Akanishta Kadampa Buddhist Centre, Cheltenham

30/06/2025

Late Summer Garden Party & Open Day
You are warmly invited to step into a space of peace, community, and a touch of magic at our Late Summer Garden Party & Open Day.

Wander through the tranquil gardens of the Akanishta Centre, discover the peaceful atmosphere we’re so proud to share, and explore what we offer—from gentle guided meditations, serene shrine tours, to our bookshop and café with delicious homemade cakes.

🌼 Special Guests – Cats Protection 🐱
This year, we’re thrilled to be joined by our local branch of Cats Protection!
Meet their wonderful team at their stall, enter a raffle with pawsome prizes, and learn about the adorable cats currently looking for loving new homes. 🐾 They’ll be bringing stories, photos, and heartwarming info to melt your heart.

🔥 Plus… a BBQ in the garden!
Soak up the late summer vibes with sizzling food, good company, and the gentle hum of nature all around.

Come for the calm. Stay for the cats. Leave with a full heart (and maybe a cupcake… or a new feline friend!).

Free entry, All welcome
Whether you’re curious about meditation, looking to adopt a cat, or just want a peaceful Saturday outing—this is the place to be.

30/06/2025

Are you searching for something you can always rely on for comfort and guidance? Join us this morning to explore the transformative practice of going for refuge—a foundational element of the Buddhist path that offers profound protection, peace, and inspiration.

This retreat will introduce you to the powerful practice of seeking refuge in the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Together, these three treasures guide us toward lasting inner peace and a permanent escape from suffering.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/finding-real-protection/

03/06/2025

14 June 2025
12-2.30pm

Join us each month for an inspiring exploration of different Kadampa Buddhas, designed to help you connect deeply with the qualities and practices of these enlightened beings.

In each session, you’ll experience chanted prayers and guided meditations that foster a unique, heartfelt connection with each Buddha, inviting their wisdom, compassion, and strength into your own life.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/meet-the-buddhas-a-year-long-journey-of-connection-and-practice-medicine-buddha/

03/06/2025

Do you long for a break from the noise and busyness of daily life? Step into a serene day of reflection and renewal at our Silent Retreat—a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.

In a shared space of stillness, you’ll connect with like-minded individuals without pressure or expectation, allowing your mind to relax and your heart to open.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/silent-day-retreat-sunny-inside/

29/05/2025

Have you ever felt frustrated or disheartened by life’s challenges? Wondered why things unfold the way they do and asked the big question: Why me?

Buddhism offers deep insight into these questions through the understanding of karma—the law of cause and effect within our minds. Our intentions shape our actions, our actions shape our experiences, and our experiences shape our future. By understanding and working with karma, we can take control of our lives, cultivating happiness and reducing suffering.

Have you ever felt frustrated or disheartened by life’s challenges? Wondered why things unfold the way they do and asked the big question: Why me? Buddhism offers deep insight into th...

18/05/2025

Akanishta Monday Evening & Tuesday Morning
New series starting 2nd & 3rd of June
The Peace of Emptiness
Show the secret to the one who has attained firmness.
Think that all phenomena are like dreams.
Analyse the unborn nature of phenomena.
Between sessions, consider all phenomena as illusory
Join Gen Kelsang Opel for a transformative journey as she guides you through the profound wisdom of Buddha’s teachings. Prepare to shift your perspective and discover the tools that can lead you to true freedom and inner peace.

06/05/2025

NEW 4 week series for Young Adults, 18-29 starting next week!
14 May 2025, 6.30-7.45pm.

Life moves fast. Between deadlines, social media, and the pressure to have everything figured out, it’s no wonder our minds feel uncomfortable and unhappy.

Buddhist meditation isn’t just about calming your thoughts—it’s about expanding your awareness. It helps you step back, see the bigger picture, and develop a deeper sense of purpose. Instead of getting stuck in cycles of stress and self-doubt, you learn to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and resilience.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/akanishta-young-adult-meditation/

29/04/2025

10 May 2025
10am - 1.30pm

Join us each month for an inspiring exploration of different Kadampa Buddhas, designed to help you connect deeply with the qualities and practices of these enlightened beings.

In each session, you’ll experience chanted prayers and guided meditations that foster a unique, heartfelt connection with each Buddha, inviting their wisdom, compassion, and strength into your own life.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/meet-the-buddhas-a-year-long-journey-of-connection-and-practice-spiritual-guide/

28/04/2025

NEW 4 week series for Young Adults, 18-29 starting 14 May 2025, 6.30-7.45pm.

Life moves fast. Between deadlines, social media, and the pressure to have everything figured out, it’s no wonder our minds feel uncomfortable and unhappy.

Buddhist meditation isn’t just about calming your thoughts—it’s about expanding your awareness. It helps you step back, see the bigger picture, and develop a deeper sense of purpose. Instead of getting stuck in cycles of stress and self-doubt, you learn to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and resilience.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/akanishta-young-adult-meditation/

22/04/2025

A new series starting Thursday evenings in Teweksbury on 24 April 2025.

The meditation practice known as Taking and Giving, or “Tonglen” in Tibetan, has been a cherished method of healing for centuries. This transformative practice is not only renowned for its ability to heal the body but also serves as a potent tool for releasing negative mental habits such as insecurity, anger, and emotional pain. By practicing Taking and Giving, you can experience profound benefits, including the cultivation of positive energy, purification of the mind, the development of compassion and a greater sense of calm and clarity in the face of daily challenges.

This simple yet profound meditation uses the power of visualization, the breath, and positive intention.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/tewkesbury-meditation-class/

15/04/2025

26 April 2025
12-2.30pm

Join us each month for an inspiring exploration of different Kadampa Buddhas, designed to help you connect deeply with the qualities and practices of these enlightened beings.

In each session, you’ll experience chanted prayers and guided meditations that foster a unique, heartfelt connection with each Buddha, inviting their wisdom, compassion, and strength into your own life.

https://meditationincheltenham.org.uk/classes/class/meet-the-buddhas-a-year-long-journey-of-connection-and-practice-avalokitheshvara/