The three study programmes

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special Study Programmes for the systematic study and practice of Modern Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Programme, Foundation Programme, and Teacher Training Programme.

All three programmes are taught at Manjushri KMC.

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General Programme

open to everyone

General Programme
The General Programme (GP) is taught at every centre for Modern Kadampa Buddhism and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about the practical application of Buddhism and meditation to modern life. At Manjushri KMC, GP includes Sunday mornings, Tuesday evenings, Wednesday mornings and evenings, and our branch classes.

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Foundation programme

enrolment required

Foundation Programme (FP)
with Gen-la Jampa
more information here

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Teacher Training Programme

enrolment required

Teacher Training Programme (TTP)
with Gen-la Jampa
more information here

International Festivals

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Spring Festival

At Manjushri KMC

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Fall Festival

At various locations

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Summer Festival

At Manjushri KMC

Every year NKT organises three International Festivals of modern Kadampa Buddhism taught by senior Teachers.

These Festivals provide a precious opportunity to study and practice the special presentation of modern Buddhism taught by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Rinpoche, the Founder of the NKT-IKBU.

The Festivals consist of teachings, empowerments and meditations, with short retreats to finish with. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of experience.

Besides the teaching and meditation program, the Festivals also provide a precious opportunity to meet and practice with like-minded people from all over the world.

Special courses & events

The centre offers a number of special courses throughout the year including public talks and special courses with Gen-la Dekyong, seasonal courses and events related to special days in the Kadampa calendar.

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Retreats

Most courses and retreats can now be attended in person at the centre or live streamed online. You can choose when making your booking.

Courses & Retreats

  • Apr 22 - Jul 15

    Meditation Classes

    Wednesday evening – Drop-in classes

    with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

  • Jun 9 - Jul 16

    Meditation Classes

    New: Weekly Meditation Class Series

    with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

  • Jun 12 - 14

    Weekend Meditation Retreat

    Learning about Love

    with Gen Kelsang Jigme

  • Jun 19 - 20

    Mini Retreat Break

    Mini Retreat Break:
    Recharge Your Batteries

    with Alan Hughes

  • Jul 3 - 10

    In-Depth Retreat

    Refuge Retreat

    with Kelsang Tsalden

  • Jul 24 - Aug 8

    International Festival

    International Summer Festival

    with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

  • Aug 28 - 31

  • Nov 27 - Dec 1

    Special Event

    Clear and Joyful Meditation – Special Weekend

    with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

  • Feb 27 - Mar 2

    Special Event

    The Great Middle Way, Emptiness

    with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

Contact & Visit

We’d love to welcome you to Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre — a peaceful place in the heart of the Lake District where everyone is welcome.

📍 Visit Us

Conishead Priory
Ulverston
Cumbria LA12 9QQ
United Kingdom

☎ Contact

+44 (0)1229 584029
info@manjushri.org

🕒 Open Daily

Temple, café, shop, grounds and meditations available throughout the week.

🌿 Free Entry

Free access to the Temple grounds, gardens and café.

A Peaceful Place to Visit

Enjoy peaceful walks, beautiful gardens, woodland paths, beach views, free meditations and the inspiring Temple for World Peace.

Whether you come for a retreat, meditation class or simply a peaceful day out, everyone is welcome at Manjushri KMC.

- Temple for World Peace (Open Daily 11 am - 5 pm)
- World Peace Cafe: Vegetarian Café (Open Tuesday to Sunday 11 am - 5 pm)
- Woodland & Coastal Walks
- Free Daily Meditations (12.30 pm and 2 pm)
- Bookshop & Gift Shop
- Free Parking

Enjoy a Peaceful Day in the Lake District

Visit the Temple, explore the grounds, enjoy a meditation and relax in our café. Everybody is welcome.

Explore Events

How to Get Here

Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre
Conishead Priory, A5087 Coast Road
Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ

By Road

We are approximately 30 minutes (26 miles) from Junction 36 on the M6.

Follow signs for Barrow. After 3½ miles from the motorway, take the A590 towards Barrow.

In Ulverston, take the second exit at the roundabout by Booths Supermarket and pass the Shell garage.

Take the second left onto the A5087 Coast Road signposted Bardsea / Croftlands and “Coastal Route to Barrow”.

Manjushri KMC is located approximately two miles along on the left-hand side.

By Bus

Take the No. 11 Blueworks Coast Road Bus from Ulverston Town Centre.

Bus stop located by the Catholic Church on Victoria Road, Ulverston.

Traveline:
0871 200 22 33

cumbria.gov.uk/buses

By Rail

Nearest station: Ulverston Station (ULV)

National Rail Enquiries:
08457 48 49 50

thetrainline.com
nationalrail.co.uk

Taxi

A taxi from Ulverston Town Centre or Railway Station to Conishead Priory takes approximately 6 minutes and costs around £7.

There is no taxi rank at the railway station, so we recommend booking a taxi in advance.

Ulverston Town Centre has a taxi rank by the Post Office.

Booking, fees & T&Cs

Day Visits — Free of Charge

Manjushri KMC is a free entry destination in the Lake District. Visitors are welcome to explore our Temple and 70-acre grounds at no cost.

Also, you are welcome to visit our Temple, Cafe, Shop and our beautiful grounds free of charge — no booking required. Simply drop in during opening hours and explore at your own pace.

Booking and payment are only required if you wish to attend a course, stay overnight, or join a meal in our dining room. Detail below.

BOOKING INFO

Booking Info

Please read the following information carefully.

Booking & Payment

Manjushri KMC is a free entry destination in the Lake District. Visitors are welcome to explore our Temple and 70-acre grounds at no cost.

So that we can best prepare for your visit, we ask that you please book at least 24 hours in advance.  All course bookings must be made using the relevant booking form.

Please see individual course pages for links to online booking forms.

Overnight guest stays (ie. those not attending a course) must also be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact our reception team for more information and to check availability.

Payment: Depending on the length of the course you are attending, either full payment at time of booking (General Programme classes, Day Courses/Retreats, Public Talks), or a minimum 25% deposit is required at the time of booking.  All balances must be paid at least 72 hours before the start of the course/retreat.

In-person courses may be booked with or without accommodation.

Overnight guest stays who are not attending a course, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Accommodation

We offer the following types of accommodation:

  • Ensuite single, twin, and triple rooms (mainly on the 2nd floor of the main Priory building or adjacent cottages).
  • Standard single and twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
  • Dormitory accommodation mainly with bunk beds

All linen and towels are provided in single, twin, and triple rooms.  Bed linen is provided in dormitory accommodation but please bring your own towel.

Conishead Priory is a listed building and we do not have a lift.  If you have any mobility issues or special needs please tell us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you. We do not currently have any ensuite accessible rooms.

Children & Young Adults

Children (under 16) and Young Adults (16 & 17) are welcome to attend courses/events at Manjushri KMC.  We consider their safety and wellbeing to be of the utmost importance and for this reason some special conditions apply.

All under 16s must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, or other adult care giver (over 18), and they remain the responsibility of that adult at all times. We do not offer child care facilities and Manjushri KMC cannot be held responsible for children whilst on site.

All 16 & 17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult (over 18).

Children’s Discounted Rates

The following discounted rates apply:

Course/event fees0-7 yrs FREE, 8-15 yrs = 50%, 16+ = as adult

Accommodation:  Children occupying a bed space are required to pay full price (unless 3 years or under and sharing a bed with parents = Free).

Meals:  Full price.

Enquiries

Enquiries about accommodation availability and all our courses can be made by phone on 01229 584029 (reception hours:  9.30am -1pm, 2pm – 5pm Daily) or by email to info@manjushri.org

For enquiries about existing bookings, please use the ‘contact us’ button in your booking cart.

FEES
T&Cs

Staying over

MKMC December-10

You do not have to be attending one of our courses or events to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre.  Whether you are taking some well-earned time out, or perhaps have a wish to experience a spiritual community,  it is possible to book an overnight stay.  Accommodation includes a self-service breakfast in our communal dining room.  Lunch and dinner in the community dining area area also available to book.  You can find out more here.

Guest stays must be booked in advance, please contact our reception team to enquire about availability.

 

 

Access & Special Needs

Accessible parking & toilet are available on site.

The Temple, café, shop,  and ground floor of the main Priory building are wheelchair accessible.  Please advise of any special needs in advance and we will do our best to help.

We have limited accessible accommodation options, please enquire for more information. Please inform us if you have restricted mobility as many rooms are on the upper floors.

If you are hard of hearing, headphones can be provided during teachings, please let us know in advance so we can arrange this for you.

Our courses may be held either in the Temple or one of the meditation rooms in the main building which is accessible via stairs. If you have any difficulty with stairs, please do check in advance. 

at Manjushri KMC
Kadampa Temple for the World Peace

Part of the new kadampa tradition - international kadampa buddhist union

Volunteering

Volunteering is an ideal opportunity to enjoy a rewarding break where you can quickly feel part of our thriving community.

Volunteering at Manjushri KMC offers a perfect opportunity to experience first hand the Buddhist way of life within a busy, vibrant, international community. There are many ways in which you can help eg. by joining in the day to day activities of the Centre itself, such as serving in the cafe, helping to prepare guest rooms, cooking, gardening, joining a renovation project,  or helping in  Kadampa Art Studio, Tharpa Publications and Kadampa Internet, all of which are based at Manjushri KMC.

What to expect

Volunteers join in many areas of community life, such as cooking, gardening, housekeeping, decorating etc. There are often building projects, and we are are always interested to hear about any specific skills you may be able to offer. Whilst these activities are not always strenuous you will need to be reasonably fit and active to come on a volunteering visit.

Typically you will volunteer Monday to Friday but depending on the activity, it may also include weekends. You will have two days free each week when you can explore the Lakes, or just relax in the friendly atmosphere of the centre.

About the place

Conishead Priory is a Grade 2* Romantic Gothic House located just south of the English Lake District It is situated in 70 acres of woodland and gardens on the shores of Morecambe Bay. It provides a quiet and reflective environment for a meaningful break.

From the centre you can visit the stunning scenery of the Lake District. If you enjoy hiking in the hills, boating or visiting historic places and cute tearooms there is something to enjoy in this area.

 

Meditations and Teachings

As a volunteering visitor you are welcome to take part in many of the spiritual activities at Manjushri Centre. At present we have daily guided 15 minute meditations as well as evening classes and courses over the weekend.

The classes are all free to volunteering visitors, but if you wish to attend an evening or weekend course while you are here please book on manjushri.org

(This does not include the International Festivals). Please note there are no classes during our term breaks.

MKMC Temple Outline White
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Meditations and Teachings

As a volunteering visitor you are welcome to take part in many of the spiritual activities at Manjushri Centre. At present we have daily guided 15 minute meditations as well as evening classes and courses over the weekend.

The classes are all free to volunteering visitors, but if you wish to attend an evening or weekend course while you are here please book on manjushri.org

(This does not include the International Festivals). Please note there are no classes during our term breaks.

MKMC Temple Outline White

What volunteering offers you.

Volunteering at Manjushri KMC offers a unique and enriching experience, both personally and spiritually. We are an international community so you’ll spend time with people from many countries and all walks of life, each bringing different perspectives and skills that can help you grow in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Set within a stunning, peaceful environment, the centre itself is a source of inspiration and calm. As part of a warm and welcoming spiritual community, you’ll have the opportunity—if you wish—to learn about meditation and explore the teachings of Buddhism. And in your free time, it’s easy to hop on a bus and explore the breathtaking lakes and mountains of the Lake District, one of the most beautiful corners of the UK.

Snow winter volunteers group

Testimonials

More Testomonials & Experiences

Esteban (chile)

Esteban

From Chile

"It’s a lovely experience. The place is peaceful and helps you to rest your mind. Although you're kept busy, the atmosphere is so beautiful that you feel calm and at peace. If you’re interested in Buddhism and meditation, you’ll learn so much, practise often, and feel filled with peace. You also feel relaxed and uplifted. Plus, it’s a great chance to improve your English – and maybe even other languages too! - Happy to be here and to learn from everyone – truly rewarding."

Cintia (Argentina)

Cintia

From Argentina

Here it’s truly wonderful. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home. There are people from all over the world, and we share everything — it’s a beautiful opportunity to meet kind people who are all searching for peace. It’s like travelling inward. You can join the classes and practise meditation.
I feel happy and content — like I’m right where I belong.

Leon-Brazil-e1745593443828

Leon

From Brazil

My volunteering experience has been wonderful. You share time with so many different people and minds, and it helps you grow in many ways — personally and in your skills. You feel at ease with everyone. Manjushri is like an enchanted castle — it truly feels like a magical place. With beautiful gardens, peaceful woodland walks, and the beach nearby, it’s a haven of tranquillity. And the Temple itself is simply stunning. You find a deep sense of inner peace here.

Camila (Chile)

Camila

From Chile

I came here looking for peace, knowing nothing about Buddhism. I ended up in a place I didn’t even know I needed.I was assigned to help in the café: making coffee, serving tea, and connecting with people… and without realizing it, the love that filled this place started changing me from the inside out. What I took with me wasn’t just memories—it was a new way of seeing the world. For the first time, I wasn’t just “working”; I was benefiting others. And that changed everything.

Camila (Chile)

Camila

From Chile

I remember my first class: “You can learn to manage your mind.”
How had no one taught me this before!? That’s when I began to realize I could choose to respond with awareness, with compassion… and to be patient, not just with others, but also with myself.
What touched me the most was the human quality of the people around me. People who strive, day by day, to be kinder, more mindful, more generous… acting from a place of love.

Manjushri gave me tools to transform from the inside out. It showed me that growth isn’t about being perfect, but about becoming more aware, more loving, and more present in every moment. That’s why, every time I can, I return as a volunteer. Because here, I found more than just a place: I found a home for my heart.

Rafaela (Brazil)

Rafaela

From Brazil

Volunteering at the temple was a great experience! I was able to help in different areas and make friends, besides the great opportunity to watch inspiring classes and learn how to meditate. Manjushri is a beautiful place with lots of opportunities to learn and cultivate good feelings

Irina (Ireland)

Irina

From Ireland

Meeting new people and seeing some familiar faces has been a real joy. It’s a fantastic community, and I’ve even had the chance to rediscover and develop skills I thought I’d lost.

Other important information

What we provide

We will provide seven days free dormitory accommodation and three vegetarian meals a day.  Your volunteering commitment will be 30 hours (usually spread over five days).

All meals are vegetarian, we do provide vegan and wheat free options, please notify us in advance.

How long can I volunteer for?

A volunteering visit can be arranged for short or longer term, but will always start with a one-week trial. We reserve the right to ask a volunteer to leave if problems arise. Volunteering visits MUST be booked in advance, and you will be asked to provide references.  We are unable to accept anyone who has not completed the full application process.

What to bring

You will need to bring your own towel for dormitory accommodation. You should also have sturdy footwear and if possible waterproof outer layers. In general you should bring comfortable clothes suitable for the season and for a range of tasks.

Community Life

We ask that all our volunteers follow some basic principals of living within a Buddhist community, namely; not to drink alcohol, smoke, or eat meat on the premises. We also ask you not to play musical instruments, and to use headphones if listening to music.

Do you live locally to Manjushri Kadampa Meditation centre and don't need accommodation?
Please fill out this day volunteer form instead of the normal form.

Centre for Modern Kadampa Buddhism

Part of the new kadampa tradition - international kadampa buddhist union