About the Centre
Akanishta Kadampa Buddhist Centre meditation centre in Cheltenham — a registered charity run by a small team and lots of volunteers. We’re part of the worldwide family of 1200+ Kadampa Buddhism centres — which together make up the New Kadampa Tradition.
We're here for anyone who wants to learn to meditate, find a bit more calm in a busy life, or explore Buddhist ideas in a practical, down-to-earth way. You don't need to be a Buddhist, and you don't need any experience to drop-in and find out what we’re all about. Everyone welcome.
In a few words
The centre was founded on 29th October 1993 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche — the meditation master who brought Kadampa Buddhism to the West. At that time the centre was a group of students meeting every week in Montpellier, cheltenham. The name given to the centre "Akanishta" is the name of the highest Pure Land in Buddhist teachings.
Over three decades the centre has grown into a haven for local people: somewhere to learn about meditation, to volunteer, and to belong to a friendly community. Today we run classes and courses in Cheltenham and at branches across Gloucestershire and in Oxford.
A home for the centre
The centre formally registered as a local charity in July 2008, before buying it’s current property on Whaddon Road in September 2009. Through the hard working of a dedicated group of local volunteers, together with many donations, they turned the old council rent offices into the beautiful meditation centre we all enjoy today.
The centre has a lovely entrance, a beautiful meditation hall, a lively social space, a small bookshop, a kitchen, accessible toilets, a peaceful garden, free visitor parking and accommodation for residents and visitors.
What we offer
A broad range of classes, course and retreats including:
30 minute Simply Meditation classes
Young Adults classes
Branch classes across Gloucestershire & in Oxford
Accommodation for up to seven residents or visitors
Our Team
The centre is managed by a team of three people, including The Admin Director — Paolo Nicosia, The education Programme Coordinator — Guy Fforde and the Resident Teacher — Gen Kelsang Jangchub.
The day to day running of the centre is supported by many volunteers who help teach, host our classes, keep the centre clean and tidy, prepare food for day events, garden and help maintain the building.
If you enjoy getting involved and helping out, we’d love to hear from you — just reach out to one of the managers above or speak with one of the hosts.