The founder of Buddhism was Buddha Shakyamuni who lived and taught in India about two and a half thousand years ago. Since then millions of people around the world have followed the spiritual path of compassion and wisdom he revealed. The Buddhist way of life is one of inner peace, loving kindness and wisdom; it is just as relevant today as it was in ancient India.

Buddha explained that all our problems and suffering arise from confused and negative states of mind such as anger, attachment and ignorance, and that all our happiness and good fortune arise from peaceful and positive states of mind such as love, compassion and wisdom. He taught methods for gradually overcoming our negative minds and developing our positive minds. Through this we come to experience lasting peace and happiness. These methods work for anyone, in any country, in any age. Once we have gained experience of them for ourselves, we can pass them on to others so they too can enjoy the same benefits.

Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is basically a method for understanding and working on our own mind. We first learn to identify our different negative mental states known as 'delusions', and learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states or 'virtuous minds'. Then in meditation we overcome our delusions by becoming familiar with virtuous minds. Out of meditation we try to maintain the virtuous minds we have developed and use our wisdom to solve the problems of daily life. As our mind becomes more positive our actions become more constructive, and our experience of life becomes more satisfying and beneficial to others.

Anyone can learn basic meditation techniques and experience great benefits, but to progress beyond basic meditation requires faith in the Three Jewels - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Usually people find this develops naturally as they experience the benefits of their meditation practice.

With the fast pace and high stress of modern life many people are becoming interested in the peaceful philosophy of Buddhism. In particular there is a very deep interest in learning how to meditate, both to overcome stress and anxiety, and to deepen one's spiritual experience. In response to this growing interest Kadampa Buddhism offers many different ways of learning about Buddhism and practicing meditation.

Kadampa Buddhism was first introduced to the West in 1977 by the renowned Kadampa Buddhist Master, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso when he moved to and started teaching at Manjushri Centre in Ulverston , England . Kadampa Buddhism is dedicated to bringing peace and happiness to all living beings. It is a living school of Mahayana Buddhism as originally taught by Buddha. These teachings were re-presented by the great Indian Master Atisha in the 10th century. The teachings have been passed down in an unbroken lineage from teacher to disciple and have not only spread throughout much of Asia, but now to many countries of the Western world. Adapting to the different ways of life wherever these teachings go, their essential meaning, authenticity and effectiveness remain unaltered.

Every year Kadampa Buddhists from around the world gather for meditation festivals where they receive special teachings and empowerments and enjoy a spiritual holiday. The principal Spring and Summer Festivals are held at Manjushri Centre, other festivals occur worldwide. All Kadampa Buddhist Centers are open to the public. www.kadampa.org