London Buddhist Centre

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.

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

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 

What keeps us inspired? In this episode, we meet the Dharma masters from history and the archetypal figures who make up a lineage of inspiration for us now. Subhadramati explores how the lineage reaches down to us in the form of ordination. Please consider donating to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate 

Danayutta leads a 30-minute Mindfulness of Breathing - a meditation developing clarity and calm. If you've got value from this episode, please donate to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donat

‍In this stirring three-part series, Jnanavaca explores the‘The Root Verses of the Six Bardos’, which exhort us to make the very best of our human situation. Each talk looks at a different Bardo, those moments of potential when something new can arise. The first talk is on: The Bardo of Reality "O now, when the Bardo of the Reality upon me is dawning, Abandoning all awe, fear, and terror of all [phenomena], May I recognise whatever appeareth as being mine own thought-forms, May I know them to be apparitions in the Intermediate State; [It hath been said], 'There arriveth a time when the chief turning-point is reached; Fear not the bands of the Peaceful and Wrathful, Who are thine own thought-forms'." Please consider donating to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate 

‍In this stirring three-part series, Jnanavaca explores the‘The Root Verses of the Six Bardos’, which exhort us to make the very best of our human situation. Each talk reflects on a different Bardo, those moments of potential when something new can arise. The second talk is on: The Bardo of Death "O now, when the Bardo of the Moment of Death upon me is dawning! Abandoning attraction and craving, and weakness for all [worldly things], May I be undistracted in the space of the bright [enlightening] teachings, May I [be able to] transfuse myself into the heavenly space of the Unborn: The hour hath come to part with this body composed of flesh and blood; May I know the body to be impermanent and illusory." Please consider donating to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate 

‍In this stirring three-part series, Jnanavaca explores the‘The Root Verses of the Six Bardos’, which exhort us to make the very best of our human situation. Each talk reflects on a different Bardo, those moments of potential when something new can arise. The first talk is on: The Bardo of Life "O now, when the Birthplace Bardo upon me is dawning! Abandoning idleness -- there being no idleness in a devotee's life -- Entering into the Reality undistractedly, listening, reflecting, and meditating, Carrying on to the Path knowledge of the true nature of appearances and of mind, may the Tri-Kāya be realised: Once that the human form hath been attained, May there be no time in which to idle it away. Please consider donating to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate 

A 15-minute meditation to soften and connect to the heart, to ourselves, and to our present experience. Led by Garavavati Donate to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donat