The London Buddhist - No. 4, Unfolding Lives (Winter 2015)

The

London Buddhist Centre Magazine and Programme September–December

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

Contents Magazine: The London Buddhist 2 Editorial 3 Last Train Out Kusalasara on escape and engagement in Shraddhapuspa’s life 8 Small Worlds iPhone drawings by Jnanavaca 9 Back from the Edge Jayaka talks about his experiences of the mind while alone 11 The Difficult Film of our Lives Nico Mensinga uses a film as a mirror 13 Diary Finding the music. Subhadramati’s week

Programme: Sept–Dec 15 Introduction 17 Getting Started 19 Going Further 23 Festivals and Special Events 24 Sub35 and 25 Events 25 Calendar Sept-Dec 29 Yoga for Meditation 29 Events over Christmas and New Year 30 ‘East’: writers and artists at the LBC

Contributors

Ollie Brock, Jayaka, Jnanavaca, Kusalasara, Nico Mensinga, Singhamanas, Shraddhapuspa, Subhadramati, Vidyadaka

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

Unfolding Lives I have only ever seen the petals of a lotus, but I have heard from others that while these pristine and beautiful flowers unfold when they are touched by the sun’s light, deeper down their roots are embedded in the darkness and thick mire of the water’s impure sediment.

This is the image that the Buddha uses to describe the growth of human beings: the unfolding of life from unfavourable conditions.

Shraddhapuspa’s remarkable story is a vivid example of this. While the roots of her past are buried in the rise of the Nazis in pre-war Vienna, her life has flowered into a bold and courageous embodiment of her ideals, where inspiration still flows freely at the age of eighty-five.

So too does Jayaka emerge from nightmarish conditions – this time solitary confinement.

Touched by moments of kindness and love, the seeds of his life begin to take root, and so growth begins.

But even when conditions are seemingly advantageous, life is going smoothly and we are caught in the search for eternal pleasure – like the alter ego of a film-maker described by Nico Mensinga – we know that something urges us to grow and to face the honest difficulty of our life.

Finally, Subhadramati’s diary of her week leads us not towards a lotus, but a rose, pointing her in the direction of a world beyond appearances.

When they are touched by the Dharma in these ways, human lives open out beyond their limitations.

Indeed, it is the Dharma that activates the profound mystery of life within the human mind. And it is the Buddha who represents to us the complete transformation of consciousness so that it emerges into the world, just as the petals of the lotus break the surface of the water, shattering the light.

Perhaps it is something of this emergence that is on Jnanavaca’s mind as he creates his evocative drawings?

I do hope that these articles, and everything that happens at the London Buddhist Centre (which is listed in the programme from page 15), contribute to the growth and unfolding of your life.

– Vidyadaka

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The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

Last Train Out

As a young girl, Shraddhapuspa escaped Nazi persecution at the start of the war. She went on to be an idealistic head teacher in East London, a tireless community worker and a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order. Kusalasara writes about an extraordinary life

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t Shraddhapuspa’s flat, where she lives alone, there is a flowerbed which I inexpertly tend.

We have built it up from bare earth, she and I, during the weekly visits I have been making since 2009. Although the planting is haphazard (my doing) I am pleased with it, especially the vast climbing rose that hangs over the back door. I prune it twice a year. Just see those blooms! When we lived together a few years ago in a women’s community in Bethnal Green, Shraddhapuspa was an assiduous gardener and grew both vegetables and flowers. More recently she has set up a community food garden on the estate where she lives. Cabbages and Bengali gourds, parsley and fire-hot chillies jostle together in raised beds.

Today, however, we are not gardening, but sitting down to record an account of Shraddhapuspa’s life. Shraddhapuspa is eighty-five now, and frail, but while her eyesight and her hearing are seriously diminished, her mind is clear and active. She starts talking about her childhood.

Her speech is unhesitant and straightforward, her accent distinctly London. No trace of Austrian remains.

Shraddhapuspa, then Susy, left Vienna with her parents in 1939, aged nine. Previous to that she 3

had lived the protected, well-to-do life of the assimilated Jew. Her father owned a jeweller’s shop, she went to school and they went on holidays and Sunday outings to the mountains.

There were friends, relatives, even Christmas.

Her parents weren’t practising Jews – they thought of themselves as Viennese – and her mother was a Theosophist. ‘But that didn’t make any difference to us, says Shraddhapuspa. ‘I had to stop going to school because my primary school didn’t accept Jewish children any more.

I was probably about eight. We had to sew a yellow star on my coat and if I went out in the street I had to wear this yellow star.’ She also recalls looking out of her window and seeing the Nazis goose-step past. ‘So I had an idea of what was going on, but not very clear.’

Her parents were protective and didn’t discuss much in front of Shraddhapuspa. But she saw and felt the injustice of what was happening.

‘And being this little eight-year-old, I decided I would put an advert in the paper to tell the Jewish people to get together and tell the Nazis that what they were doing wasn’t fair and would they please stop. I was indignant, I don’t remember feeling afraid. I was put out. It wasn’t right, what was going on.’ This anecdote is famous amongst her friends: the mixture of 4

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

optimism and pragmatism, along with a strong moral sense, is delightfully recognisable.

The train Shraddhapuspa’s family took out of Austria was the last that Jews were allowed to board; the train behind got turned back. On the journey, Nazi soldiers examined their possessions and checked the hems of their clothes for hidden bank notes and stashed jewels. The family were off to England via Holland, where they boarded a boat. She later heard that that was the last boat that Jewish refugees could take from Holland. When they arrived at the train station in London, there were children everywhere – the evacuations had started. The next day, war was declared. Shraddhapuspa’s family would never have their own home again.

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ngland’s doors were closed to immigrants at that time, and only through sponsorship could the family settle here. And in the end it was her mother’s Theosophist connections that secured it for them. Theosophy is perhaps an unexpected ingredient in Shraddhapuspa’s upbringing. An esoteric set of beliefs combining mystical elements from many religions, it searches for a unified, divine truth and although it gained popularity in the last century in Europe, especially among the middle classes, it was never part of the mainstream. I probe a little to find out more about this influence. Her mother’s beliefs were talked about at home, it turns out, and as a child Shraddhapuspa was taught, and believed in, reincarnation – the Hindu idea that the self survives death and is reborn into a new body. When she was newly arrived in England she was knocked down by a car. At that moment the thoughts that came to her were of curiosity and interest: ‘I wonder who I will be reborn as.’ In other words, she felt no fear. But in her teenage years, she rejected her mother’s religion as ‘a load of rubbish’ and became a humanist and a rationalist. It was as a young adult, on a climbing trip, that she would realise the significance of this shift.

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The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

She looked down some of Snowdon’s more precipitous slopes and realised how much she had relinquished her belief in reincarnation.

Now there was fear.

After school Shraddhapuspa went into teaching.

During her training she naturally fell in with others who were interested in more radical and progressive educational ideas. (Later, she and her husband would set up and run a school based on similar principles.) She wanted to change the world and thought that the best approach would be to have some input into children’s lives and the way they grow up.

I ask where she thinks her idealism came from. It would be easy to put it down to her experiences of being a refugee in a strange country, her family’s slide from affluence into poverty and dependence, the war and its aftermath. ‘But it must be a little bit of just the way I am,’ she says. ‘Think of that little girl deciding to put an advert in the paper to get the Jews together.

That tendency must have been there.’ As well as this pragmatic responsiveness to the world and its needs, there is a more reflective side to her character. As a schoolgirl in Austria, she puzzled over whether the universe went on forever – or could there be an end to it? ‘I remember being completely overwhelmed by looking out of the window, seeing the sun shining on a lot of dew and cobwebs – I have the picture in my mind.

So I always had the feeling for there being something else in life.’

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t the London Buddhist Arts Centre, where I work, we share an office with the Globe Community Project (GCP), a charity run by a group of Buddhists, including Shraddhapuspa, to promote community cohesion in the local area. One day, unprompted, Shafia, who works for GCP, starts talking about Shraddhapuspa.

Shafia has known her since she was a pupil at Sir William Burrough Primary School, where Shraddhapuspa, then Ms Powlesland, was

Shraddhapuspa at home in East London

headmistress. Although, as Shafia points out, ‘she wasn’t a teacher, she was a friend.’ At that time Tower Hamlets was mainly populated by white people; Asians, mostly from Bangladesh, were only just starting to arrive in large numbers.

Shafia tells of being spat on while on a school outing and is still impressed by the calm way Shraddhapuspa got the children home, quelling a strong urge in the boys to retaliate. She took a personal interest in the families and their particular circumstances, too. (Testimony to her close connections with her pupils are the various visits she has made to Bangladesh itself.

The last was just a few years ago: picture a frail, white-haired woman on the back of a motorbike, bouncing down a rough path to a village on her way to a wedding.)

Shafia knows she was by no means the only child Shraddhapuspa helped – ‘There were so many stories, ours was just one.’ Another story, which stands out for different reasons, is that of Ed Husain. Born and brought up in a Bangladeshi Muslim family in the East End, Husain also attended Sir William Burrough School. He has described the ‘little world of goodness and kindness’ that Shraddhapuspa was trying to create. When he left this ‘little

world’ behind, on moving to secondary school, he rejected the benign spiritual influence of his immigrant family and adopted a fervent, politicised fanatacism. This new world offered an intellectual identity and respect from his peers. He spent five years under the influence of fundamentalist groups, and from his Islamist viewpoint saw ‘everyone along religious lines, and all non-Muslims as inferior to us.’ On witnessing the violence that came with an Islamist ideology, however, he eventually renounced his fundamentalism. He would later describe the period in his book The Islamist.

Husain went on to co-found the Quilliam Foundation, which works against extremism, and is now a senior advisor at the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. In his book, he recalls the atmosphere of friendship and protection that Shraddhapuspa and other teachers at that school offered. ‘I remember going to Ms Powlesland’s house to pick cherries in her garden,’ he writes.

‘She loved her pupils so much that even her social life revolved around us.’ The humane environment of the school gave Husain a lifetime’s lesson: ‘Later in life, when I doubted my affinity with Britain, those memories came flooding back.’

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The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

Seeing the struggles of the Bangladeshi families, Shraddhapuspa realised that they needed more help. ‘It was impossible not to do anything.’

She pauses. ‘For me, anyway.’ Some families near to the school were living in homeless accommodation, one room per family, with prostitutes and drug dealers in the same building. The women were scared to leave their rooms. Shraddhapuspa and the Chair of Governors managed to get the place closed down but housing was still a major problem.

Shraddhapuspa and a few dedicated others set up the Limehouse Project in response. Properties were bought and services provided to help families – particularly women, who were the most vulnerable and often the least educated – to begin to make a life for themselves here. While I am wary, like Shraddhapuspa, of drawing easy conclusions as to our motivations in life, the fact of her being a refugee here herself – ‘this whole business of coming to England, being the odd girl out when I was at school, with slightly halting English and strange clothes’ – can’t be ignored. Although she was teaching in a mainstream school, her radical approach continued, going beyond the conventional limits of her profession. She talks about her particular feeling for the first Buddhist precept, which enjoins us to perform ‘deeds of loving kindness’.

I reflect that in order to fulfil this precept, one needs to have a radical approach.

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hraddhapuspa’s efforts were officially recognised in 2009 when she was awarded an MBE for ‘services to black and ethnic minority people in East London’. But she is self-effacing.

She points out that all the way along she was aware of significant shortcomings in herself, and never felt a huge sense of satisfaction.

Looking back, she attributes a lot of what she feels were her mistakes to a lack of perspective, a perspective that Buddhism would have been able to give her. She came to Buddhism relatively late, in her mid-sixties. She emphasises that it is not 7

negative to think that the Dharma would have been valuable before that: ‘That is not a regret so much as an appreciation.’ The first thing she did after joining the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2003 was to start the Wednesday daytime class at the LBC. Sensitive as she is to the need for inclusivity, she wanted a class that helped parents and people who couldn’t attend in the evening to have access to teaching on meditation and Buddhism. The class has a creche run by volunteers to enable parents to come along. She is proud of this contribution to the Sangha, and more than ten years later she still attends every week.

Looking at my friend perched on her sofa, I wonder what her preoccupations are, with eighty-five years of life behind her, and who knows how many more to come. She is still an active trustee with two charities and is of course committed to the food garden on the estate. But what of her inner life?

‘I am sometimes quite aware that I am almost bound not to live much longer. It doesn’t fill me with fear, that thought. At its best, there is a sense of the preciousness of the life that I have still got. I don’t have that cutting edge that I used to have but I am still involved in having what I hope are useful effects in the world and I am much more patient than I used to be, not so willful, not so determined to get my own way!

I do spend a lot of time of not doing anything particularly. I love to see the sun. I can’t see very well but I can see if it is sunny, I can see green.

There is a new silver birch in the garden, I can’t see it properly but I can see it moving. That still inspires me, opens me up.’ ■ Shraddhapuspa will feature in a 3D installation (with short film) on display at the Ideas Store, Whitechapel, from 1st October until 15th November 2015

Small Worlds iPhone drawings by Jnanavaca

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

Back from the Edge

Solitary confinement may be a far cry from solitary retreat, but for Jayaka, an experience in prison as a young man has things to tell him about his mind

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t was during the tea break at the LBC’s Wednesday evening class that I first heard someone talking about going on a solitary retreat. Being on your own – why on earth would someone want to do that? I was left with a reminder of one of my own experiences of solitude.

shoes were minus laces in case I tried to hang myself with them.

It wasn’t voluntary. The morning it happened, the door of my prison cell was flung open and several burly prison officers came racing in. They’d got wind that one of us was in possession of drugs. There were three of us in this particular cell. All of us were marched to the punishment block – though we just called it ‘The Block’. I was told to strip completely and I was put into what is called a strip cell. It was a dark, Victorian cell designed to help you cool off: there was just a flat piece of wood on the floor in place of a bed, plus a blanket.

My reflective faculty began to kick in: ‘How did I get here?’ ‘What has happened to me?’ And alongside those questions, an absolute rage. My instincts were telling me not to back down – just to keep fighting, whatever they threw at me.

But there was no fight left. All I could do was reflect.

After a few hours I was moved to another cell which had a heavy, metal-framed bed and a chair and table which seemed to be made of a kind of thick cardboard. The furniture was designed so you couldn’t break it up and use it as a weapon. I had my prison clothes back now, but no personal possessions whatsoever. My 9

Through a window, very high up, I could see a few inches of sky. The walls were painted a kind of speckled yellow colour which I felt sure was meant to confuse the mind.

Despite doing lots of exercise in my cell, which would help me with my anger and my sleep, my mental states began to descend. I was being faced with myself as never before and it was very painful. I would fall asleep and wake up and have no idea how long I’d been asleep or what time it was. Ten days passed.

On my first day, someone in the next cell was really going through it. I don’t know who he was but he was making a lot of noise, banging on a heating pipe that ran through all the cells.

After lunch, a time when everyone in the prison would be locked in their cells and the place was generally quiet, there was a sudden noise of footsteps and a rattle of keys. I heard the door of the next cell open; there was a scuffle and someone started to scream. You don’t often hear men scream.

After about a week, the intensity peaked. I had nothing to identify myself with – no photos of loved ones, nothing. Later, when I recounted this to a friend, he said that it sounded like what happens at death. My conscience was heavy and I wondered if I would go mad. Prison officers would look through the spy hole in my door every few hours – what they call ‘suicide watch’. But I was too stubborn to resort to that. At the lowest point I was lying on my bed with my eyes open, and had something like a waking dream. I can only say that my aunts visited me and I felt an overwhelming love. I was momentarily transported out of the hellish

states of mind I’d been in. This seemed to bring me back from the edge. Also at this time a more senior prison officer had noticed how distressed I’d become and had shown me some kindness, which helped.

When I finally made it back to the main wing of the prison I felt great. I’d had a close encounter with madness, but came out of there feeling confident and strong.

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hese days when I go on solitary retreat I love it. It can’t really compare it with solitary confinement, but I know I’m not scared of my mind now. And I understand what can happen when others are not around. I suspect the experience I had back then contains in it the seeds for all I really need to know. But for them to flourish I’ve needed the light of the Dharma.

Solitary confinement was one of the defining moments of my life – it sent me in search of answers. ■ 10

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

The Difficult Film of Our Lives

Even in his dreams, the film-maker Federico Fellini couldn’t have things the way he wanted them. Here Nico Mensinga reflects on one of Fellini’s greatest films, and what it can tell us about dissatisfaction

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here’s a quote that I love, from Orson Welles – who somehow managed to direct what many claim is the best film ever made, aged just twenty-six: Citizen Kane. That’s the film he’s best remembered for, but he preferred a film of his called Chimes at Midnight. He said, ‘If I wanted to get into heaven on the basis of one movie, that’s the one I’d offer up.’

So now I’d like to borrow from Mr. Welles, and say that if there were one film I’d play to represent my life, it would be Federico Fellini’s 8½.

I guess I should get the boring bit out of the way and tell you what the film is about – then I can tell you what I think it’s really about. The film tells the story of a celebrated film director called Guido Anselmi, who is supposed to be directing his next movie. He’s being harrassed by his producer, his writer, his leading actress, everyone involved, to just get on with it and start shooting the film. But he can’t. He’s blocked. Or disillusioned. Or he’s lost his confidence. It’s a film about a man who does everything he can to avoid making a film. He retreats to a spa town, avoids his wife, does weird things with his mistress, remembers his childhood, talks to priests, has lots of dreams…

Is this all a bit self-indulgent? A bare-bones summary can cetainly make it seem that way. And indeed, before his critics, Fellini 11

stands accused. David Thomson, in The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, says Fellini’s films are ‘slick, mechanical stories, feeding on superficial feelings and uncritical of sentimentality or grand effects.’ Thomson has a point, particularly about the grand effects bit – especially in his later films Fellini does go a bit bonkers. His films can be bawdy and chaotic and feel like the worst aspects of the circuses that inspired him so much. And yet, somehow, 8½ includes and transcends Fellini’s own limitations – by being big enough that it accepts, ponders and refutes the criticisms that could be levelled against it. Guido (the alter ego of Fellini) says at one point, ‘I wanted to make an honest film. No lies whatsoever.

I thought I had something so simple to say.

Something useful to everybody. A film that could bury forever those dead things we all carry within ourselves. Instead, I’m the one without the courage to bury anything at all.

When did I go wrong?’

Now, I’m hoping that breaks your heart a little.

He wants to make an honest film. He wants to bury those dead things we carry within us. And yet, he can’t make that film! And here is the magic. By being honest about his confusions, his doubts, his egotism, his desire to run away, to avoid it all, to escape, escape, escape (is this ringing any bells? Please don’t tell me it’s just me!) by being honest about how hard it is to

be honest, this guy who says he can’t make the film he wants to make is actually making the film he wants to make.

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write films, and that’s something I’ve been working on for quite a few years now.

And with varying success, but I’ve definitely committed a lot of energy to it. And yet I’d be lying if I didn’t say that some days I sit down to start writing, and want nothing more in the world than to chuck it all in. I think that has something to do with this disparity between

In 8½, there’s this great scene, a fantasy in which Guido congregates all the women in his life into one house: all his past loves, his wife, his mistress. And in his fantasy they are there to love him and do everything he wants – but he can’t make the fantasy stay still! The women start to do things that he doesn’t want them to do, they start to rebel. Not even in his dream can he manage it, to make things be only how we wants them to be: static, unchanging, with all the uncomfortable bits taken out.

A still from the final scene of Fellini’s 8½

the perfect, shining film I have in my head, and how – try as I might to translate that on to the page – it never quite comes out as planned.

Which can be dispiriting, if I don’t have a wider appreciation of what’s at work here.

And here’s where it starts to fit into my life as a Buddhist. The first Noble Truth of the Buddha is dukkha, which is sometimes translated as suffering, or unsatisfactoriness. He’s interested in why we suffer, why we can’t quite seem to get everything sorted in our life – why, as in Mick Jagger’s flawless analysis, we can’t seem to get no satisfaction (but we try).

Because that’s the point: we can’t make the world stand still, fix it just the way we want it. And that will cause us to suffer if we can’t accept that. At the same time, it’s right that we keep trying, like Guido, to make honest films, honest lives, even when we don’t think we have the courage to do so. It’s also right that we, like Guido, are honest about our desire to procrastinate and avoid and not make the difficult film of our lives – and in so doing, to make the difficult film of our lives.

To paraphrase the Tantric saying, we may only have a dirty cloth (our mind), but we still have to clean the dirty window. ■ 12

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

The London Buddhist Sept–Dec 2015

Diary of a London Buddhist Shoes on, shoes off: Subhadramati’s week

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’ve been invited to give a talk on ethics to a hundred lawyers tonight. Better polish my shoes. I’m not used to giving talks in shoes.

It’s Monday morning and it’s my father’s anniversary. I find his old cassette tape of Beethoven’s 9th. They didn’t play it loud enough at the crematorium. I’m sure he wanted it to blare out, taking us all up to the angels. The priest said, ‘May your love for him increase.’ I’m intrigued by the mystery of those words. I ask myself what can it mean to love someone who’s died, and know that if I could understand that, I’d know what love really is.

At the end of the lawyers’ evening everyone is handed a feedback form and pen. ‘Not much use to me anymore,’ says Paramananda, who has accompanied me to the talk, nodding to the pen.

His eyesight is too far gone. I don’t know what to say so I ask him what that’s like. He gives me a long look then says, ‘Bit of a bummer really,’ and I feel crass for asking. Then he adds, ‘On the other hand it takes away the illusion that you’re independent.’ It’s dark by the time we leave so he slips his arm into mine as we walk towards Holborn tube. When we part for our separate escalators he takes his foldaway stick out of his pocket. Later I remember Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘At the Wellhead’, where he describes being with his blind-from-birth neighbour as ‘intimate and helpful, like a cure/ You didn’t notice happening.’

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A few days later I’m in Dublin. Ireland is about to have its referendum on gay marriage. Feelings are high and I’m not surprised. The Catholic Church is leading the charge for a ‘No’ vote and I can’t help being appalled by the statements on some of the placards swinging from lampposts through the town. Buddhism doesn’t view marriage as a sacrament but simply as a social contract between two individuals; Buddhism would say it’s the quality of the relationship that counts. The thing I love about Sangharakshita’s take on ethics is that he’s always getting us to distinguish between ‘natural’ and ‘conventional’ morality. I remember listening to a recording of a talk of his in which he says that ‘belief in sin is nothing but a stumbling block arising out of treating rules as ends in themselves,’ and being so bowled over that I kept rewinding and listening to that sentence again and again.

I’ve never wanted to get married so it was great to discover that in Triratna so many other possibilities are actively encouraged. I was celibate for a while in my twenties (that’s when I started writing poetry) and now I live with eleven other women in a community. My boyfriend lives in a community too and we see each other about once a month. Sometimes I see some of my married friends look a bit envious when I describe our arrangement.

In my talk at the Dublin Centre I’m telling how I used to spend hours of my childhood in chapel on my own trying to imagine the world beyond this one. That all stopped when I realized I didn’t believe in God. But recently I’ve been thinking back to that time, especially when I’m meditating, and trying to connect to that sense I had so strongly that there was more to this world than appearances. That night I have my favourite dream: I’m going on a journey somewhere, somewhere beautiful with scented air and silver water. All the time in the dream I know it is there, just around the corner. Soon I’ll find myself there, and when I do I’ll recognize it.

I get back to London just in time for my poetry class with Mimi. It’s wonderful to be in the presence of a good teacher – and at the same time terrifying. While we fiddle around the edges of our own and each other’s poems, she waits patiently, then she comes in with the same message again and again. ‘Don’t just accept the premise of the poem as it’s presented to you.

Listen for what the poem wants to be! The hard

work is hearing what’s there in the poem itself.

Find the music and follow that like the Pied Piper!’

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nd then it’s Monday again and Dharma night at the LBC, so the shoes are off this time. I place a rose in front of me. And I think to myself, Where did it come from? Its colour, its sweet smell? We can’t reduce it to seed, sun, soil and rain, but we can’t separate it from those things either. It’s like the otherworldly moment of peace that the final bell of a puja always seems to bring no matter how distracted or bored I’ve been throughout. That open dimension can’t be reduced to my paltry efforts to cultivate more refined states of mind, but in some strange way it can’t be separated from them. The process is utterly mysterious.

As I’m talking I barely know what I’m trying to say yet at the same time I’m in no doubt.

Jnanavaca is smiling. The lovely place with the scented air and silver water is just round the corner. ■

Urban Retreat 2015 5th-13th September. Free. Booking essential

Led by Subhadramati, Vidyadaka, Shraddhasiddhi, Singhamanas

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Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Programme

One aim of the London Buddhist Centre is to help people achieve their highest potential by introducing them to Buddhism and meditation. The centre runs on generosity: all teachers and class teams offer their time, skills and experience voluntarily. We are keen to develop this culture of generosity (‘dana’), so you will see that many of our events are free of charge, but with an invitation to give what you can (of course you do not need to give anything if you do not want to or cannot afford to).

This culture of generosity extends to all levels of the centre.

For example, everyone employed by the LBC is paid a ‘support’ package which covers their basic financial needs (food, rent etc), with a little extra for spending and travel. On this basis, people give what they can and take what they need. It is therefore generosity that is the principal motivation, rather than status or the accumulation of wealth. Generosity is a virtue that is highly regarded in Buddhism and we hope that this quality is brought to the fore at the LBC. In particular we hope that, if attending one of our free events, you will feel able to contribute appropriately to the running costs of the centre.

Alongside our programme at the LBC, we run drop-in classes and courses in meditation at St Martin’s Lane in Central London.

We also run retreats throughout the year which offer excellent conditions in which to explore and deepen your awareness of yourself, of other people and of the world around you, away from the habits and restrictions of your daily routine.

Booking Info

For many of our events, booking is essential.

You can book online at lbc.org.uk drop in to reception 10am-5pm Mon-Sat or call 020 8981 1225 Twitter @LDNBuddhist Facebook facebook.com/LondonBuddhistCentre

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Getting started

For anyone interested in getting a taste of Buddhist meditation and those new to the mindfulness of breathing and metta bhavana meditation practices

Classes Lunchtime Meditation Monday to Saturday

Drop in and learn the basics of two crucial meditation practices in a lunch-hour.

Winter Retreat Beauty, Truth, Fire: Discovering the World of Enlightenment

Day to day, things may be going fine. Life may even be fantastic right now, pretty tough or just plain dull. But ultimately, we’re always left with a lingering sense of dissatisfaction – we can’t quite hold on to things, they never really go our way in the end. The core teachings of Buddhism show us how to free ourselves from that cycle and that by changing our mind we change the world we live in. This retreat is a chance to explore this path of transformation which leads from mundane consciousness all the way up to Buddhahood: a world illuminated by beauty, truth and fire.

Led by Subhadramati and Singhamanas. Booking essential.

22 Dec–1 Jan (10 nights) at Adhisthana. £500/£400 22 Dec–27 Dec or 27 Dec–1 Jan (5 nights) at Adhisthana. £300/£250

New Course The Journey and the Guide: A Practical Course in Enlightenment

How do we make the most of life? Buddhism is a non-theistic, practical path of human growth and fulfilment. This eight-week course leads participants step by step along the Buddhist path from mindfulness and emotional strength to receptivity, spiritual death and rebirth. On the course we will be learning how to put spiritual life into practice here and now. Course participants will receive Maitreyabandhu’s new book The Journey and the Guide as part of the course.

Led by Maitreyabandhu 8 weeks from 14 Oct–2 Dec. 7.15-9.45pm. £130/£100 (price inc. book).

Booking essential.

Urban Retreat

On the Urban Retreat you carry on living your normal day-to-day life whilst finding ways to intensify your practice of meditation and Buddhism. We will support you with three day-long retreats, morning meditations, special classes, yoga, daily text messages and emails, and a Buddhist Festival.

The retreat is suitable for all levels of experience including complete newcomers. On the initial day retreat we will split into two groups: ‘introductory’ for those new to the urban retreat; and ‘going deeper’ for those who have done one before.

Led by Subhadramati, Vidyadaka, Singhamanas and Shraddhasiddhi Sat 5 Sept–Sun 13 Sept. Full programme to follow. Free, booking essential.

1-2pm. All welcome. Donation/dana.

Evening Meditation Tuesday and Wednesday

Ideal for newcomers. Drop in any week to learn two fundamental practices that cultivate clear awareness, peace of mind and emotional positivity.

7.15-9.45pm. Free.

Suggested donation £10/£5.

Daytime Class Wednesday Daytimes

Meditation and the Buddha’s teachings can have great benefits in our lives; more clarity, selfawareness, open-heartedness and peace of mind. Our focus this term is on the Buddhist ideal that lays special emphasis on compassion. With stories from the Buddhist tradition, personal experience and the archetypal realm.

Please note that the first Wednesday of every month is a Practice morning with meditation and puja, especially suited to more experienced meditators.

10.35am-12.30pm. Creche facilities for under 5s, supported by experienced staff. Donation/dana.

Body-Mind Meditation Thursday Evenings

A meditative evening starting with yoga or chi kung, followed by sitting meditation, to bring harmony to the mind and body.

Suitable for beginners. Wear warm, comfortable clothing.

7.15-9.30pm.

Free. Suggested donation £10.

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First Friday Sub35 Class

The alternative Friday night!

Meditation, discussion and connection. An evening of practice with time for hanging out after the class. Everyone welcome, especially newcomers.

7.15-9.45pm (tea bar till 11pm). Free.

Suggested donation £6.

Weekday Yoga

Drop-in sessions of yoga for meditation. These yoga classes encourage flexibility, strength and awareness of bodily sensations, to improve our ability to sit in meditation and to encourage concentration. All levels.

Weekday lunchtimes 12-12.45pm.

Free. Suggested donation £5.

Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri evenings 5.456.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £7.

No need to book, just drop in.

Saturday Morning Yoga

Saturdays 10-11.15am.

Saturdays 11.30am-12.30pm. Free.

Suggested donation £10 per class. No need to book, just drop in.

Complete yoga listings page 29

Courses Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation An essential overview of Buddhist principles, introducing two meditation practices which offer a means to self-awareness, change and spiritual insight.

These courses are a step-by-step guide to Buddhism that can transform your perspective on the world and provide you with tools you can use for a lifetime.

6 weeks from Mon 14 Sept or 9 Nov, 7.15-9.45pm. £90/£70. Booking essential.

Days and Retreats Open Day

Come and discover the LBC and what it can offer you. Find out about Buddhism, learn to meditate and try a taster session in Breathing Space, our project offering mindfulness for wellbeing.

Sun 20 Sept, 10am-5pm. Refreshments are provided and all events are free. No need to book.

Introductory Days

One Sunday a month. Learn how to keep both your mind and heart in steady focus, with meditation practices that help cultivate openness, clarity and courage.

Sun 4 Oct, 8 Nov, 6 Dec. 10am-5pm.

Lunch provided. £45/£35. Booking essential.

Introductory Retreats A weekend of meditation Learn two fundamental, farreaching meditation practices, while living communally with diverse but like-minded people.

Explore the Buddhist vision of reality.

18-20 Sept, 23-25 Oct, 20-22 Nov. At Kench Hill. £160/£120. Booking essential.

Outreach: Courses & classes at St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2 Newcomers’ Classes

Introduction to meditation every Saturday 1-2.15pm and 2.45-4pm. £7/£5. No need to book.

Four-week Foundation courses in Buddhist Meditation Four Saturdays starting 12 Sept, 10 Oct, 7 Nov. 10am-12.30pm. £75/£55. Booking essential.

Weekly drop-in classes and courses are also happening in Hornchurch, Essex hornchurchbuddhistgroup.org.uk

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Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Going Further

If you know both meditation practices or you are a Mitra

or Order member, all these events are for you

Classes Lunchtime Meditation Monday to Saturday

Drop-in meditation for regulars.

1-2pm. Donation/dana.

Dharma Night Monday Evenings Presidential Visit Rambles Around Reality

As part of his Presidential visit, Subhuti will be giving a series of informal ‘rambles’ on the Dharma. Subhuti has been ordained for over forty years and is known for communicating the Dharma with great skill, clarity and insight.

Mon 2, Tues 3 & Wed 4 Nov, 5.30pm-7pm. Doors briefly open for latecomers just before 6pm. Donation/dana.

Seminar Day with Subhuti

This will be an opportunity to study a particular text with Subhuti, and to explore the Dharma through his guidance and inspiration. The day is for Order members and Mitras only.

Sun 1 Nov. 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. No need to book.

Donation/dana.

Lunchtime Course Meditation Toolkit: How to Change your Mind

Six teachings on consecutive lunchtimes about working with your mind in meditation.

Led by Maitreyabandhu Mon 21 Sep–Sat 26 Sep. 1-2pm. Donation/dana.

As part of the lunchtime drop-in meditation class.

Regulars’ Retreat Mind, Consciousness and Thought

On this weekend retreat with Maitreyabandhu, we will be exploring ways of opening up to how things really are through contemplation, emotional engagement, reflection and meditation. For people who know both practices.

Led by Maitreyabandhu 4-6 Dec. At Kench Hill. £160/£120. Booking essential.

Winter Sangha Retreat The Heart of Wisdom

In Buddhism, wisdom and compassion fuse together, leading us to the profoundest mysteries of consciousness. Join us to explore the Heart Sutra and Wisdom teachings in four days of silence, meditation, study and ritual. This retreat is for Mitras and those with a regular meditation practice.

Led by Priyavajra and Shraddhasiddhi 29 Dec–3 Jan at Cardfields. £300/£250. Booking essential.

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Explore Buddhism through lively seminars and talks, meditation and puja. Whether you have undertaken one of our introductory courses and want to learn more, or you have learned to meditate with us and are wondering what being a Buddhist is all about, you can drop in and participate any Monday evening.

Mon 7.15-9.45pm.

See lbc.org.uk/Dharmaclass.htm for full listings.

Free. Suggested donation £6.

Mantra Meditation Tuesday Early Morning

Open chanting group for regulars, followed by breakfast.

7.30-8.30am then breakfast.

In Breathing Space, arrive between 7.15-7.25am. No late admittance – please do not ring the bell after 7.25am.

Donation/dana, no need to book.

Evening Meditation Tuesday and Wednesday

Meditation is more than just a technique. After learning two fundamental practices, explore how to work with your mind more deeply and thoroughly.

With led meditation, further teaching and guidance.

7.15-9.45pm.

Free. Suggested donation £10/£5.

Daytime Class Wednesday Daytimes

This term we will be exploring the Bodhisattva Ideal, which lays

special emphasis on compassion as essential to the Buddhist path. We’ll look at texts and stories from the tradition, share personal experience and delve into the rich world of the archetypal Buddhas. The first Wednesday of every month is practice morning, devoted to meditation and ritual practices – a wonderful way to start the month!

10.35am-12.30pm. Creche facilities for under 5s, supported by experienced staff. Donation/dana.

Body-Mind Meditation Thursday Evenings A meditative evening starting with yoga or chi kung, followed by sitting meditation, to bring harmony to the mind and body. Wear warm comfortable clothing. All welcome.

7.15-9.30pm.

Free. Suggested donation £10.

Meditation and Puja Friday Evenings

Bring the week to a contemplative close with meditation and ritual. Devotional practice helps us to engage with the Sangha and strengthen confidence in the Dharma.

7.15-9.45pm.

Free. Suggested donation £6.

Women’s Class Monthly Saturdays

A meditation and Buddhism class for women who know the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditations.

3-5.30pm. 26 Sept, 24 Oct, 28 Nov, 19 Dec. Led by Mahamani, Sudurjaya, Svadhi and Tareshvari.

Free. Suggested donation £7/£4.

Days & Evenings Meditation Days For Regulars

It is easy to fall into a ‘maintenance’ meditation practice, and to stop deepening your connection. Why not come and renew your inspiration? For meditators who know both the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana.

Sundays 18 Oct, 29 Nov (see below), 20 Dec. 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/ vegan lunch to share.

Free. Suggested donation £25.

Elemental Meditation

A day of meditation practice to deepen our awareness and appreciation of the six elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, Air, Space and Consciousness. For meditators who have been practising the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana regularly for at least six months.

Led by Maitreyaraja Sun 29 Nov. 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. Free.

Suggested donation £25.

Full Moon Pujas

These monthly rituals give a regular point of devotional focus and the chance to explore Buddhist ritual.

Mon 28 Sept, Tue 27 Oct, Wed 25 Nov, Fri 25 Dec. Times to be announced. Donation/dana.

Total Immersion Day

A completely silent day of meditation practice that provides intensive conditions for you to deepen into experience and see the subtle patterns of your mind.

This day is also part of the Urban Retreat programme.

Led by Subhadramati and Singhamanas Sun 6 Sept, 10am-5pm.

Donation/dana.

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Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Going Further

Continued

Book Launch The Journey and the Guide: A Practical Course in Enlightenment

Maitreyabandhu will be launching his new book, exploring the five great stages of spiritual life and how to put them into practice on a day-today basis. ‘A challenging and profoundly useful guide on how to practise Buddhism in everyday life.’ He will be in conversation with Subhadramati about why he wrote the book, what he hoped to achieve and how people could benefit from reading it.

Mon 7 Sept. 7.15-9.45pm. Free.

Suggested donation £6.

Pilgrimage Afternoons A Post-Modern Pilgrim’s Progress

Over the course of these two afternoons we will be taken on a journey with stories and reflections inspired by a recent pilgrimage in the East.

Exploring Buddhism in Nepal and journeying after Sangharakshita (the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community) to Kalimpong, where he was deeply immersed in the teaching of the Buddha. Both afternoons will include meditation and puja, brief talks with photos and film, and chai.

Led by Akashadevi Sat 19 Sept: Reaching out to Nepal Sat 10 Oct: In Sangharakshita’s footsteps in Kalimpong 3-5.30pm. Free. Suggested donation £10. No need to book.

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Winter Fair

Teachers’ Day Lighting the Flame

On this day for teachers we will explore how we can most effectively and courageously communicate the Dharma for the benefit of all. For Order members teaching at our centres, Mitra Study Leaders and Mitras teaching at St Martin’s Lane or with under 35 groups.

Led by Maitreyabandhu, Subhadramati and Vidyadaka Sat 26 Sept, 10am-5pm. Free.

Shakespeare on Film

Shakespeare offers us ways to ask ourselves what it really is to be human. His writing is so masterful and so layered that there can never be a definitive interpretation- his characters, his poetry, his prose are there to be enjoyed anew by each generation. Join us to watch selections of his work with invited guests to introduce their chosen film. Details of the films nearer the time.

Hosted by Kusalasara Sat 3rd Oct and Sat 14 Nov. 7.15-9.45pm. Free. £6 suggested donation. No need to book.

Before I Die

By exploring thoughts and feelings about death we begin to see that impermanence makes life possible, without it we cannot breathe. On this day we will reflect on what is important to us and identify our requests for an appropriate send-off, helping those involved in making our funeral arrangements.

The day is not about making Wills, but includes meditation, reflection, talks and examples of

a range of send-offs and some short films.

Led by Ambaranta and Kalyanavaca Sun 27 Sept, 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share.

Free. Suggested donation £25. No need to book.

Buddhism and 12 Step Recovery

How can you practise the Dharma and work your programme at the same time?

A day of exploration with talks, discussion and meditation for those in 12 Step programmes who know both the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana practices. We will be investigating the Buddhist path and integrating it with the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions. A day of deepening friendship and Sangha.

Led by Sanghasiha & Shraddhasiddhi Sun 8 Nov, 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share.

Free. Suggested donation £25.

No need to book.

Deep Ecology Day

‘Thou canst not stir a flower without troubling a star’ – Francis Thompson, poet.

Deep ecology goes far beyond the study of the relationships between organisms and their environments – it points to a profound truth about our relationship to ourselves, to one another and the world. A day of Dharma practice, meditation, puja, poetry, sound and music.

Led by Sanghasiha and friends Sun 15 Nov, 10am-5pm. Bring a vegetarian lunch to share. Free.

Suggested donation £25. No need to book.

Join us for our lively winter fair and bring music, light, and warmth to those winter days.

With live music throughout the day, freshly baked cakes, vegan savoury delights, chai tea, winter punch, arts and crafts, clothes, book stalls, a chance to buy presents and gifts for your family and friends, plus yoga and meditation.

All proceeds raised go towards Vajrasana, our new retreat centre.

Sat 21 Nov, 12pm-5pm. All welcome.

Men’s Mitra Day Sangha & How to Live It

How do we live in a modern, fast-paced society while staying in connection with others and in contact with our ideals? We will be drawing on our experience of Sangha, and the Buddha’s words, to find out how to do it.

Led by Jayaka Sat 5 Dec, 10am-5pm. Bring a vegetarian lunch to share. Free.

Suggested donation £25. No need to book.

Day for Gay Men

We have found great inspiration, friendship and healing in coming together as Buddhists to share our life’s experiences - do join us. For men familiar with the mindfulness of breathing metta bhavana.

Led by Danapriya and Amalabandhu.

Sun 6 Dec, 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share.

Free. Suggested donation £25.

No need to book.

Heart of Mantra Day Mantra & Meditation

Mantras are sound symbols and they can point towards the mystery and beauty of Enlightenment. The day will be an exploration of this mystery, and will include chanting,

discussion and meditation.

Suitable for those who know both meditations.

Led by Dayabhadra Sun 13 Dec, 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share.

Free. Suggested donation £25.

No need to book.

Imagination as the Path of Love

Explore the Imagination, innate in all of us, from the perspective of traditional Buddhist practice and experience how it can lead us into greater awareness and love (metta). The day will include reflection, meditation, and the exploratory use of colour and paint. Suitable for those terrified of painting and the imagination as well as those with some experience! Amitajyoti is a Buddhist artist and leads regular courses and classes on the theme of painting, drawing and the creative imagination.

Led by Amitajyoti.

For those with at least two years’ experience of meditation and Buddhism.

Sat 19 Dec. 10am-5pm at the London Buddhist Arts Centre. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. £40/£30. Booking essential.

Buddhist Sunday School

Encouraging and developing our children’s mindfulness and kindness through Buddhist practice and storytelling. Includes meditation, chanting and craft activities. For 3-10 year olds, parents/carers welcome.

Led by Jyotismati and team 10.30am-12.30pm Last Sunday of every month: 27 Sept, 25 Oct, 29 Nov, 27 Dec.

Families Retreat

A unique opportunity for those with children of three years and over to come together and experience the riches of retreat

and community life. Five days to meditate, reflect and deepen your Dharma practice. A chance to make magic, participate in rituals, establish friendships and renew your zest for life.

Led by Jyotismati, Lilavati & Prassanavira Mon 26–Fri 30 Oct. At Kench Hill.

Limited places so please phone the LBC to express interest in booking.

Adult £170. Child £120

Men’s Event Beyond Isolation Building the Buddhaland

How do we become more connected with others instead of being isolated from our world and mind? For men familiar with the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana.

Led by Jayaka, Suriyavamsa and Vadanya Fri 23–Sun 25 Oct. Book at www.padmaloka.org.uk

Volunteering There are many opportunities for volunteering and it can be a satisfying and energetic way of offering support.

To see more visit lbc.org.uk/volunteers.htm

Monday and Thursday afternoons

2.30pm. Straight after the lunchtime class join in with the work period, cleaning the centre and looking after the shrines.

If you would like more information or would like to chat with someone about this, please contact Vajrabandhu vajrabandhu@lbc.org.uk or drop in at one of these times.

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Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Festivals & Special Events Open to all

Buddhist festivals at the LBC are celebratory days that focus on the primary qualities of the Buddha and his teaching.

Padmasambhava Day Festival

Padmasambhava is the archetypal guru who overcomes all obstacles on the path and transforms adversity into what is most spiritually beneficial. We will be using the teachings of Padmasambhava to turn towards a deeper experience and to uncover the full potential of our human life. The day will include meditation, reflection, a talk and Mitra ceremonies.

Led by Vidyadaka and Shraddhasiddhi Sun 13 Sept, 10am-10pm.

Ambedkar Day Festival

On this festival day we will be celebrating the great Indian leader’s life and work. Dr Ambedkar was born a Hindu but died a Buddhist, and during his radical life became a transformer of unjust social life in India. His significance and inspiration affected millions of people, and his connection to Sangharakshita (the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community) continues to have a lasting and important effect.

Led by Akashadevi and Manjusiha Sun 11 Oct, 10am-5pm.

Sangha Day Festival

The Sangha jewel has many facets; when they come together the jewels’ full brilliance is displayed. Sangha day is a chance to experience that for ourselves. The day will include Mitra re-affirmation ceremonies, meditation, talks by Sangha members, puja and Mitra ceremonies. All welcome.

Led by Subhadramati and Jayaka Sun 22 Nov, 10am-10pm.

For all of these events please bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share, and check nearer the time for the programme. No need to book.

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Sub35 & Sub25 Events

Sub35 First Friday Sub35 Class

The alternative Friday night!

Meditation, discussion and connection. An evening of practice with time to hang out after the class. Everyone welcome.

7.15-9.45pm (tea bar till 11pm).

Free. Suggested donation £6.

Second Saturday Meditation Morning

A chance to meditate together, for longer; cultivating stillness and friendship.

10am-12.45pm.

Meditation experience recommended.

Donation/Dana.

Final Friday Young Women’s Night

Join us to explore meditation and Buddhism in a friendly, relaxed and intimate environment. An opportunity to make friends with other young women at the centre and support each other’s spiritual practice. With meditation, discussion and tea.

7.15-9.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £6. Experience of both meditation practices required.

Seminar Series

In October we explore some of the big questions which concern younger people. Join us to meet Triratna Order Members from across the movement, who will be speaking about their life

23

choices and answering questions on their lifestyle, living situations and paths of progression.

will be meditation sessions, reflection, talks, rituals and shared meals.

All those under 35 welcome, suitable for newcomers and regulars alike.

Fri 2, 9, 16, 23 Oct, 7.15-9.30pm.

Free. Donation/Dana

All under 35 welcome.

Led by Holly and David 13-15 Nov, at Kench Hill. £140/£110.

Booking essential.

Retreats Entering the Forest

Sub35 run a programme of events for men including Dharma study and socials. For an invitation email nextgeneration@lbc.org.uk

The Buddha recommended that his followers spend some of every year on retreat, a practice which Buddhists have undertaken for thousands of years. Retreats create an almost timeless space for reflection and meditation, away from our usual distractions and habits. Over the course of this weekend we will discover how a retreat can open a doorway to one’s imagination and core values.

All under 35 welcome.

Led by Glenn 25-27 Sept, at Kench Hill. £140/£110.

Booking essential.

Sub25 Third Friday Sub25 Class

A chance for those aged between 16-25 to come together to explore Buddhism and meditation.

7.15-9.30pm. All those under 25 welcome, especially if it is your first time. By donation.

Stop. Realise. Release.

In our everyday lives we can become so clouded by stress and anxiety, or with the endless pursuit of pleasure and success, that we lose sight of what really matters in life. Going on retreat we will put down our smartphones, sign out of Facebook and head to the countryside for the weekend to come together, build friendship and explore the Buddhist vision of a life lived with meaning – human life liberated from superficiality and mental anguish.

Throughout the weekend there

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Monday

7 Urban Retreat The Journey and the Guide Book Launch 7.15-9.45pm

14 Intro to Buddhism & Meditation 6 week course starts.

7.15-9.45pm

21 Meditation Toolkit until 26 Sept. 1-2pm.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Tuesday

Free talks, meditation, yoga and more.

10am-5pm

20 Open Day

10am-10pm

13 Padmasambhava Day Festival

10am-5pm

Yoga Day

6 Urban Retreat Total Immersion Day 10am-5pm

5 Urban Retreat 10am-5pm, then every day until 13 Sept.

12 Urban Retreat

4

11 Urban Retreat

3

10 Urban Retreat Poetry East 19 Pilgrimage Afternoon 1

7.30pm

10am-5pm

2

9 Urban Retreat 7.15-9.45pm + other events

18 Intro Weekend

Retreat starts 3-5.30pm

10am-5pm

27 ‘Before I Die’

10am-5pm

25 26 Sub35 Weekend Teachers Day

Retreat starts

Sunday School 10.30am-12.30pm

Poetry East 7.30pm

Not all events are listed in this calendar

Saturday

Our daily, weekly, daytime and evening classes can be found in the Getting Started and Going Further sections, near the start of this programme. Retreats are also listed there.

Friday

3 Shakespeare on Film 1

Sunday

Thursday

2 Seminar 1

7.15-9.45pm

24 Theatre East 7.30pm

31

10.30am-12.30pm

Sunday School

10am-5pm

25 Yoga Day

For regulars 10am-5pm

11 Ambedkar Day Festival

Learn to meditate 10am-5pm

4 Intro Day

1

For under 35s 7.15-9.30pm

8

10am-5pm

16 Seminar 3

30

Retreat starts

Intro Weekend

For under 35s 7.15-9.30pm

23 Seminar 4

For under 35s 7.15-9.30pm

9 Seminar 2

3-5.30pm

18 Meditation Day

15

22

29

10 Pilgrimage Afternoon 2 For under 35s 7.15-9.30pm

17

Sept

24

17

7.15-9.45pm + other events

1

8 Urban Retreat 7.15-9.45pm + other events

16

23

30

Wednesday

14 The Journey and the Guide

21

8 week course starts.

7.15-9.45pm

7

Oct

7.15-9.45pm + other events

15

22

20

13

6

Tuesday

28 29 Full Moon Puja Buddhist ritual

Monday

5

12

19

Buddhist ritual

27 28 26 Families Retreat Full Moon Puja until 30 Oct

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Not all events are listed in this calendar Our daily, weekly, daytime and evening classes can be found in the Getting Started and Going Further sections, near the start of this programme. Retreats are also listed there.

With Subhuti 5.30-7pm

With Subhuti 5.30-7pm

Thursday

19

12

2 4 3 5 Ramble Around Ramble Around Ramble Around Reality 1 Reality 3 Reality 2 With Subhuti 5.30-7pm

11

18

10

17

9 Intro to Buddhism & Meditation 6 week course starts.

7.15-9.45pm

16

Friday

6

Saturday

Nov 7

13 14 Sub35 Weekend Shakespeare Retreat starts on Film 2 7.15-9.45pm

21 Winter Fair

12-5pm

20 Intro Weekend

Retreat starts

28

Sunday

1 Seminar Day With Subhuti 10am-5pm

8 Intro Day Learn to meditate 10am-5pm

Buddhism and 12 Steps 10am-5pm

15 Deep Ecology 10am-5pm

Yoga Day 10am-5pm

22 Sangha Day Festival 10am-10pm

29 Meditation Day

For regulars 10am-5pm

Sunday School

Sunday

10.30am-12.30pm

Saturday

10am-5pm

13 Heart of Mantra Day

Day for Gay Men 10am-5pm

6 Intro Day

Learn to meditate 10am-5pm

12 Lit East

10am-5pm at the Arts Centre

26 Day Retreat 10am-5pm

10.30am-12.30pm

27 Sunday School

19 20 Imagination as Meditation Day the Path of Love For regulars 10am-5pm

7.30pm

5 Mitra Day

For men. 10am-5pm

27

Friday

24

Thursday

23

Wednesday

25 26 Full Moon Puja

Tuesday

Buddhist ritual

Monday

3

25 Day Retreat

Dec

10am-5pm

18

11

at Kench Hill.

Until 6 Dec.

2

31 NYE and All Night Sit

7.30pm-13.30am, then 6am

24

17

10

1

30

23

16

9

Nov 30

22 Winter Retreat

at Adhisthana Until 27 Dec or 1 Jan.

15

8

4 Regulars’ Retreat

7

14

21

28

29 Winter Sangha Retreat at Cardfields Until 3 Jan.

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Yoga for Meditation These yoga classes encourage flexibility, strength and awareness of physical sensations. Loosening up the body and deepening into awareness can be a great way into sitting meditation. Yoga and meditation are complementary practices.

Weekday Lunchtime and Early Evening Drop-in sessions of yoga for meditation. All levels.

Weekday lunchtimes 12-12.45pm.

Free. Suggested donation £5. No need to book.

Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri evenings 5.45-6.45pm.

Free. Suggested donation £7. No need to book.

Body-Mind Meditation Thursday Evenings

A meditative evening starting with yoga and chi kung, followed by sitting meditation, to bring harmony to the mind and body. Suitable for beginners. Wear warm, comfortable clothing.

7.15-9.30pm. Free. Suggested donation £10. No need to book.

Saturday Mornings

Saturdays 10am-11.15am. Drop-in Yoga and Meditation. This class will start with yoga and finish with sitting meditation practice.

Saturdays11.30am-12.30pm. Drop-in Yoga.

Free. Suggested donation £10. No need to book, just drop in.

Sundays Yoga and Meditation Days

6 Sept, 15 Nov. These days combine meditation teaching with yoga. Meditation teaching will be from first principles and will be suitable for beginners. The supportive atmosphere of the day retreat allows us to understand how the two practices augment each other.

25 Oct. A day retreat focusing on the integration of meditation and yoga. We will develop and deepen both practices, learning to work with movement and stillness, activity and receptivity. For those who know both meditation practices and meditate regularly, no experience of yoga required.

10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. £40/£30. Booking essential.

29

Programme Sept–Dec 2015

Xmas & New Year Day Retreats

Over the Christmas and New Year period, there will be several day retreats to spend in meditation and reflection, for those who know both practices.

Fri 25 Dec, Sat 26 Dec, Fri 1 Jan, 10am-5pm. Suggested donation £25.

Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share.

No need to book.

New Year’s Eve and All Night Sit

Meditation and mindfulness through the night. See the New Year in with others in an atmosphere of contemplation, turning towards what is most meaningful and vital.

Led by Atula and Ambaranta 7.30pm-12.30am: Meditation, poetry, reflection and chanting.

12.30-1.30am: Light refreshment.

Bring non-alcoholic drinks, fruit and snacks to share.

1.30-6am: Falling Awake all through the Night. Focus on Mindfulness in all activities of body, speech and mind.

This all night session will include sitting, walking, lying down, silence, meditation, reflection, readings, chanting on the hour and a morning puja. For people who know the mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana. After the morning puja there will be a clear up and breakfast.

Donation/dana. Entry and exit every hour until 10.30pm, then 12.30am, 1.30am, 3.30am, 5am

East Showcasing the work of well-known contemporary artists, writers and poets and exploring the relationship between the arts and spiritual life. Our autumn session begins a series in association with the London Review of Books.

Booking for all of these events is essential: go to poetryeast.net Poetry East HappenStance, Fiona Moore, and launch of Vishvantara’s debut pamphlet, Cursive.

Celebrating HappenStance’s 10th anniversary. HappenStance specialises in debut poetry pamphlets and occasional books. Maitreyabandhu will be interviewing its founder and editor Helena Nelson, as well as Fiona Moore and Vishvantara. Vishvantara has twice been commended in the National Poetry Competition.

She won first prize in the Poetry London competition, and has been awarded a Hawthornden Fellowship.

Sat 12 Sept. 7.30pm. Donation.

Book at www.poetryeast.net

Poetry East Maitreyabandhu launching Yarn

Founder of Poetry East, Maitreyabandhu launches his new collection, Yarn (Bloodaxe).

Maitreyabandhu has won the Keats-Shelley Prize, The Basil Bunting Award, the Geoffrey Dearmer Prize, the Ledbury Festival Competition and the Poetry Book and Pamphlet Competition. His first

collection, The Crumb Road (Bloodaxe) is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation.

Maitreyabandhu will be interviewed by Jnanavaca.

‘The Crumb Road has a rich, melancholy modesty, and to spend time with it enriches our attention.’ Sean O’Brien, Guardian Sat 26 Sept. 7.30pm. Donation.

Book at www.poetryeast.net

Theatre East Michael Frayn

Michael Frayn’s novel Headlong was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, while Spies was the winner of the Whitbread Novel Award. His fifteen plays range from Noises Off, chosen as one of the nation’s three favourite plays, to Copenhagen, which won the 1998 Evening Standard Award for Best Play of the Year, the Prix Molière for Best New Play and the Tony Award for Best Play. My Father’s Fortune won the PEN/J.R. Ackerley Prize. He’ll be in conversation with Maitreyabandhu about life, writing and theatre. In association with the London Review of Books.

Lit East Marina Warner

Marina Warner is a novelist and mythographer whose most recent book is Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale (‘A remarkable achievement’ – Alberto Manguel, Literary Review). Her novel The Leto Bundle was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2002, and her book Stranger Magic: Charmed States & the Arabian Nights won both the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism and the Truman Capote Award for Literary Criticism in 2012. She will speak to Maitreyabandhu about symbol and myth, her life and her writing. In association with the London Review of Books.

Sat 12 Dec. 7.30pm. £9.

Book at www.poetryeast.net

Sat 24 Oct. 7.30pm. £9.

Book at www.poetryeast.net

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Beauty Truth Fire Discovering the World of Enlightenment Winter Retreat, led by Subhadramati and Singhamanas.

At Adhisthana.