About Us
Our Centre
uma kmc carlisle
Open to everyone, UMA Kadampa Meditation Centre in Carlisle is a special place of peace and refuge. We offer a variety of inspiring classes and courses that allow you to learn how to meditate, bring real meaning to your life and access the timeless wisdom of Buddha’s teachings. In-depth weekly study programs, chanted prayers and retreats are also provided for people who want to deepen their understanding.
UMA KMC Buddhist Centre is a non-profit registered charity and member of the New Kadampa Tradition – a global Buddhist organisation founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The Centre is run entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the people of Carlisle and North & West Cumbria and welcomes people from all faiths and backgrounds
Everyone Welcome
Our classes are open to everyone, regardless of background or level of experience. We cater for those who simply want to calm their mind, those who want effective strategies for improving the quality of their life right now, and those looking to embark on the complete path of inner transformation that Buddha taught. In other words, you don’t need to be a Buddhist to come to our classes; everyone can benefit from these practical instructions for living a more peaceful, joyful life.
Our resident teacher
Gen Dema
Gen Dema is the resident teacher at Uma Kadampa Meditation Centre. She gives clear and practical guidance from her own experience of Buddha’s teachings. Gen Dema teaches the following classes at the centre: General Programme, Foundation Study Programme, Guided Retreats, Day Courses, Special Events as well as branch classes at other venues.
Mary Cameron Parker
Mary Parker is one of our Foundation Programme students and she teaches Prayers for World Peace most Sundays at Uma Centre. She is much loved for her clear explanations of Buddha’s teachings, her guided meditations as well as her light and joyful manner.
Dave Stones
Dave Stones is a Foundation Programme student and has been a Kadampa practitioner for many years. He has a wealth of experience of putting Buddha’s teachings into practice. His humble, warm, practical and engaging style is welcomed at the Penrith branch class.
Val Wilkinson
Val is one of our Foundation Programme students and she teaches the Monday lunchtime meditation class. She is a sincere Buddhist practitioner with a compassionate and wise heart. Her clear and practical meditation advice and guidance is easy and enjoyable to follow.
Gary Newman
Gary is one of our Foundation Programme students and he teaches the Wednesday lunchtime meditation class at Uma KMC. His enthusiasm for meditation, along with his practical guidance and clear instructions, make it possible to learn how to meditate and gain experience of a peaceful mind.
Kelsang Gyalwa
Recently appointed as our Education Programme Co-ordinator, Kelsang Gyalwa is a humble and sincere practitioner with a kind and peaceful heart. Her Thursday guided lunchtime meditation class is relaxing, refreshing and clearly explained. She is also a student on our Foundation Programme.
Volunteers
Join in
Come join in. We are dedicated to bringing inner peace and happiness to the people of Carlisle and beyond. To fulfill this aim our Centre relies upon volunteers.
If you have the wish to help out in any way please let us know. You don’t need to have any particular skills or make any regular commitment. Our volunteers are from all walks of life and help us with a vast range of tasks. Any help is welcome.
Fundraising
All of our Centre’s activities depend upon the kindness of our community. Every Kadampa Meditation Centre is completely run by volunteers and it is through the generous support of the community – by volunteering and making financial contributions – that we are able to offer classes and courses throughout Carlisle. If you wish to make a one-time or recurring donation to the Centre’s activities, you can do so at any time. Every donation regardless of size, is a significant contribution. If you have the wish to help out in any way please let us know. You don’t need to have any particular skills or make any regular commitment. Our volunteers are from all walks of life and help us with a vast range of tasks. Any help is welcome.
Global Community
UMA KMC is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition – – International Kadampa Buddhist Union; an international network of over one thousand centres and groups around the world. This network was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso with the express intention of bringing inner peace to every corner of the globe and the wish for everyone to find, deep lasting happiness within. By creating peace in your mind through these classes, you become part of a worldwide movement to create a more peaceful world.
