The London Buddhist Centre Magazine and Programme January–April The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016

Beyond Reason Contents We (the human race) seem to be It is friends in the that Shubha characterised by an intense interest in the has depicted in her collages, elegantly world. We are even fascinated by it, avidly bookending this latest edition of the London curious about its workings. Why is it the Buddhist. Magazine: The London Buddhist way it is? How does it work? What does it 2 Editorial mean? What then is Sangha? It is not simply a 3 What’s the Matter? Jnanavaca leaps into the quantum world group or a club, but a shared responsiveness 9 Building a Longer Table Calais diary, by Ambaravajri Modern science most obviously exemplifies to the highest and most positive ideals, and 11 The Artist and the Spiritual Community Barry Copping interviews Aloka this interest, and now takes us beyond the willingness to make the effort to move 14 Friends Collages by Shubha reasoned understanding into a reality that towards them using common practices. In confounds common sense. In a lively new doing so the search for knowledge eventually essay, Jnanavaca explicates one branch of manifests as wisdom (prajna): a direct science’s search for truth and shows how its non-conceptual experience of reality. Our findings shade into the insights reached by desire to help the apparently material world Programme: January–April 2016 the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. eventually becomes compassion (maitri) – 16 Introduction acting in ways that are of real benefit – once 17 Getting Started But it is not just knowledge and the last traces of our egotistical tendencies understanding that we seek. We also care. have been overcome. 19 Going Further There is an urge within us to help, to move 23 Festivals & Special Events beyond our individual wishes and act for It is possible for us to realise Wisdom and 24 Sub35 & Sub25 Events the benefit of others. It is this pull that took Compassion fully – but to do that we need 25 Calendar Jan-Apr Ambaravajri and a friend to Calais recently the challenging and supportive context of 29 Yoga for Meditation to offer practical help to some of those who a spiritual community, or Sangha. I hope 30 ‘East’: Writers and artists at the LBC needed it. this new edition of our magazine and programme give you a taste of how the Contributors If these drives for knowledge and Sangha might express itself, as we launch Ambaravajri, Amitasuri, Aloka, Ollie Brock, Barry Copping, Josh Geffin, Jnanavaca, connection are not alive in us, not activated, into another year at the LBC. Singhamanas, Shubha, Vidyadaka we will gravitate back into narrow self- – Vidyadaka interest and fall prey to the modern norm of Image Credits individualism, which is only really a refined Cover: 2011 CERN, for the benefit of the CMS Collaboration (Upsilons in heavy-ion collisions) Page 3: Pieter Kuiper, Wikimedia Commons dissatisfaction. Page 7: ATLAS and CMS ©CERN (Higgs boson events from collisions between protons) Centre spread: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Thus, Aloka fills out the picture as he talks Inside back cover: Former Archbishop of Canterbury by Brian from Toronto, Canada The London Buddhist online Back page: Karen C. Fox. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD to Barry Copping about his life as an artist, For commenting, following and sharing. and how he works with these pulls in the The London Buddhist is now available as a blog. wider context of the Sangha, or spiritual Visit thelondonbuddhist.org community. 2 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 What’s the Matter? The physical ‘stuff’ of the universe is not what we take it to be. By Jnanavaca

‘A human being is part of a whole, called by us “Universe”, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to the affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.’ – Albert Einstein

onventional Western science tends to the fundamental building blocks of matter. It Cassume that if we were removed from the led to a questioning of the very notion of an universe, the sun would still shine, the earth objective universe. Before looking at this more would still go round the sun and the galaxy closely, it’s worth trying to imagine how small would continue revolving. The view is that these building blocks are. For instance, if you we’ve entered the universe like we might enter laid atoms in a line a millimetre long, you a room. We’re perceiving what’s going on would have as many of them as the number of around us, but we’re not essentially changing sheets of paper you would have to stack up to it. It was going on in the room without us reach the height of the Empire State Building. before we walked through the door. This is an What’s more, most of the atom is empty space: assumption classical physics makes about the almost all of the mass is contained within a tiny nature of reality: that there is something ‘out nucleus around which electrons orbit. If the there’ that can be discovered and talked about atom were blown up to the size of a football and understood – an objective universe. It says stadium, the nucleus would be the size of a that not only can we assume there’s an objective small marble in the centre of it. Just in case this reality independent of us, but that there are gives the impression that quantum physics is laws that govern that objective universe too – irrelevant at an everyday level, it’s important gravity, thermodynamics and so on. For some to know that without it, we wouldn’t have reason there seems to be something out there developed semiconductors, which make up and there seems to be order. computer chips; we wouldn’t even have got as far as the transistor radio. We wouldn’t have a But all that started to all unravel in the 20th theory of how electricity flows through metals, century, with Einstein’s Theories of Relativity or be able to explain why the sun shines. and the birth of quantum physics. The Quantum physics is the most accurate and former overturned common-sense notions powerful theory of matter ever conceived. It is of space and time, while the latter explored a sort of triumph of human thought.

3 4 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 Until quantum physics was developed, physicists a straight line. At first it was thought that the behave as a wave. And remember, waves and ‘Rubbish!’ He said that’s tantamount to asking had been happy to explain all phenomena particles might have collided with each other, particles are very different things. Waves can whether or not the moon exists when you’re not as either particles or waves (particles being so the particle generator was slowed down until interfere with each other, whereas particles just looking at it – it challenges the whole notion of indivisible lumps of matter that have a particular it fired only one electron at a time. That ought bounce off each other. And an electron seems to an objective reality. And Bohr said, ‘Well, yes it location and move through space like a rock to mean it had nothing else to interact with, to be capable of either. does. He shrugged, as it were, and left it at that.’ or ball, while waves are a sort of undulating interfere with. But left over a number of hours, The Copenhagen Interpretation doesn’t tell you motion of energy usually within some sort of sure enough it produced the same interference And it turns out that not only does an electron what’s out there, or even that there is something medium that spread out over space). All physical pattern, just like a wave would (figure 2). How behave like this – all particles have this dual out there – in fact it only says that what you see phenomena were seen as either one or the other. could single particles be behaving like that? It nature, depending on what you look for. Even depends in certain ways on how you measure it, Electrons, for example, were thought to be was as though the electron were mysteriously worse, physicists discovered that this also and that we’ll never know what’s out there when particles, and light was thought to be a wave – splitting itself in two and landing on the screen applied to light (remember light was said to be we aren’t looking. although this had been an ongoing controversy. in a way that would only be possible if it had a wave). The wave and particle models ought to In 1803 a physicist called Thomas Young had gone through both slits and interfered with itself. be mutually exclusive, but these experiements shown that light was a wave by producing So they decided to see which of the two slits don’t bear that out. So what you’ve got is this patterns of interference between light waves it was going through, or whether it was going mysterious world where now we can’t picture hitting a screen passing through two slits. This through both, which you can do by putting any fundamental particle, and its nature and famous ‘Double-Slit Experiment’ of Young’s was detectors in the way. behaviour seem to depend on whether or not held as proof of light being a wave because only we’re looking. waves would be able to interfere with each other The extraordinary thing is that as soon as and produce an effect of either cancelling each you’ve got the detector in the way you lose the ne of the main models for understanding other out or intensifying one another other – interference pattern and the electrons appear as Othis paradox is called the Copenhagen producing an ‘interference pattern’ (figure 1). well-behaved, normal particles. So they would Interpretation, after the Danish physicist Niels either go through slit A or slit B, behaving just as Bohr. Bohr embraced the ambiguity proved by Fig 2: Particles fired one at a time still produce an rocks or marbles would – and as particles should. experiments such as the Double-Slit Experiment. interference pattern when not observed But if you don’t look, you get the interference Bohr said that when you’re not looking at the pattern. As soon as you have knowledge of which electron it’s meaningless to say anything about it; This led some physicists to ask, What is it slit the particle goes through, it behaves as a it’s meaningless to say, ‘Is it really a wave or is it about the act of observation that changes particle and only goes through one of them. If really a particle when you’re not looking?’ When reality? Traditionally we have assumed that the you don’t have knowledge of which slit it passed you’re not looking all that ‘exists’ is a ghostly observer is passive, i.e. doesn’t affect reality, but through, it behaves as a wave, goes through world of probabilities, one of which becomes actually what this experiment starts to show both slits and interferes with itself just as a wave an actuality upon observation. It only makes is that the observer, far from being a neutral, would, then resumes its particle identity when sense to talk of an electron in the context of you passive recorder of reality is more like an active it hits the screen; but because it has behaved as looking. participant in forming it. So quantum physics, a wave in the meantime, it lands in places that at least in some interpretations says, that it’s Fig 1: Light waves passing through two slits and producing only a wave could land. So it has this tell-tale Bohr was a contemporary of Einstein’s, and not obvious that there is a real ‘object’ out there an ‘interference pattern’ sign of a wave and yet behaves as a particle. the pair had a long-running dispute about independent of a ‘subject’ observing it. It’s But the really confusing thing was, when the quantum physics. Einstein was never reconciled reaching some sort of border where it can’t now same experiment with two slits was done with Here we’re getting towards the heart of the to quantum physics, he could never accept this ignore consciousness and the inner nature of electrons, for example, the particles also landed conundrum: quantum physics has shown us that weirdness, this ambiguity in the nature of reality. things. in formations typical of a wave interference we don’t know what an electron is; we don’t now Bohr maintained that when you’re not looking pattern; there seemed to be no real difference. know whether it’s a wave or a particle, or both, it’s impossible to say whether or not an electron One of the reasons I’m discussing this is that This was counterintuitive, because it meant or neither, because it seems to behave as either is there, or, assuming it is there, what exactly it in our culture there’s a strong undercurrent that some electrons had landed directly behind depending on what we choose to measure. If is. So it’s as if you’re part of the whole apparatus, of scientific materialism. This view says that part of the screen, rather than in line with one we want to measure a particle, it will behave as and neither you nor the object of the experiment matter is all there is, that we are just our bodies. of the slits, suggesting they hadn’t travelled in a particle; if we want to measure a wave, it will can be separated out from it. Einstein said, Consciousness is then just a by-product of brain 5 6 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 function, and biology, life, the mind itself, can that things arise in dependence on conditions inadvertently contributed to for the rest of his consciousness, a further category of natural all be reduced to the movements of atoms – and cease when those conditions fall away – is life. He apparently said, ‘If only I had known, I law, one that is crucial for leading the which means that when the body dies, that’s usually called conditioned co-production. But should have been a watchmaker.’ So solidity is life, comes into play. This is the law of karma, it, the lights go out. One of the implications it’s also talked about as the between an illusion. Not only are atoms mostly made up the karma niyama, which governs willed action of that nihilist worldview can be a feeling that existence and non-existence. The truth is that of empty space, their constituent particles are and its consequences. Actions motivated by you might as well just have as much pleasure there’s something more mysterious going on, insubstantial as well – and as we’ve seen, perhaps love, generosity and awareness lead to beneficial as you can while you’ve got your life – and that which is this constant arising and ceasing in the they do not even exist in and of themselves at all. consequences for the person performing those then supports our excessive consumerism, our moment, in every moment. And that constant acts and for others; the converse is true for lack of concern for the environment, for the arising and ceasing, from a Buddhist perspective, So particles can materialise seemingly out actions based in greed, hatred and delusion. well-being of the planet and for each other. We isn’t just happening ‘out there’, it’s happening of nothing. Quantum theory says that that’s By using the karma niyama, we can develop become more self-centred, more present-tense inside us as well. Consciousness is also constantly happening all the time. Some particles are a consciousness that is more positive, more materialising and then dematerialising so quickly creative, more expansive and more integrated. that you can’t see them, but they do leave an effect, and mathematical models of the atom On the basis of this sort of mind, reflections on rely on these ‘virtual particles’. A vacuum is the nature of reality can lead to Insight – a direct not empty in the way that we think it is – it seeing of the way things truly are. At this point, a is actually a ‘sea’ of energy which particles can final category of natural law becomes dominant: bubble up out of, and then return to, all the the Dharma niyama, sometimes called the law time. So it may be that all the matter in the of self-transcendence. Under its momentum, we universe is somehow just a surface manifestation are led to ever more fulfilling states, eventually of this vast potential. culminating in Enlightenment. At this point, we have gone beyond all delusions and all self- A particle collision in the Large Hadron Collider odern physics has overturned common clinging. The notions of subject, object, space orientated: we just go for instant gratification, arising and ceasing in every moment. And the Msense and is producing many insights, and time no longer apply. Appearances continue whatever gives us more pleasure now. That distinction between ‘out there’ and ‘in here’ is that are in line with Buddhist thought. There to arise, but they are no longer taken literally, no chain of reasoning may not always follow, but false too. So this notion that somehow we’re is an overarching model for understanding longer mistaken for real objects experienced by it’s prevalent in our culture to a degree that apart from the objective world, passive observers conditioned reality, which Sangharakshita has real subjects on a canvas of objectively existing is dangerous. I think that if we’re going to be of it, isn’t the Buddhist position. brought out from the Buddhist tradition, that space and time. This is the liberation from all materialists, we ought at least to know what can incorporate the deepest insights of physics suffering. Furthemore it is a state of boundless quantum physics says about matter: physicists The Buddhist view of the nature of reality is and go further. This is the teaching of the five love and compassion. It is the pinnacle of have been saying for a hundred years that we also characterised by the notion of all things niyamas. A niyama is a category of natural laws evolving consciousness as described by the don’t really know what’s going on – that matter being insubstantial – they have no essential that govern conditioned existence. The laws niyamas, although that is not to suggest that it is is much more mysterious than common sense substance to them, no ‘true nature’ behind of phsyics primarily address the nature and an end point. It is more like the furthest point implies – and Relativity has overturned the them. Nevertheless, there is experience, and behaviour of inorganic matter; they would be on a horizon beyond which we cannot presently notions of objectively existing space and time. even order: it’s not that there is nothing at all classed as the utu niyama. Then there are natural see, where none of our concepts or categories And the sense of wonder that that can encourage going on. It is interesting to reflect, then, that laws governing the properties of what we call apply. We need concepts to root out delusion, in us is a positive thing in itself. Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity led him life – laws that are perhaps better described but they are not ends in themselves. Scientific to the notion of the equivalence of matter and by the sciences of biology and botany (bija progress has been remarkable in helping alleviate he Buddhist worldview is that there is energy. Particles are not solid entities; they niyama). With the development of animal some material suffering, and quantum physics Tno objective world independent of an are better seen as temporary condensations of consciousness, further laws of conditionality has even blown open our most instinctive experiencing subject, and nor is there a subject energy. They can arise, be created, out of energy, come into play – those governing instinctive notions of subject and object. But complete existing independently of experience. That’s a and they can disintegrate back into energy. behaviour such as ‘fight-or-flight’ responses, transcendence in actual experience – not just very difficult thing to grasp, even for Buddhists. This was borne out in the awful example of the reproduction and so on, known as the mano theory – is the goal of , and, I believe, The fundamental teaching of the Buddha – atomic bomb, which Einstein regretted having niyama. With the emergence of human self- the purpose of our human existence. ■

7 8 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 Building a Longer Table Ambaravajri was one of many citizens who stepped out of their comfort zones last summer to go and help refugees in Calais.

ur mission started on a Wednesday, with Early on the Saturday evening, having driven OAmitasuri to help out some that morning through the tunnel and spent the friends who had more donations for the refugee afternoon with our contact at the Secours camp in Calais than they could fit in their Catholique in Calais, Amitasuri and I found van. She appealed for a companion, I said yes ourselves on the road near the camp. We’d spent and by Thursday morning we were discussing the afternoon learning about the needs of the strategies. By then it was clear that it wasn’t ‘jungle’ and how donations are distributed, going to happen unless we collected donations as well as taking photos and videos to share. men banged on the driver’s-side window asking But to experience that tension has had a ourselves, so we had a 24-hour donation drive in We were relieved and happy, but also a little for the bananas that they could see in the back lasting effect. A few days after we got back, I Manchester and London. By Friday afternoon overwhelmed at the extent of the help that was of the van. Neither of us wanted to open the read a post on Facebook: ‘If you have more we had a load of the most needed items (tents, so clearly needed. We were trying to get hold of window or door and give them the bananas. than you need, build a longer table, not a bigger sleeping bags, warm and waterproof clothing another contact in Calais whom we hoped to I’m not sure why – it wasn’t about the bananas. fence.’ The weekend was a life-changing and shoes) and Amitasuri was on her way from meet that evening, and Amitasuri was having Still they kept asking, and pushing, and banging experience for me, and those few words have Manchester to London. some problems with her phone. As the light harder on the car trying to get in, while we held helped me to realise why. began to fade, we pulled in at the side of the our ground. I felt deeply uncomfortable at the I surprised myself and my friends by offering to road while streams of men poured past us, most separation between us – them outside wanting Next morning in Calais. Having met with our accompany Amitasuri to Calais. I don’t think on foot wearing sandals or flip-flops, a few on something from us, us inside not wanting to friends, shared our experience of the previous of myself as a particularly outgoing, practical bikes, many weighed down with bags of food give it – especially in light of what we had come night, and eaten and slept, Amitasuri and I or even generous person. My life in London is and clothing as they returned from the town to there to do. parked the van and walked into the camp. We busy and I frequently crave solitude and space. the camp. were deeply moved by the friendliness and But when I look back I know it’s exactly what While this was happening on the driver’s side of welcome that we received. We learned many I needed to do. Almost everyone who donated At this point I think we were both anxious: as the car, I became aware of a group of three older people’s stories that day, from many parts of to us thanked us for the opportunity to do I’ve said, we hadn’t thought this through. We men on my side, gesturing to us, offering tea. At the world: the ten-year-old Egyptian boy whose something practical, and I knew exactly what were happy to have dropped off our donations, that point I just wanted to say yes! To get out of memory of the boat trip was that he’d be thrown they meant. grateful in fact, but we couldn’t get in touch the car, not to be separate, to let go of my fear overboard if he didn’t sit still; one Syrian man with our friends, we didn’t know where we and connect. who is the last surviving member of his family In many ways we had not thought this through, were going to sleep, and we were two women apart from his sister and yet is not able to join but that too was probably just what was needed. alone in an unfamiliar place. At the same time I Buddhist teaching says that, fundamentally, her in the UK; another who showed us pictures Too much time to think about it, for me, might was aware that for new refugees arriving in the we are not the fixed, separate ‘selves’ that of his beautiful city, now rubble. It was a warm have been a chance to think my way out of camp, men or women, the experience would be we think we are. We are in fact profoundly sunny day, and at one point Amitasuri remarked it. Having said that, Amitasuri had done her the same, only a lot more frightening. interconnected. I find this beautiful and true. It to me how different it felt to the night before. research: we had a contact in Calais ready to keeps me human in ways I am deeply grateful She was right. It was how I imagine it might feel, receive our donations, and we were very clear I imagine we were giving out confused signals. for, and helps me navigate those situations when faced with hundreds or even thousands what items were most needed. We just didn’t I’ve said we were anxious, and we probably when I don’t know what to do. This was one of of desperate, cold or hungry people, to build a know what we were going to do once we’d looked it. Amitasuri was frustrated with her those moments. I didn’t open the door, the longer table instead of a bigger fence. ■ dropped off the stuff. phone not connecting. Then a group of young men moved on, and the evening drew to a close. 9 10 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016

The Artist and the Sangha Aloka reflects on life as an artist in the Triratna Buddhist Order, creativity and individuality. Interview by Barry Copping

Barry: As a Buddhist artist, you’re presumably completely blank mind, and I want to discover communicating Buddhist values through your something new. So it’s going into a similar space work? to concentration in meditation. This often takes time, but it’s just an indirect route. Sometimes Aloka: I do two distinct types of work. people think ‘indirect’ means ‘less effective’. But Firstly, there are commissions for ‘Buddhist I think indirect methods can actually be more iconography’, for want of a better term. I don’t effective, especially at the beginning of one’s regard that as really my work – I’ve got certain practice. Dealing directly with your mind is a skills and use them to help people out. The bit like trying to find the soap in the bath – it’s paintings are essentially theirs. People give me not that easy! a whole variety of material, whether it’s text, bits of fabric, colour samples or photographs Sangharakshita, the founder of the Triratna of other works, so that I can tailor the image Buddhist Order, of which you are a member, has to help them connect better with a particular said that artists are essentially alone, on account of Buddhist figure, rather than just taking a their greater awareness, their greater individuality reproduction out of a book. and even their greater creativity. What’s your take The central Buddha panel of the triptych at the LBC, by Aloka on that? In discussing a commission, I say ‘Whatever longer anyone around I looked up to – a very It’s hard work actually, because for years I you do, don’t tidy it up to make it make A problem I found when I was younger, in important lack. The people I did look up to couldn’t quite work out how the two fitted sense. You may say things that are completely being dedicated to working and hence alone, were all dead artists – again, quite isolating. together. I helped out at Padmaloka on Going contradictory – don’t worry about that, was that I became more and more isolated. Having begun to doubt that work was the for [ordination training] retreats for because I just feed it all in.’ Trying to get inside That’s potentially very dangerous. I wasn’t answer to everything, then everything else eleven years. That was the only thing I ever someone else’s imagination is a really interesting coming up with the answers I expected just started falling apart. found almost as demanding as art. In a way the discipline. Of course, the public commissions by dedicating my time to working. I had this brief was simple – helping people who want to (say for Buddhist centres) are a bit different. idea – I don’t know from where – that if you That was probably one of the things that contribute to creating a spiritual community gave yourself completely to work, as your work induced me to look for something else, and under the umbrella of Bhante’s teachings. What about the work you do regard as your own? improved you’d sort of improve as a person; eventually to find Bhante Sangharakshita. I was I wanted people to have an easier time that there was some ethical or moral dimension seeking a context where people dealt with some discovering what it is to be an Order member That’s different in that it’s more about to working. I couldn’t have articulated it at of the big questions, such as what we’re here for. than I’d had. Everything has moved on so far, finding things out. I’m not actually trying to the time, but I expected to became a better and this Buddhist movement is now a much communicate anything. I mean obviously you person almost by osmosis. After college and a So you’ve found the Sangha an appropriate place friendlier place than when I got involved. do communicate stuff, but I just start with few years chugging along on my own, I realised to explore the big issues, and I expect your art is a completely blank canvas and hopefully a that wasn’t necessarily the case. There was no fruitful in that context? 11 12 The London Buddhist Jan–Apr 2016 What was your experience of school and art college? So you value that rigorous technical training?

Even at infant school, I was always the odd My goodness, yes! There’s not a day goes by one out. I don’t really know why – probably without my being immensely grateful to my just a sort of vibe that you give off. I was a tutors. Bhante says that when given something very quiet child. In the British school system that you need, the normal, healthy human of the 1950s, quietness was equated with good response is to feel gratitude. Otherwise there’s behaviour. Being well-behaved was seen as being definitely something wrong! intelligent, so I’d be in the A-stream rather than the C-stream where the naughty kids were. What do you make of Sangharakshita’s comment The naughty kids may well have been far more that ‘Artists have long been notorious for flouting intelligent than I was. Really, I could have convention, rocking the boat, refusing to conform’? missed school entirely and it would have had no adverse effect. People will insist on seeing you as refusing to conform – I’ve spent most of my life trying to fit in! I’m just really bad at it. I wanted a quiet life, just wanting to be left alone to get on and work.

Sangharakshita encourages us to create a community of people where everyone’s standing on their own two feet, is at least aspiring to Aloka at his studio in Norwich be a true individual – maintaining, building I was fortunate in that I could go to art school and developing their own integrity. The Order when I was 13, which was the norm then. I’d isn’t something that you join as such; it’s not known right from the word go that I wanted something established; it must constantly be to spend my life drawing. There was enormous recreated afresh, so that the Sangha, the spiritual resistance to full-time art training from community, is continuously reinvented through mainstream schools, where you were told ‘You’ll people being as effective in their commitment as never make a living’. possible.

I was at art school in the 1960s, through till age People say to me, ‘How do you fit in?’ I 21. Of course there was a lot going on in art say, ‘Don’t fit in – whatever you do, don’t schools then – they seemed to be the melting fit in!’ I mean, don’t not fit in just for the pot for all sorts of cultural developments. I sake of it; don’t be silly, but I mean, if you’ve was so lucky to be in the right place at the got something to say, then say it! If there’s right time. The first art school I attended was something you don’t understand, or like, or Friends quite old-fashioned in that they taught you agree with, then for heaven’s sake, speak out! very thoroughly. There was no mention of ‘art’ At least get things clear, because you may Collage images as such; it was more about learning skills in a just have the wrong end of the stick. Always by Shubha variety of disciplines. You had to do everything. ask questions first. It’s no good wading in, Even if the girls wanted to do fashion, they criticising people or situations unless you’ve still had to learn welding. If you wanted to actually ascertained whether or not you’ve learn welding for sculpture, you still had to do got your facts straight. It’s very easy to get the embroidery. wrong end of the stick. ■ 13 Programme Jan–Apr 2016 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 for a deepening commitment, 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 Jan–Apr 2016 Programme Jan–Apr 2016

Classes Yoga, Chi Kung & meditate and try a taster session Getting started Meditation in Breathing Space, our project For anyone interested in getting a taste of offering for well- Lunchtime Meditation Thursday Evenings being. and those new to the Mindfulness of Breathing and A meditative evening starting Metta meditation practices Monday to Saturday Sun 24 Jan, 10am-5pm. Refreshments Drop in and learn the basics of with yoga or chi kung, followed are provided and all events are free. No two crucial meditation practices by sitting meditation, to bring need to book. in a lunch-hour. harmony to the mind and body. 1-2pm. All welcome. Donation/dana. Suitable for beginners. Wear Introductory Days warm, comfortable clothing. One Sunday a month. Learn Spring Retreat Evening Meditation 7.15-9.30pm. how to keep both your mind Free. Suggested donation £11/£6. The Way of Freedom Tuesday and Wednesday and heart in steady focus, with Mindfulness was at the heart of the Buddha’s rediscovery of an ancient Ideal for newcomers. Drop in any meditation practices that help path of practice leading to Enlightenment. He likened what he found to ‘an week to learn two fundamental First Friday cultivate openness, clarity and ancient city ... with parks, groves, ponds and ramparts, a delightful place.’ practices that cultivate clear Sub35 Class courage. Join us for a springtime journey in his footsteps, towards wisdom and awareness, peace of mind and The alternative Friday night! Sun 17 Jan, 7 Feb, 13 Mar, 3 Apr. contentment, through meditation, reflection and a deepening awareness of emotional positivity. Meditation, discussion and 10am-5pm. Lunch provided. £40/£30. our own true nature. 7.15-9.45pm. Free. friendship. An evening of practice Booking essential. Led by Manjusiha and Vandanajyoti Suggested donation £11/£6. with time for hanging out after 26 Mar–3 Apr at Kench Hill. £385/£285. Booking essential. the class. Everyone welcome, Introductory Retreats Open Mind Club especially newcomers. A weekend of meditation. Intro Courses 7.15-9.45pm (tea bar till 11pm). Free. Learn two fundamental, far- Life with Full Attention Tuesday afternoons (except Suggested donation £7. reaching meditation practices, Mindfulness is about living fully and vividly, without rumination or during half term and the first and while living communally with distraction. A systematic approach to mindfulness and authentic happiness, last week of each term) diverse but like-minded people. After school club for young Weekday Yoga starting with applying mindfulness in everyday life and culminating in Drop-in sessions of yoga for Explore the Buddhist vision of mindfulness of the nature of reality. The book Life with Full Attention will be people aged 11–17. reality. Led by Srivati meditation. These yoga classes 19-21 Feb and 8-10 Apr. At Kench our guide to daily practice. 4.30-5.30pm. Free. Suggested donation encourage flexibility, strength Led by Manjusiha and Akashadevi Hill. £165/£125. Booking essential. 10p-£1. and awareness of bodily 8 weeks from Tue 12 Jan–Tue 1 Mar. 7.15-9.45pm. £140/£110 (price inc. book). sensations, to improve our Booking essential. ability to sit in meditation and Daytime Class to encourage concentration. Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation Wednesday Daytimes Suitable for all levels. Outreach: Courses & An essential overview of Buddhist principles, introducing two meditation Meditation and the Buddha’s Weekday lunchtimes 12-12.45pm. practices which offer a means to self-awareness, change and spiritual teachings can have great benefits Free. Suggested donation £6. classes at St Martin’s insight. These courses are a step-by-step guide to Buddhism that can in our lives: more clarity, self- Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri evenings 5.45- Lane, London, WC2 transform your perspective on the world and provide you with tools you can awareness, open-heartedness 6.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £8. Newcomers’ Classes No need to book, just drop in. use for a lifetime. and peace of mind. Our focus this Introduction to meditation every 6 weeks from Mon 11 Jan or Mon 29 Feb, 7.15-9.45pm. £100/£80. Booking essential. term is on the Ideal, Saturday 1-2.15pm and 2.45-4pm. which lays special emphasis on Saturday Morning Yoga £8/£6. No need to book. compassion. With stories from The Heart of the Mind: Introduction to Puja Class One: 10-11.15am. Four-week Foundation courses This five-week course introduces Buddhist devotional practice and takes the Buddhist tradition, personal Class Two: 11.30am-12.30pm. in Buddhist Meditation us though the stages that help us glimpse, move towards and realise our Free. Suggested donation £10 per class. experience and the archetypal Four Saturdays starting 9 Jan, 6 Feb, No need to book, just drop in. limitless potential. Newcomers are welcome, as are those with some realm. 5 Mar, 9 Apr. 10am-12.30pm. experience. 10.35am-12.30pm. Creche facilities £90/£70. Booking essential. Led by Nandaraja and Svadhi for under 5s, supported by experienced Complete yoga listings page 29 5 weeks from Fri 12 Feb. 7.15-9.45pm.Cost £80/£60 Booking essential. staff. Donation/dana. Weekly drop-in classes and courses are also happening in Hornchurch, Essex Days and Retreats hornchurchbuddhistgroup.org.uk and also in Mid Essex: Open Day mid-essex-buddhist-centre.org.uk Come and discover the LBC The Mid-Essex Buddhist Centre will and what it can offer you. Find be launching on 23 Jan, so check the website for more details. out about Buddhism, learn to 17 18 Programme Jan–Apr 2016 Programme Jan–Apr 2016 Classes Yoga, Chi Kung & Full Moon Pujas Meditation These monthly rituals give a Lunchtime Meditation regular point of devotional Thursday Evenings focus and the chance to explore A meditative evening starting Monday to Saturday Buddhist ritual. Drop-in meditation for regulars. with yoga or chi kung, followed Going Further Sun 24 Jan, Mon 22 Feb, Wed 23 Mar, 1-2pm. Donation/dana. If you know both meditation practices or you are a Mitra by sitting meditation, to bring Fri 22 Apr. Times to be announced. or Order member, all these events are for you harmony to the mind and Donation/dana. Dharma Night body. Wear warm comfortable Monday Evenings clothing. All welcome. Buddhist Sunday School Seminar 7.15-9.30pm. Explore Buddhism through Encouraging and developing Free. Suggested donation £11/£6. What is the Sangha? lively seminars and talks, our children’s mindfulness and ‘A group is united by its lowest common denominator, a spiritual meditation and puja. Whether kindness through Buddhist community by its highest common factor.’ – Sangharakshita. Being you have undertaken one of our Meditation and Puja practice and storytelling. Includes a Buddhist and joining the Sangha is not like joining a group, but introductory courses and want to Friday Evenings meditation, chanting and craft a radically new way of living and relating to others. With shared learn more, or you have learned Bring the week to a activities. For 3-10 year olds, practices and ideals we not only become more of an individual, but to meditate with us and are contemplative close with parents/carers welcome. form the nucleus of a new society; one that is beneficial for ourselves wondering what being a Buddhist meditation and ritual. Devotional Led by Jyotismati and team and the world. Come and find out more. is all about, you can drop in and practice helps us to engage 10.30am-12.30pm With Jnanavaca and Subhadramati participate any Monday evening. with the Sangha and strengthen Last Sunday of every month: 31 Jan, 4 Jan–22 Feb, as part of the Monday Class. 7.15-9.45pm. confidence in the Dharma. 28 Feb, 27 Mar, 24 Apr. 7.15-9.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £7. See lbc.org.uk/Dharmaclass.htm for 7-9.45pm. full listings. Free. Suggested donation £7. Buddhism and 12-Step Evening Free. Suggested donation £7. The spiritual community, the Sangha, is the ideal context in which we Recovery Women’s Class These days are for people can practice the Dharma. It is also a force for good in the world and an Evening Meditation who are in 12-Step Recovery Ideal in its own right. Over the next four years we will look at how a Monthly Saturdays Tuesday and Wednesday A meditation and Buddhism Groups and are also interested Sangha is built, using the framework of ‘The Four Sangharavastus’ (the Meditation is more than just a class for women who know the in Buddhism and meditation. Means of Unification of the Sangha). In launching the year at the LBC, technique. After learning two Mindfulness of Breathing and Come and join us for a day of Jnanavaca will give a keynote talk on the ‘The Four Sangharavastus’, fundamental practices, explore Metta Bhavana meditations. sangha, fellowship and practice. focussing particularly on the first of these – ‘Dana’, or generosity. how to work with your mind With Jnanavaca Led by Mahamani, Sudurjaya and For those familiar with the more deeply and thoroughly. Tareshvari. Mon 18 Jan. 7.15-9.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £7. Mindfulness of Breathing and With led meditation, further 3-5.30pm. 16 Jan, 20 Feb, 19 Mar, 16 Metta Bhavana. teaching and guidance. Apr. Free. Suggested donation £8/£5. Led by Sanghasiha & Shraddhasiddhi Course 7.15-9.45pm. Sun 10 Jan, 10am-5pm. Bring Mastering the Mind Free. Suggested donation £11/£6. vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. Free. Suggested donation £25. On this six week drop-in course, we will be exploring how to move Days & Evenings No need to book. from ordinary, divided consciousness into a fuller, richer and more Daytime Class expansive consciousness (called ‘’) and from there to Wednesday Daytimes Meditation Days reflecting on ‘how things really are’. This course is being run alongside This term we will be exploring Compassionate the Bodhisattva Ideal, which lays For Regulars Communication three intensive meditation mornings where we can apply what we It is easy to fall into a special emphasis on compassion An exploration of how the have learnt more fully. For those all have learnt both meditations. ‘maintenance’ meditation Led by Maitreyabandhu and Shraddhasiddhi as an essential quality on the qualities of awareness practice, and to stop deepening Starting 13 Jan. 7.15-9.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £11/£6. Buddhist path. We’ll look at texts and kindness developed in your connection. Why not come and stories from the tradition, meditation can be brought into and renew your inspiration? For share personal experience and our everyday communication, Regulars’ Retreat meditators who know both the delve into the rich world of the particularly focussing on how we Gateways to Wisdom Mindfulness of Breathing and the archetypal Buddhas. The first can deal with feelings of anger On this silent, intensive weekend we will be using the dharma to arrive Metta Bhavana. class of every month is a practice and frustration. at an understanding and conviction about the nature of experience Sundays 31 Jan, 21 Feb, and the wisdom of the Buddha. For those familiar with both morning, devoted to meditation 20 Mar, 24 Apr. 10am-5pm. Bring Led by Vajraghanta and ritual practices – a wonderful Sun 21 Feb, 10am-5pm. meditations and puja. vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. Led by Suryagupta and Vidyadaka way to start the month! Free. Suggested donation £30. £40/30. Booking essential. 11–13 Mar. At Kench Hill. £165/£125. Booking essential. 10.35am-12.30pm. Creche facilities for under 5s, supported by experienced staff. Donation/dana. 19 20 Programme Jan–Apr 2016 Programme Jan–Apr 2016

If they can do it, so can I be exploring the Buddha’s Noble Volunteering Going Further Enlightenment can seem like Quest from his Going Forth, Continued it’s too hard or too far off, but through his Enlightenment, to his first communication of the Truth There are many by spending time with images opportunities for Teachers’ Day and beyond and it is done in a poetry, music, meditation and and figures from the Buddhist and asking how we might live beautifully written and deeply ritual. tradition we can see how the Noble Quest now. For men volunteering and it can be Lighting the Flame qualities like friendship, ethics, familiar with the Mindfulness of On this day for teachers we insightful enquiry.’ - Subhuti. Led by Sanghasiha and friends a satisfying and energetic An evening for men. Sun 17 Apr, 10am-5pm. Bring a energy and love – qualities Breathing, the Metta Bhavana will explore how we can most vegetarian lunch to share. and puja. way of offering support. With Devamitra and Maitreyabandhu we already have – can help To see more visit effectively and courageously Free. Suggested donation £30. No need Led by Aryabandhu and Padmavajra Fri 18 Mar, 7.15-9.45pm. us transform and grow. Using lbc.org.uk/volunteers.htm communicate the Dharma for the Free. Suggested donation £7. to book. images from throughout 18–20 Mar at Padmaloka benefit of all. For Order members the Buddhist world, as well Book at www.padmaloka.org.uk teaching at our centres, Mitra Entering the path of Total Immersion Day as , meditation and Monday and Thursday Study leaders and Mitras A completely silent day of discussion, we will explore the Women’s Retreat afternoons teaching at St Martin’s Lane or Imagination meditation practice that provides Introduction to The Heart 2.30pm. Straight after the lunchtime Explore the Imagination from path of Buddhism, and discover with under 35 groups. intensive conditions for you to and Prajnaparamita. On this class join in with the work period, the perspective of traditional how to travel it, from just where Led by Subhadramati and Vidyadaka deepen into experience and see weekend we will explore some cleaning the centre and looking after Buddhist practice. Through we are right now. Sat 27 Feb, 10am-5pm. Free. the subtle patterns of your mind. key aspects of the Heart Sutra the shrines. meditation, reflection and simple With Maitripushpa (and the basement Led by Kalyanavaca shrine room triptych) and Prajnaparamita, Mother Women’s Mitra Day painting exercises, learn ways Sun 27 Mar, 10am-5pm. Donation/ 9 Mar–13 Apr, 7.15-9.45pm. of all the Buddhas, through If you would like more information or The is probably of accessing it and experience dana. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to £100/£80. Booking essential. meditation and puja. For women would like to chat with someone about this, please contact Vajrabandhu at the best known Buddhist text. how it can lead us into a deeper share. familiar with the Mindfulness and more enriched experience Free. Suggested donation £30. [email protected] or drop in at In a few very short verses, Retreats of Breathing and the Metta one of these times. Chapter One contains some of of the present moment, and Bhavana. The Buddha’s most profound therein function as both ‘teacher Courses Buddhism and 12-Step Led by Sudurjaya, Mahamani and teachings. If we really reflected and guide’. Suitable for those Tareshvari on them and allowed them unfamiliar with painting/ Recovery 15–17 April. At Kench Hill. Mastering the Mind A weekend retreat for people Vajrasana to pervade our whole being, imagination, as well as those £165/£125. Booking essential. Meditation Mornings in 12-Step recovery groups who we could be well on the way with experience. These three drop-in intensive are also interested in Buddhism to Enlightenment. We will be Led by Amitajyoti Re-Wilding the Mind The newly rebuilt meditation mornings are aimed and meditation. There will be looking at this chapter of the Sat 2 Apr. 10am-5pm at the London Rewilding the Mind is a working at deepening our understanding periods of meditation, talks Vajrasana Retreat Centre Dhammapada in detail, exploring Buddhist Arts Centre. Bring retreat in the Scottish Highlands vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. of meditation and how to about recovery and Buddhism, what it means, and seeing how with re-wilding charity Trees for is due to open in May. £40/£30. Booking essential. move beyond ordinary, divided free time to explore the beautiful we can use the teachings to Life. Mornings and evenings will Full programme listings consciousness into Samadhi. countryside and plenty of time to transform our lives. include meditation, ritual and Virya: The Heroic For those who know both talk about the 12-Step recovery will be publicized in Led by Sujhayini and Dharmasakhya meditations. short talks on the Dharma and Sun 28 Feb, 10am-5pm. Perfection principles and our practice February. Led by Maitreyabandhu re-wilding. During the day we will Solitary retreat bookings at Vajrasana Free. Suggested donation £30. Bring of Buddhism and meditation. A day seminar on the place 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 13 Feb. 9am-12.30pm. be out in the spectacular Glen are now available from July 2016 vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. No For those familiar with the of virya (energy) in Buddhist (Doors open at 8.45am and close at Moriston – home to wild boar onwards. Once the Vajrasana Retreat need to book. Mindfulness of Breathing and teaching and practice. 9.15am – no entry after this time). and pine marten – planting trees, Centre opening date is confirmed it Led by Devamitra Free. Suggested donation £15/£8 Metta Bhavana. clearing non-native species or may be possible to book for May and Book Launch Sun 3 Apr, 10am-5pm. Free. Suggested Led by Sanghasiha and Shraddhasiddhi tending seedlings in the nursery. June also. To book a solitary retreat go 26–28 Feb. At Kench Hill. donation £30. Bring vegetarian/vegan We will be living communally. to lbc.org.uk/retreat.asp#hut Confessions of a lunch to share. No need to book. Lunchtime Course £165/£125. Booking essential. Transvestite Buddhist – A Meditation Toolkit: For people familiar with both meditation practices. Quest for Manhood Deep Ecology Day Freeing the Mind Men’s Event To launch his book, Devamitra Led by Satyadasa “Deep Ecology begins and ends Six teachings on consecutive The Buddha’s Noble 16–23 Apr, in Inverness. £325/£250. will be interviewed by with wonder – profound wonder. lunchtimes about working with Limited places. Booking essential. Maitreyabandhu during a Quest On that account we ought to your mind in meditation. One of the oldest versions of the special event for men. ‘This consider life, indeed our very Led by Vidyadaka life of the Buddha, given by the remarkable and original thesis is existence, as a flowing current.” Mon 22 Feb–Sat 27 Feb. 1-2pm. Buddha himself, is a discourse revealed through his very frank Donation/dana. Arne Naess. A day exploring our called The Noble Quest – the exploration of his own relationship with the natural As part of the lunchtime drop-in meditation class. Ariyapariyesana Sutta. We will journey into cross dressing world as Buddhists through 21 22 Programme Jan–Apr 2016 Programme Jan–Apr 2016

Festivals & Special Events Sub35 & Sub25 Events Open to all

Sub35 Finding pleasure in our practice Sub35 run a programme of events These special events are celebratory, and focus on the can resolve this tension. When for men including Dharma study we are mindful it is possible to and socials. For an invitation email primary qualities of the Buddha and the principles of [email protected] the Dharma – all in the context of the Sangha. First Friday see the beauty, contentment and Sub35 Class wisdom that are always present The alternative Friday night! and experience the pleasure that Mandala Evening Meditation, discussion and can arise when our mind is quiet The spiritual community, the Sangha, is the ideal context in which we connection. An evening of and our heart is open. Sub25 can practice the Dharma. It is also a force for good in the world and an practice with time to hang Led by and Joe Ideal in its own right. Over the next four years we will look at how a out after the class. Everyone 29-31 Jan, at Kench Hill. £165/£125. Sangha is built, using the framework of ‘The Four Sangharavastus’ (the welcome. Booking essential. Third Friday Means of Unification of the Sangha). In launching the year at the LBC, 7.15-9.45pm (tea bar till 11pm). Sub25 Class Jnanavaca will give a keynote talk on the ‘The Four Sangharavastus’, Free. Suggested donation £7. Young Men’s A chance for those aged focussing particularly on the first of these – ‘Dana’, or generosity. Study Mornings between 16-25 to come together With Jnanavaca Second Saturday to explore Buddhism and Mon 18 Jan. 7.15-9.45pm. Free. Suggested donation £7. Exploring the Dharma meditation. An opportunity to explore the Meditation Morning 7.15-9.30pm. All those under 25 Day Festival A chance to meditate together, principles and ideas of Buddhism welcome, especially if it is your first for longer; cultivating stillness with Devamitra, who has over time. By donation. Parinirvana day is the celebration of the final passing of the Buddha, and friendship. 40 years’ experience of Buddhist which gives us an opportunity not just to reflect upon , 10am-12.45pm. practice. and the serene dignity of that remarkable event, but also to rejoice in Meditation experience recommended. Led by Devamitra his life. Even today, almost 6,000 miles from his birthplace, we still feel Donation/Dana. Starts Sat 20 Feb. 10am-12.30pm. the benefit of his peerless example and his unparalleled gift: 45 years Free. Suggested donation £11/£6. No of tireless teaching. So join us as we honour the greatest hero of all Final Friday need to book, just drop in. time. Young Women’s Night Led by Devamitra Young Women’s Sun 14 Feb, 10am-10pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. Join us to explore meditation and Check the programme for the day nearer the time. No need to book. Buddhism in a friendly, relaxed Mitra Retreat and intimate environment. An Going for Refuge and the Akshobhya Day opportunity to make friends Thunderous Silence Akshobhya is the deep blue archetypal Buddha of the eastern realm with other young women at “Going for Refuge is an and is associated with the Enlightened qualities of unshakeable the centre and support each experience – a spiritual confidence and mirror-like wisdom. On this day we will be exploring other’s spiritual practice. With experience – that is deepening the significance of this deeply mysterious figure, and seeing how we meditation, discussion and tea. and growing more multi- 7.15-9.45pm. can cultivate those qualities in ourselves. All proceeds from the day Free. Suggested donation £7. dimensional all the time.” – will go to the new Akshobhya Garden at Vajrasana. Experience of both meditation Sangharakshita. On this retreat Led by Dayabhadra practices required. we aim to explore going for Sun 13 Mar, 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. refuge, and how it can lead us Check the programme for the day nearer the time. No need to book. into a more direct, unmediated Weekend Retreat experience of the truth. Pleasure in Practice Led by Shraddhasiddhi, Kusalasara, Although we know meditation Sukhasiddhi, Sraddhasara, and Sujayini will make us happier, thinking 18-20 Mar, at Kench Hill. we ought to do it and feeling £165/125. Booking essential. reluctant can cause tension. 23 24 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 Not all events are listed in this calendar Our daily, weekly, daytime and evening classes can be found in the Getting Startedand Going Further sections, near the start of this programme. Retreats are also listed there. Jan 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 What is the Buddhism and Sangha? 12 Steps 8 week seminar starts. 10am-5pm 7.15-9.45pm

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Intro to Life with Full Mastering the Intro Day Buddhism & Attention Mind Learn to meditate Meditation 8 week course starts. 6 week drop-in course 10am-5pm 6 week course starts. 7.15-9.45pm starts. 7.15-9.45pm 7.15-9.45pm

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Mandala Open Day Evening Free talks, meditation, yoga and more. Launching the year. 7.15-9.45pm Full Moon Puja Buddhist ritual 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Sub35 Weekend Mastering the Meditation Day For regulars 10am-5pm Starts at Kench Hill Mind morning 9am-12.30pm Yoga Day Newcomers 10am-5pm Sunday School 10.30am-12.30pm

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mastering the Intro Day Mind morning Learn to meditate 9am-12.30pm 10am-5pm East Lucy Kirkwood Yoga Day 7.30pm For regulars.10am-5pm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Intro to Puja Mastering the Parinirvana 5 week course starts. Mind morning Day Festival 7.15-9.45pm 9am-12.30pm 10am-10pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Intro Weekend Young Men’s Meditation Day Retreat starts Study Morning For regulars 10am-5pm 6 week drop-in. 10am-12.30pm Compassionate Com. 10am-5pm 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Meditation Buddhism and Teachers’ Day Mitra Day Toolkit 12-Step retreat 10am-5pm For women. 10am- 5pm until 27 Feb. 1-2pm. starts. At Kench Hill Full Moon Puja until 28 Feb. Sunday School Buddhist ritual 10.30am-12.30pm 29 Intro to Buddhism & Meditation 6 week course starts. 7.15-9.45pm Feb Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 If they can do Regulars’ Intro Day it, so can I Retreat Learn to meditate 6 week course starts. at Kench Hill. 10am-5pm 7.15-9.45pm Until 13 Mar. Akshobhya Day 10am-5pm 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Book Launch East Rowan Williams Meditation Day For men. 7.15-9.45pm 7.30pm For regulars 10am-5pm Young Women’s Yoga Day Mitra Weekend For regulars.10am-5pm starts at Kench Hill 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Full Moon Puja Spring Retreat Total Buddhist ritual starts at Kench Hill Immersion Day Until 3 Apr. For regulars 10am-5pm Sunday School 10.30am-12.30pm 28 29 30 31 Mar

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 Not all events are listed in this calendar Entering Intro Day Our daily, weekly, daytime and evening classes can the Path of Learn to meditate be found in the Getting Startedand Going Further Imagination 10am-5pm sections, near the start of this programme. Retreats 10am-5pm at the Arts are also listed there. Heroic Perfection Apr Centre Seminar. 10am-5pm 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Intro Weekend Retreat starts

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Women’s Re-Wilding the Deep Ecology Weekend Mind 10am-5pm Retreat starts. At Retreat starts. In Kench Hill until 17 Scotland until 23 Apr. Apr.

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Full Moon Puja Meditation Day Buddhist ritual For regulars 10am-5pm Sunday School 10.30am-12.30pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 Programme Jan–Apr 2016 Programme Jan–Apr 2016

Yoga for Meditation East These yoga classes encourage flexibility, strength and East is an ongoing series of cultural events at the LBC, hosted by Maitreyabandhu, awareness of physical sensations. Loosening up the exploring the meaning and value of the arts. Each event focusses on the life and body and deepening our awareness can be a great work of a single guest artist, by way of an interview and a reading. Previous guests way into sitting meditation. Yoga and meditation are have included Sasha Dugdale, Michael Frayn, Don Paterson and Colm Tóibín. Our complementary practices. two featured writers this spring conclude a series of evenings in association with the London Review of Books. Booking for these events is essential: go to poetryeast.net

TheatreEast Sat 19 Mar. 7.30pm. £10. Lucy Kirkwood Weekday Lunchtime and Early Evening Lucy Kirkwood’s play It Felt Drop-in sessions of yoga for meditation. All levels. Empty When the Heart Went Weekday lunchtimes 12-12.45pm. at First but it is Alright Now Free. Suggested donation £6. No need to book. Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri evenings 5.45-6.45pm. was nominated for an Evening Free. Suggested donation £8. No need to book. Standard Award for Best Newcomer. Her recent stage success, Chimerica, premiered at Yoga, Chi Kung & Meditation the Almeida Theatre in 2013 and Thursday Evenings subsequently transferred to the A meditative evening starting with yoga or chi kung, followed by sitting meditation, to bring West End, winning Best New Play harmony to the mind and body. Suitable for beginners. Wear warm, comfortable clothing. at the 2014 Olivier and Evening 7.15-9.30pm. Free. Suggested donation £11/6. Standard Awards. Michael Billington in the Guardian Saturday Mornings called it ‘gloriously rich, mind- Drop-in sessions of yoga for meditation. All levels. expanding’. Her drama series The 10am-11.15am. Drop-in Yoga and Meditation. This class will start with yoga and finish with sitting Smoke was aired on Sky 1. meditation practice. Sat 6 Feb. 7.30pm. £10. 11.30am-12.30pm. Drop-in Yoga. Free. Suggested donation £10. No need to book, just drop in. PoetryEast Sundays Dr Rowan Williams Rowan Williams served as Yoga and Meditation Day for Beginners Archbishop of Canterbury from This day will combine meditation teaching with yoga. Meditation teaching will be from first 2002 to 2012, is acknowledged principles and will be suitable for beginners. The supportive atmosphere of the day retreat internationally as an outstanding allows us to understand how the two practices augment each other. theological writer, scholar and Led by Sraddhasara and SuYen teacher and ‘manages to appeal 31 Jan. 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. £40/£30. Booking essential. to a wide range of people with his thoughtful cultural Yoga and Meditation Days for Regulars commentary’ (Glasgow Review Day retreats focusing on the integration of meditation and yoga. We develop and deepen of Books). His two collections of both practices, learning to work with movement and stillness, activity and receptivity. For poems, The Other Mountain and those who know both meditation practices and meditate regularly, though no experience of The Poems and Rowan Williams yoga required. (Carcanet), explore the search 7 Feb, Led by Sukhasiddhi + Holly for meaning, man’s relationship 20 Mar, Led by Sraddhagita + SuYen to nature, and the paradoxes of 10am-5pm. Bring vegetarian/vegan lunch to share. £40/£30. Booking essential. poetry itself. 29 30 Spring Retreat The Way of Freedom

Led by Manjusiha and Vandanajyoti 26 March–3 April at Kench Hill £385/£285 Booking essential