Most of the regular visitors to this site will know that our resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Demo died during the night of 27th November. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, sangha, and the very many other people whose lives she has touched.

Many of her students and friends from our Palmerston North and regional classes, as well as those from other centres, have joined us to engage in a traditional Buddhist practice - the Powa ceremony (a very peaceful and uplifting method of expressing our love and our heartfelt wishes for Gen Demo's future peace in Buddha's pure land), and we know that Powa ceremonies have been undertaken in Kadampa Buddhist Centres around the world.

So - while we farewell Gen Demo with profound sadness, it is mixed with the gratitude and joy that we all feel for having spent time with her, and with great confidence that her continuing journey will be peaceful.

We would like to thank all of you, from all over the world who have expressed their sorrow, condolences and love for both Gen Demo's family and friends, and the Amitabha Community. We are indeed very fortunate to have had her in our lives.

When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides, and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - The New Meditation Handbook.

Our programmes are open to everyone - newcomers and experienced meditators, young, old, working, retired, individuals and families. We welcome people from all faiths and those who do not subscribe to any faith. You do not have to be a Buddhist to take part in our programme and to benefit from it.