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.

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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.

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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

Residential community

group MKMC residents

A Kadampa Spiritual Community

The spiritual community at Manjushri KMC is a modern day example of how putting Buddha’s teachings into practice creates a peaceful and harmonious environment that is a pleasure for all who visit.

All residents contribute to the life of the community through their voluntary work. This includes cooking, cleaning, gardening, organising meditation courses, and running the shop and cafe. Residents also work in the reception, art studios and offices supporting the many activities on site.

All three study programmes are available, including Special Teacher Training Programme, Foundation Programme and General Programme and many other courses are taught throughout the year.

Becoming a resident at Manjushri Centre is a special way to contribute to the flourishing of Kadam Dharma and an opportunity to begin or deepen our experience of a spiritual life.

For more information on becoming a resident please contact the Administrative Director by email: director@manjushri.org

International projects

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Kadampa Art Studio

Making qualified Buddhist statues

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Kadampa Internet

Publishing Kadampa Buddhism online

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Tharpa Publications

Distributing the wisdom of Modern Buddhism

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International Temples Project

Supporting the development of Kadampa Buddhism

Group visits

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We regularly host group visits from schools, colleges, community groups, and others.

To find out more,  please e-mail: visits@manjushri.org

The Kadampa Temple for World Peace

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Temple

Open daily 11am - 5pm

In 1997, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche opened the first Kadampa Temple for Word Peace at Manjushri KMC, which was constructed largely by Kadampa builders and volunteers according to Venerable Geshe-la's design.

Based on the mandala palace of Buddha Heruka, every aspect of the Temple teaches the spiritual path and encourages us to use our human life meaningfully.

Since then Venerable Geshe-la has overseen the design and construction of five more traditional-style Temples,   More are planned for the future. All the Temples are dedicated to world peace.

Visiting
You can visit the Temple daily between 11am and 5pm to:

  1. relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
  2. take in the magnificent statues and other blessed objects
  3. join the 15-minute guided meditation at 12.30 and 2pm each day

A host is always available to answer your questions.

Weekly classes take place in the Temple during term times, and there are various courses at weekends which it is possible to book in to attend.

Use the WHAT'S ON menu above to see the full programme of classes and retreats.

"JUST SEEING THESE PRECIOUS TEMPLES PLACES ON OUR MINDSTREAM POWERFUL POTENTIALITIES TO MEET HOLY DHARMA AND COMPLETE THE PATH TO LIBERATION."
VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO RINPOCHE

About Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre

Manjushri KMC is the mother centre of a worldwide network of modern Kadampa Buddhist centres founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, who for over 40 years guided every aspect of the centre’s development. It is a special place dedicated to world peace: a place where everyone can find their own inner peace, solve their problems and help others do the same, and thus help to create peace throughout the world.

Through offering courses and classes in Buddhist meditation on a local, national and international level to people of all ages and all walks of life, Manjushri KMC presents the original teachings and meditations of Buddha in a contemporary form that is easy for people to understand and practise, making them fresh and easily accessible.

Everybody welcome!
Manjushri KMC is open to everyone. You can take part in daily meditation classes, evening classes, day retreats, weekend meditation retreats, in-depth study programmes, and international meditation festivals. Or you
can come simply for a break for a day or
more to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Temple and seventy acres of wooded grounds leading to the shores of Morecambe Bay, or to simply relax in the World Peace Café and explore the gift shop

Visit us

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Temple

Open daily 11am - 5pm

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Gift shop

Open daily 11am - 5pm

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Cafe

Open daily 11am - 5pm

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Grounds

Open daily dawn - dusk

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The Gift of Love

Christmas Course with Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang

At a time of giving we may wonder, ’What is the best gift I can make to others?’

The answer is inner peace. Whoever has this will be happy all the time, whatever their circumstances. No material gift can do this. We develop the power to give peace and happiness to others through meditation on love.

Details

Date:
Thur 12 - Sun 15 Nov, 2020

Teacher:
Gen-la Dekyong

What to Expect:
Details about your stay

Fees:
Details about your stay

Venue

Address:
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
LA12 9QQ

Directions:
Get directions from Google Maps

part of the new kadampa tradition - international kadampa buddhist union

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world-renowned meditation master who has founded hundreds of centres around the world as part of the New Kadampa Tradition  - International Kadampa Buddhist Union.

He is the Spiritual Guide to thousands of people worldwide.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

In his heart, Venerable Geshe-la holds the very essence of Buddha’s teachings, which he transmits to the people of the modern world in very practical ways through the accessible methods of modern Kadampa Buddhism that he has introduced into contemporary society through his many teachings and books.

Venerable Geshe-la's compassionate presence is felt throughout the centre, his home for over 30 years.

Spring Festival 2024

MAY 24 - 29 2024 with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa

NKT-IKBU International Spring Festival 2024

May 24 – 29 2024
Dorje Shugden Empowerment and teachings on the Extensive Protector Puja
with Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU

Find Your Inner Warrior ~ Meditation Class Series

From June 11 - July 18 this series of meditation classes will be running in the following locations :   Manjushri KMC (Ulverston)  ·   Kendal   ·    Barrow   ·   Keswick   ·   Bowness   ·   Grange-over-sands   ·   Millom   ·   Silverdale

Weekly Meditation Classes

Special Teacher Teaching Programme

with Gen-la Dekyong

This special programme was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche  to train qualified Teachers of Modern Kadampa Buddhism. Teachers at Kadampa centres around the world study on this programme with Gen-la.

More info

International Events

Gen-la Dekyong will teach at the next
Summer and Fall Festival, as well as various National Festivals.

Summer Festival 2024

Fall Festival 2024

With Gen Kelsang Drolkyi

Tuesdays 7.30 - 9pm

June 11 - July 16, 2024
Classes held in the Temple.

Find your Inner Warrior

More information

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CLASSES AT MANJUSHRI KMC :  TUESDAY EVENING   ·  SUNDAY MORNING   ·   DAILY FREE 15 MINUTE MEDITATIONS

Classes in the local area : 
  Kendal   ·    Barrow   ·   Keswick   ·   Bowness   ·   Grange-over-sands   ·   Millom   ·   Silverdale

free classes

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15-minute meditations

Every day in the Temple at 12.30 and 2pm, there is a free guided meditation suitable for everyone, even if you have never meditated before.

Pre-registration is not required.

prayers for world peace

Free Sunday morning meditation class at 10.30 - 11.45am.
Class dates: June 16, 23 & 30
July 7, 14

Pre-registration is not required.