Congratulations to Martsang Kagyu UK Buddhist Centre (MKUKBC)

on winning an award in the Community Contribution for Outstanding

Religious Charitable Groups 2023 Awards.

In the U.K. religions, for instance Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and so on, are open, free, and equal. There are 49,881 faith-based charities registered in England and Wales, of which over 2,200 are based in London. We are delighted to announce MKUKBC has been commended with an award in this year’s 2023 Community Contribution for Outstanding Religious Charitable Groups Awards.

Martsang Kagyu UK Buddhist Centre (MKUKBC) was established by His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche, who is the lineage holder of the Martsang Kagyu tradition and a Buddhist scholar. The Centre follows the Martsang Kagyu of Tibetan Buddhism, founded 857 years ago. For over 10 years, His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche has spread joyful Dharma for the benefit of the public through lectures, seminars, public talking and meditation to promote mental health and wellbeing. MKUKBC seeks to benefit all people in the community without prejudice or judgement.

There are many unique aspects to the Martsang Kagyu UK Buddhist Centre that bring sustainable benefit to the community. Two key aspects contributing to our recognition for the award are as follows:

1. Our study programme is based on ancient teachings that originated in India and a rich cultural tradition in Tibet. The three- and half-year Diploma course called the ‘Martsang LamRim’ taught by His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche is a unique studying system which includes teachings, exams, debates, and retreats. This course is extremely comprehensive and detailed, commencing from a beginner level up to an academic standard, supported with in-depth actual practices to enable students to transform their minds and open their hearts. There are very few places in the world where a student can receive a full guide to the achievement of enlightenment from an authentic lineage-holder and accomplished teacher and practitioner.

2. Meditation is a simple, fast, and easy way to improve both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Regular practice has been shown to positively impact problems such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as aid self-development through improving productivity, confidence, emotional stability, and relationships. Our teachers are fully trained in creating a friendly, warm, and open environment, and helping students to integrate the practices for their own specific circumstances.

The pandemic was a unique moment in history, where many people felt loneliness and anxiety like never before. Being able to calm one’s mind through mindfulness meditation requires precise instructions. It is a fantastic achievement that Martsang Kagyu UK Buddhist Centre was able to teach so many people how to meditate correctly to alleviate the mental health issues arising during that time. On the other hand, we have more responsibility to continue to provide the best service for communities as we can.

The Ceremony to receive this wonderful award was held on 21st November 2023 at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, UK and was attended by His Holiness and representatives from MKUKBC.