London Buddhist Centre

Prajnamanas explores the vision of a "garden planted in the wilderness," offering a spiritual blueprint to transform society through collective practice and fellowship. This talk details practical steps for building this new world, from intentional community living and collaborative work to the life-changing impact of regular retreats.

Sthiramanas explores the symbolic "Shepherd's Round Dance," presenting a vision for a "nucleus of a new society" built on shared spiritual values rather than the reactive habits of traditional social groups. This talk outlines a transformative blueprint for the world, showing how individual commitment and collective fellowship can change the foundations of society from the ground up.

Suryagupta explores "a vision of human existence" as a matter of direct perception rather than abstract philosophy, revealing how we can shift from a reactive cycle of habit to a creative spiral of growth. Drawing on a transformative near-death experience, she shows how embracing impermanence allows us to make conscious choices that unlock our limitless potential for clarity and connection.

Jnanavaca explores the Buddhist concept of Shraddha, defining faith as the resonance of "what is ultimate in us" with "what is ultimate in the universe". By examining the grounds of intuition, reason, and experience, this talk invites us to move beyond a "hollow" culture of consumption and align our lives with a deeper process of devotion and collective transformation.

Sthiramanas explores the model of the five Niyamas, illustrating how we can move beyond biological conditioning to consciously align ourselves with a natural "upward momentum" toward spiritual growth. By balancing personal effort in ethics and meditation with a receptive openness to the Dharma, we are invited to transcend the limitations of a fixed self and discover a more expansive, liberated consciousness.

Sanghadharin explores the five Niyamas, a comprehensive teaching that maps the regularities of the universe from physical laws and biological instincts to the voluntary practice of ethics and transcendental enlightenment. By understanding the transition from instinctual drives to self-reflective choice, listeners are invited to align themselves with these natural processes to build a healthy foundation for spiritual growth and the eventual spontaneous unfoldment of wisdom.

In this episode, Kusalasara introduces the series "Revering and Relying on the Dharma," focusing on the practice of wise attention as a tool to perceive reality without the distortions of craving or bias. By exploring the parable of the blind men and the elephant, the talk illustrates how attachment to partial perspectives creates a "thicket of views" that can lead to conflict and a sense of isolation. We are invited to move beyond fixed certainties and conditioning to discover a more spacious, interconnected way of seeing.

Jnanavaca explores the Buddhist concept of "Going for Refuge," challenging us to move beyond the "default settings" of material pursuit and find true freedom by actively orienting our lives toward transcendental values. Jnanavaca invites us to train our inner awareness to perceive a deeper reality and align ourselves with a cosmic process of growth and awakening.

Sthiramanas talking on

Kusalara's leads us in exploring the Sangha, or spiritual community, as a vital refuge and "jewel" within the Buddhist tradition that offers support far beyond worldly treasures. Kusalasara explains how deep communication and the collective endeavor of practicing together allow us to move beyond the ego and inhabit the "realm of the dharma".

In this talk, Sthiramanas explores the central Buddhist act of going for refuge to the Dharma, describing it as a search for a genuine place of safety and stability within a world defined by fragility and suffering,,. He defines the Dharma as both objective reality and a universal cosmic law, demonstrating how aligning our actions with the law of karma can transform our consciousness from painful constriction to a state of expansive openness.

Sanghadharin explores the fundamental human search for safety and security in an inherently insecure world. While we often rely on "limited refuges"—such as careers, relationships, or material possessions—these things are impermanent and cannot provide ultimate satisfaction. Sanghadharin introduces the Buddha as a true and reliable refuge, representing the fully enlightened mind that has plucked out the "thorn" of greed, hatred, and delusion.

Sanghadharin introduces a new series on the "Three Refuges," exploring how the Buddha serves as an ultimately reliable "true refuge" in contrast to the limited security found in impermanent things like careers, possessions, or relationships. The Buddha refuge represents a commitment to a complete transformation of one's being, which involves cultivating universal human qualities of wisdom, compassion, and fearlessness to their highest degree. The talk concludes with inspiring stories from the Buddha's life and a guided visualization designed to help us embody these enlightened qualities and awaken them from within.

In this talk, Padmavajra explores the profound Buddhist concept of "Going Forth" from home into homelessness, describing it as a vital turning point where one moves away from the "cramped" dust of habit toward a life of genuine individuality and spiritual freedom.

Subhuti, president of the LBC, in conversation with Thomas about the need for a spiritual community.

Subhuti, president of the LBC, in conversation with Sanghadharin about why we need a system of practice.

Subhuti, president of the LBC, in conversation with Amalashri about the Buddhist vision of life.

Kusalasara finishing off our series on Milarepa, the famous Tibetan Yogi.

Sanghadharin gives the second talk in our series on Milarepa, the famous Tibetan Yogi.

Akashamitra giving a talk about the life of the Tibetan Yogi, Milarepa.

Suryagupta's talk explores the story of Padmasambhava, the great tantric master invited to Tibet when Buddhism could not take root through reason and philosophy alone. She describes how Padmasambhava confronted and transformed the unseen forces of Maras, demons, and gods, turning their energies towards the Dharma rather than away from it. The talk urges us to face our own inner and collective forces with courage, love, ritual, and devotion, calling on Padmasambhava's blessing for personal and societal transformation.

Maitreyabandhu gives the final talk of the Urban Retreat on A Path for the Future.

Jnanavaca gives the third talk of the Urban Retreat on The Direct Path.

Vajratara gives the second talk of the Urban Retreat on The Cosmic Path.

Suryagupta gives the first talk of the Urban Retreat on The Ancient Path.

Kusalasara talking about the faults of samsara from the Four Mind-Turning Reflections.

Sthiramanas talking about the law of karma from the Four Mind-Turning Reflections.

Sanghadharin talking about impermanence and death from the Four Mind Turning Reflections.

Vajratara giving the keynote talk at the LBC's Dharma Day festival. 

Akashamitra giving the final talk in our series on Dhardo Rimpoche's motto: Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Love. 

Suryagupta gives the second talk in a series on Dhardo Rimpoche's motto: Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Love. 

Sanghadharin gives the first talk in a series on Dhardo Rimpoche's motto: Cherish the Doctrine, Live United, Radiate Love. 

Sthiramanas giving a talk on the LBC's Community Living Day about the vision and principles of living in a residential Buddhist community. 

Dhammarati gives the keynote talk from Buddha Day Festival 2025. 

Suvajra gives a talk on Dhardo Rimpoche at London Buddhist Centre's Dhardo Rimpoche Day, celebrating the life of Sangharakshita's close friend and teacher. Suvajra is a very experienced Order member and author of The Wheel and the Diamond, a biography of Dhardo Rimpoche. 

In this episode, Sanghadharin explores the theme of letting go through the powerful story of Marpa, the great Tibetan teacher and translator. Marpa's journey—marked by struggle, loss, and transformation—reveals deep truths about the path of practice and the nature of awakening.

A talk by Suryagupta on The Seat of Enlightenment, where she shares the significance of visiting sacred spaces, and her recent and profound experience of sitting under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya. ‍ This is followed by a Panel Discussion with Vandanajyoti, Samantavajra and Saddhaketu where they discuss about a key obstacle in their spiritual journey, and the process and conditions that led them to a significant breakthrough.

Kusalasara giving her second talk during the meditation challenge on the threefold path of ethics, meditation and wisdom. 

Kusalasara giving a talk during the meditation challenge on the threefold path of ethics, meditation and wisdom. 

As part of The Meditation Challenge 2025, Maitreyabandhu is giving three Meditation Masterclasses, looking at the verses 'This very day, I go for my refuge to the powerful protectors, whose purpose is to guard the universe.' 

As part of The Meditation Challenge 2025, Maitreyabandhu is giving three Meditation Masterclasses, looking at the verses 'This very day, I go for my refuge to the powerful protectors, whose purpose is to guard the universe.' 

As part of The Meditation Challenge 2025, Maitreyabandhu is giving three Meditation Masterclasses, looking at the verses 'This very day, I go for my refuge to the powerful protectors, whose purpose is to guard the universe.' 

Vajratara talking on the inseparability of transcendental wisdom and compassion for all beings. This talk was given on Dharma Day festival at the LBC in 2023.  Vajratara was ordained in 2004, and became a private preceptor in 2016. She is currently a member of the women's ordination team at Tiratanaloka, where she's been for over 10 years.  You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate

Every Autumn, the LBC offers The Urban Retreat: a week of free events exploring meditation, Buddhism and more. On the Urban Retreat 2023, we explored the theme: What the World Needs Now. Hear responses from experienced Buddhist practitioners. You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate

On the eve of his Enlightenment, the Buddha vowed: “Flesh may wither, blood may dry up, but until I have gained Enlightenment I am not getting up from this seat”. In this three-week seminar series, Maitreyabandhu, one of the LBC's most experienced teachers, will explore breaking through negative emotion, psychological conditioning, and time. 

Every Autumn, the LBC offers The Urban Retreat: a week of free events exploring meditation, Buddhism and more. On the Urban Retreat 2023, we explored the theme: What the World Needs Now. Hear responses from experienced Buddhist practitioners. You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate

Every year in Autumn, the LBC offers The Urban Retreat: a week of free events exploring meditation, Buddhism and more.  On the Urban Retreat 2023, we explored the theme: What the World Needs Now. Hear from experienced Buddhist practitioners on this theme.  You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate

Every Autumn, the LBC offers The Urban Retreat: a week of free events exploring meditation, Buddhism and more. On the Urban Retreat 2023, we explored the theme: What the World Needs Now. Hear responses from experienced Buddhist practitioners. You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate

Every year in Autumn, the LBC offers The Urban Retreat: a week of free events exploring meditation, Buddhism and more.  On the Urban Retreat 2023, we explored the theme: What the World Needs Now. Hear from experienced Buddhist practitioners on this theme.  You can make a donation to the LBC here: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/giving/donate

A 15-minute meditation to connect to your embodied experience. Led by Jnanavaca.

Padmavajra explores what it means to come together in a Buddhist centre to practice the Dharma and why we need such places in which to practice together. He touches on the importance of learning the Dharma, inspiration, friendship and the 'bodying forth' of the Buddha's teachings in our lives. If you got value from this talk, please consider donating to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate