About Us
Who we are
KMC Birmingham is a Kadampa Buddhist Meditation Centre that offers meditation classes, courses and retreats – sharing practical, tried and tested methods for improving our state of mind, developing mental peace and happiness. We follow a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings that is very true to Buddha’s intention but also very clear and easy to put into practice, no matter how busy your life is, so very suitable for the modern world.
Regardless of age, race, gender or faith, anyone can benefit from Buddha’s advice on wisdom and compassion.
Kadampa Buddhism is an ancient practice, founded by Buddhist master Venerable Atisha (982-1054 AD). It has been introduced to modern society by the contemporary meditation master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Due to his pioneering work, there are now around 1,200 similar Kadampa Meditation Centres worldwide.
Our meditation centre in Birmingham is a special welcoming place of tranquillity, relaxation, reflection and friendship – in the heart of the city. It’s home to an international Kadampa Buddhist community who share a similar wish to make their lives meaningful by finding lasting peace and happiness from within and helping others to do the same.
What we offer
We offer a variety of meditation classes for beginners to more experienced meditators. If you’re interested in learning and improving your meditation skills, then we have a class for you, including:
- Drop-in daytime and evening classes
- Day and half day meditation workshops
- Meditation retreats
- Modern Buddhism study programmes
- Weekly meditation classes in Birmingham
- Classes in many other locations, including Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Wolverhampton
- Meditation at work for companies and groups
Our FOunder
venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, founder of NKT-IKBU, is a truly remarkable person. Born in a remote village high on the Tibetan plateau, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of eight and spent the next 20 years studying the teachings of Buddha in the great Tibetan monasteries.
After concluding his studies and being awarded the title ‘Geshe’, which means ‘virtuous spiritual friend’, he entered a life of meditation, engaging in deep retreat. First, near the Nepali border and later in the mountains of northern India, where he soon developed a reputation as a great meditator. Many started to regard him as a modern day qualified and accomplished meditation master.
In 1977, after almost 20 years in retreat and requested by his own spiritual guide, Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang, Geshe Kelsang graciously accepted an invitation to travel to the West. He began teaching at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in the Lake District in the UK.
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Dekyong
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and resident teacher at Manjushri KMC. Born in the UK, she has been studying under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 30 years.
Ordained as a Buddhist nun, Gen-la Dekyong has devoted her life to helping others by promoting modern Buddhism. She teaches at major events throughout the world and is well loved by thousands of students for her ability to touch their hearts, by showing how Buddha’s teachings are directly relevant to their lives today.
UK NKT Spiritual Director
Kadam Bridget Heyes
Kadam Bridget Heyes is the NKT-IKBU National Spiritual Director for the UK. She is known for her powerful teachings, compassionate heart and deep understanding of Buddha’s wisdom advice. Her teachings are exceptionally clear and she presents profound ideas in a way that are easy to practise and integrate into daily life.
As a mother of two, she has a special insight into how to bring Buddhism alive to meet the demands of a busy modern life. Kadam Bridget shows an inspiring example for everyone on the spiritual path. She is Resident Teacher at Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre.
Our Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Leksang
The Resident Teacher at KMC Birmingham is Gen Kelsang Leksang. Gen Leksang was ordained as a Buddhist nun by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 2007.
She has been studying under the guidance of the meditation master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 20 years and was first appointed as Resident Teacher at KMC Birmingham in 2008.
Known for her caring and positive manner, she has the ability to inspire people to improve their own lives by showing how buddha’s teaching are relevant to the experiences of modern day people.
Our branch teachers
We have a wonderful team of people who teach classes, workshops and meditation classes at the City Centre and other locations. All are studying on Teacher Training Programme or Foundation Programme at KMC Birmingham and have been practising for a number of years.
