Away Retreat - Awakening the Heart: Transforming Life’s Challenges

Join us for a deeply peaceful weekend retreat in the beautiful setting of Nagarjuna KMC, nestled in the tranquil English countryside.

Life inevitably brings challenges—stress, conflict, or uncertainty can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. This away retreat offers a unique opportunity to step out of daily routines and cultivate inner strength, resilience, and a heart-centred perspective.

Through guided Buddhist meditations and practical teachings, you will learn how to:

• Transform life’s challenges into opportunities for growth
• Cultivate love, compassion and patience
• Reconnect with your inner strength and resilience

Suitable for all levels from beginners to senior practitioners

Through guided meditations, teachings, discussion and quiet reflection, this weekend retreat will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and better equipped to face life’s ups and downs with clarity and warmth.
This retreat will be guided by experienced Kadampa Resident Teachers from Heruka KMC – Kadam John McBretney and Duldzin Dragpa Centre – Kadam Ai Peng McBretney.

Kadam John McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Heruka KMC and has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for over 30 years. Known for his joyful and down-to-earth style, he has a rare ability to make even the deepest subjects clear and accessible, guiding students effortlessly to develop lasting inner peace and wisdom.

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Duldzin Dragpa KBC and has trained in Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Drawing from her own experience of applying Buddha’s advice in daily life, she shares the teachings in a warm, practical way that helps people see how to bring peace, happiness, and meaning into their everyday activities.

Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre at Thornby Hall is set in beautiful grounds. It offers a peaceful sanctuary where modern Buddhists — and seekers of peace — immerse themselves in meditation, learn timeless wisdom, and recharge both mind and spirit.

Address: Thornby Hall,
Naseby Road
Thornby
Northamptonshire NN6 8SW

Directions:

From the A14, exit at Junction 1 and turn right towards Thornby. In Thornby, turn left at The Red Lion pub. The entrance to Thornby Hall is 100 meters on the left. There is car parking in the grounds.

Unfortunately, there is no bus service running to and from Thornby. The closest train stations are Northampton, Rugby, or Market Harborough. A taxi from there to the Centre costs approximately £15 – £20.

Single Ensuite: £290. Early Bird Discount: £260
Single: £230. Early Bird Discount: £200
Twin Ensuite: each person £270. Early Bird Discount: £240 (SOLDOUT)
Twin: each person £240. Early Bird Discount: £210
Male Dormitory: £210. Early Bird Discount: £180
Female Dormitory: £210. Early Bird Discount: £180
Campervan: (not including electrical hook up) £200. Early Bird Discount: £170
Campervan additional person sharing campervan: £165. Early Bird Discount: £135
Non-residential: £165. Early Bird Discount: £135

All prices include breakfast, lunch and supper, except non-residential, which includes only lunch and supper.
Vegetarian or vegan meals options are available. Please select which option you would like and add this to your booking.

Cancellations: Cancellations up to 4 weeks prior to the retreat will receive a full refund minus a 10% admin fee. Cancellations up to 1 week before receive 50% refund. No refund for cancellations made in the seven days immediately prior to the retreat.

3.00pm Registration opens
6.00pm Supper
7.15pm – 8.45pm Introduction

9.15am – 10.15am Session 2
11.30am – 12.30pm Session 3
1.00pm Lunch
3.00pm – 4.00pm Session 4
5.00pm – 6.00pm Session 5
6.00pm Supper
7.30pm – 8.45pm Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog

9.15am – 10.15am Session 6
11.30am – 12.45pm Session 7
1.00pm Lunch

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre