divided into 4 sessions of teachings and meditations, with time for discussion or quiet contemplation. Refreshments and a vegetarian lunch are provided.
For times and costs see below
To book for any of our courses, please contact the Centre.
Retreats are a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in meditation. Most of our retreats are guided, and involve some chanted meditation as well as silent meditation. Please contact us if you would like more details.
Chanted prayers (pujas) are a form of meditation, where we connect with and make requests to enlightened beings. They are a method to focus the mind, receive blessings, accumulate merit and purify negativities. They are also a special way to benefit and help others. The pujas at Dorjechang Buddhist Centre are very beautiful prayers sung in English with great meaning and dedicated for the welfare of all living beings. They help us to develop a positive mind and are the perfect preparation for meditation. There are different types of puja - regular pujas and special tsog offering pujas. Please see below for more information.
| Date |
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| Time | 10am-5pm |
| Venue | Dorjechang Centre 62 Graham Rd, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description |
The basics of meditation are clearly explained. Receive guidance on posture, timing, breathing meditation, general meditation and how to experience a happy mind. |
| Fee |
£20 |
| Booking Information | Contact the Centre |
[SinglePic not found]Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the spiritual director of the Kadampa tradition, has designed three special spiritual programmes for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world …
GP provides a basic introduction to Buddhist views, meditation, and practice that is suitable for beginners. It also includes advanced teachings and practices from both Sutra and Tantra making the classes ideal for experienced practitioners also. Classes are held weekly at a number of venues in and around South West London, South and South East London.
These classes operate on a drop-in basis; it is not necessary to book - just come along. Everyone is welcome.
For more detailed information classes, series and dates, click here.
About Foundation Programme (FP)FP provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through a systematic study of six texts:
Classes take place on Sundays 1.30pm - 7.00pm and are led by Gen Kelsang Sangye, Resident Teacher at Dorjechang Centre. |
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Additional New FP ClassStarting in April, there will be a new Foundation Programme on Wednesday nights at Dorjechang Centre. Studying Universal Compassion with Annabel de Aragues, this is an exceptional opportunity to study in depth and gain deeper familiarity with Buddha’s teachings on developing compassion for all living beings, on a one-night a week study programme. Universal Compassion gives a practical and uplifting explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day living, including even the most demanding and difficult conditions, into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By studying on Foundation Programme we gain a special understanding of the book which means we can take the teachings to heart and apply them in our daily lives. The classes are held every Wednesday in term time from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Wednesday FP class fees are £25 per month. If you are interested in joining please contact the EPC at Dorjechang Centre. |
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The Benefits of Studying and Practising these TextsJoyful Path of Good Fortune - we gain the ability to put all Buddha’s teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, Lamrim is the main body of Buddha’s teachings, and the other teachings are like its limbs. Universal Compassion - we gain the ability to integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives and solve all our human problems. Heart of Wisdom - we gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping, which is the root of all our suffering. Meaningful to Behold - we transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva’s way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful. Understanding the Mind - we understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind, we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems. Eight Steps to Happiness - we can learn how to develop love based on genuine cherishing of others; how to gain practical instructions on transforming life’s difficulties; and we receive essential advice for developing compassion and wisdom |
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TTP is designed for people who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers. In addition to completing the study of twelve texts of Sutra and Tantra, which include the five texts mentioned above, the student is required to observe certain commitments with regard to behaviour and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats. At present we are studying Meaningful to Behold - the highly acclaimed commentary to Shantideva’s verse masterpiece Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Classes take place on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings and are lead by Gen Kelsang Sangye, Resident Teacher at Dorjechang Centre.
We recommend a gradual progression from General Programme classes and some study on the Foundation Programme before engaging in the Teacher Training Programme. Please contact the Centre for more information.
Everyday, Kadampa Buddhist Centres around the world engage in Heart Jewel or Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers, which are special Guru Yoga practices of the wisdom Buddhas Je Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugdan. By relying on Je Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugdan, our compassion, wisdom and spiritual power will naturally increase, and all our experiences of meditation and Dharma will be protected.
At Dorjechang Centre, there is a daily Wishfulfilling Jewel practice from Monday - Thursday at 4.00pm. Wishfulfilling Jewel with tsog (offering ceremony) is held weekly, usually on Fridays or Saturdays. Please contact the Centre for times. On Sundays there is a Heart Jewel practice at 3.30pm.
What’s on this term July 2010 |
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| July | |
| Fri 2 7:30-8:45pm Wishfulfilling Jewel puja with tsog
Mon 5-Fri 9 Guru Yoga and Mandala Offering Retreat Fri 9 7:30-8:45pm Wishfulfilling Jewel puja Thurs 8 2:15-3:15pm Tara puja Sat 10 10am-5pm Relaxation and Learn to Meditate Day Retreat Sat 10 7:30-9:15pm Offering to Spiritual Guide Thurs 15 6:30-7am Precepts Fri 16 7:30-8:45pm Wishfulfilling Jewel puja with tsog |
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| Notes:
+ For ordained Sangha only * For those with Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment only |
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TSOG offering pujas are ceremonies that involve making special offerings to the holy beings and requesting blessings. They are an excellent method for accumulating merit.
It is customary to bring a small offering of food to lay before the shrine before the puja starts.
Offering to the Spiritual Guide: This is the main tsog offering puja held at Dorjechang Centre. It is a ceremony to celebrate the kindness of the spiritual teacher.
Melodious Drum - Long Protector Puja: A ceremony for fulfilling and restoring the commitments of the Dharma Protector.
Please contact the Centre if you are interested in attending these.
2010 Dates
Finding Peace - Retreat Day, based on the CD Mediations for Relaxation Sat 10 July
Lamrim Retreat Mon 16 - Sun 22 August
Tara Chanting (24 hour) Fri 27 - Sat 28 August
Vajrasattva Retreat Sun 21 - Sat 27 November
Weekend Retreat in Derby, Tara Buddhist Centre, Derbyshire Fri 10- Sun 12 December
| Date | July 23 – August 7, 2010 |
| Time | See separate website below for further details |
| Venue | Manjushri Centre |
| Course/Class Description | 
Week 1 Empowerment of Amitayus & Commentary to Eight Steps to Happiness Empowerment & Commentary to the Practice of Great Mother Prajnaparamita See the separate website below for further details: |
| Fee |
See the website above. |
| Booking Information | See the website above and/or contact Manjushri Centre. |
| Date | Fri 27-Sat 28 Aug 2010 |
| Time | TBC |
| Venue | Dorjechang Buddhist Centre
62 Graham Road, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description |  A weekend of beautiful prayer to the Compassionate mother, Buddha Tara.
Over a period of 24 hours there will be six sessions of engaging in prayers to Tara for the swift relief of suffering for all living beings. You are welcome to bring offerings to this event. Offerings can include such things as food, drink, flowers or incense. Session times TBC. You can come along to part of the retreat if you can’t make the whole thing. |
| Fee |
Donation |
| Booking Information | Contact the Centre. |
| Date | Monday 16 - Sunday 22 August |
| Time | For all days:
7:30am-9:00am Session 1 10:30am-12:00pm Session 2 12:15pm-1:00pm Heart Jewel Prayers 4:30pm-5:30pm Session 3 7:30-9pm Session 4. |
| Venue | Dorjechang Centre 62 Graham Rd, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description | A week long retreat focusing on Lamrim, the stages of the Path to Enlightenment.
By becoming familiar with the 21 Lamrim meditations, found in the New Mediation Handbook by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso we can bring about deep positive changes from within. In this way our mind becomes more peaceful and we experience stable happiness in our lives. You can come along to part of the retreat if you can’t make the whole thing. |
| Fee |
There is no charge for the retreat sessions but donations are welcome. It is also possible to stay for a vegetarian lunch at 1pm. If you would like to stay for lunch please book a day in advance, the cost for lunch is £2. |
| Booking Information | Contact the Centre (for lunch booking) |
| Date | Sunday 21 - Saturday 27 November |
| Time | For all days:
7:30am-9:00am Session 1 10:30am-12:00pm Session 2 12:15pm-1:00pm Heart Jewel Prayers 4:30pm-5:30pm Session 3 7:30-9pm Session 4. |
| Venue | Dorjechang Centre 62 Graham Rd, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description |  A week of engaging in a special practice to purify our negative karma by relying upon Buddha Vajrasattva.
Buddha Vajrasattva is the Buddha of Purification, by engaging in the Sadhana (prayer booklet) of Buddha Vajrasattva and reciting his mantra we can purify our negative karma. By purifying our mind, gradually we purify our world. You can come along to part of the retreat if you can’t make the whole thing. |
| Fee |
There is no charge for the retreat sessions but donations are welcome.
It is also possible to stay for a vegetarian lunch at 1pm. If you would like to stay for lunch please book a day in advance, the cost for lunch is £2. |
| Booking Information | Contact the Centre (for lunch booking) |
| Date | Friday 10 - Sunday 12 December |
| Time | All day |
| Venue | Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre Ashe Hall, Ash Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6HT |
| Course/Class Description |  Enjoy a weekend away at a beautiful Buddhist Centre in Derby.
Meditation sessions will be guided and include teachings. There is plenty of time in between sessions to enjoy the Derbyshire countryside and the tranquillity of Tara Buddhist Centre. |
| Fee |
Fees are inclusive of teachings, accommodation and meals:
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| Booking Information | Contact the Centre. |
| Date | Sat 4th September |
| Time | 10am-5:30pm |
| Venue | Dorjechang Centre 62 Graham Rd, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description | Everyone is welcome to come along to our open day.
Bring your friends and family to enjoy the peaceful environment of a residential Buddhist Centre. The Centre houses a traditional shrine room, where you can have a look and ask any questions you may have. There will also be taster meditation sessions, food and videos on Buddhism for you to watch. |
| Fee |
Free |
| Booking Information | n/a |
| Date | Saturday October 9 |
| Time | 10am-5pm |
| Venue | Dorjechang Centre 62 Graham Rd, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description | A day course with Gen Sangye on how to care for our spiritual practice, encouraging ourselves and developing confidence.
In this way we progress positively and joyfully through our life with meditation. |
| Fee |
£30 |
| Booking Information | Contact the Centre |
| Date | Saturday November 20 |
| Time | 10am-5pm |
| Venue | Dorjechang Centre 62 Graham Rd, London SW19 3SS |
| Course/Class Description | How to practically use meditation in our daily lives through the precious wisdom of Buddha’s advice.
A commentary to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s teachings in Brazil, given by the Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Sangye. |
| Fee |
£30 |
| Booking Information | Contact the Centre |
A member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union
Registered Charity 1100615
