Amalavajra becomes chair of WLBC

We are delighted to announce that Amalavajra has become the new chair of the West London Buddhist Centre. This followed consultation with our former chair Bodhilila, our President Subhadassi, the Leadership Team, sangha and the WLBC Trustees.

Amalavajra was introduced to Buddhism and meditation by Triratna Order members in 1995 in Kathmandu, Nepal, just before beginning work as a bond dealer. Three years later, he joined Karuna Trust, Triratna’s charity focusing on caste based poverty in South Asia, and trained as...

Buddhist Teachers in Europe

Every year, as Triratna’s Liaison officer, I attend the residential meeting of Buddhist Teachers in Europe, a very informal gathering of people who teach in various Buddhist traditions.

Our latest meeting took place 24th-29th September in a newly built Ch’an retreat centre in the hills west of Zagreb, Croatia, hosted by the country’s oldest Buddhist group, started decades ago in what was then Yugoslavia.

We were about 20 participants, from Theravada, Tibetan, Ch’an, SGI,...

Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation

Meditation helps us to develop contentment, clarity, integration, concentration, and a sense of peace. Practicing Mindfulness as we go about the activities of our lives helps to keep us centered, creative and in touch with our own vitality. 

We will explore Buddhist teachings of mindfulness and how we can practice them in contemporary life. Participants will learn the mindfulness of breathing, a meditation that has been practiced for thousands of years.

Participants will learn everything they need to begin a regular and effective meditation...

Chair's Letter – September

Dear Order Members and Friends,

Back in July, as part of our search for new – larger – premises for Tiratanaloka, our retreat centre for women training for ordination, the team visited a Carmelite monastery about an hour north east of London, and thought it looked very promising. A couple of weeks ago we heard our offer had been accepted, so we’re very excited and hoping for a smooth transition. If you’d like to know more you can...

The Call of the Wise

“Call forth as much as you can of love, of respect and of faith!
Remove the obstructing defilements, and clear away all your taints!
Listen to the Perfect Wisdom of the gentle Buddhas
Taught for the weal of the world, for heroic spirits intended!”
The Buddha from the Ratnagunasamcayagatha

The Buddhist Path begins with the human situation, with the reality of change and loss and the reality of wonderment, inspiration and spiritual transformation within the processes of impermanence....