Welcome to Tharpa!

A Vision for World Peace

  • Temple for World Peace - UK
  • Temple for World Peace - New York
  • Temple for World Peace - Brazil
  • Tharpaland International Retreat Centre
  • KMC California
  • World Peace Cafe Atlanta
  • Hotel Kadampa - Spain
  • Tara KMC - Location of the first International School

Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - Founder of the International Temples Project

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of NKT, has dedicated his life to helping the people of this world find true happiness by developing inner peace, or peace of mind, through meditation and other practices.

He has designed an international education programme that provides everyone regardless of nationality, age or gender with the opportunity to learn simple techniques for developing the capacity of their mind and eventually attaining the permanent inner peace of enlightenment. To date, this programme has been implemented in over forty countries.

Geshe Kelsang’s compassionate intention is embodied in the International Temples Project (ITP), a unique international fund dedicated to public benefit. The ITP fosters the international development of a wide range of contemporary Buddhist institutions. These presently include Temples for World Peace, Kadampa Meditation Centres (KMCs), International Retreat Centres (IRCs), Kadampa Buddhist Centres (KBCs), Hotel Kadampas, World Peace Cafés, the International Schools Project, and Tharpa Publications. All these institutions provide a public service that exemplifies the Buddhist faith.

Each year, for example, tens of thousands of people visit the Temples, KMCs, KBCs and IRCs. Some attend courses and retreats to learn how to develop inner peace through meditation, while others go to view the holy objects and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. But whatever their reason for visiting, Geshe Kelsang has said that anyone who sees a Temple or the holy objects within will receive a special blessing that sows a seed of future peace and happiness in their mind.

The proceeds from the sales of all Tharpa items are dedicated to public benefit through the ITP, so simply by supporting Tharpa through your purchases you are helping to bring peace into the hearts of this and future generations.