London Buddhist Centre: Recent Episodes
London Buddhist Centre
Talks on Buddhism and meditation. Live recordings from the London Buddhist Centre exploring the Buddha’s teaching (Dharma) in a way that is relevant to contemporary life.
Vandanajyoti explores how engaging the imagination allows us to move beyond physical statues to connect with the mysterious, unfolding nature of an enlightened mind. By grounding ourselves in self-awareness and compassion, we find that the journey to "see the Buddha" is ultimately a path toward connecting with our true selves and realizing our fullest potential.
Akshayapradipa explores how the appreciation of beauty and art acts as a transformative spiritual power, bridging the gap between our daily experience and the goal of egolessness. By embracing the "Greater Mandala of Uselessness," we can move beyond a merely utilitarian life to find liberation through creative play and a deeper connection to the ultimate mystery of existence.
Sanghadharin explores empathy as a trainable, imaginative faculty — distinct from pity — that grows through self-awareness, ethical practice and meditation. He looks at how empathy underpins spiritual friendship and the Brahma Viharas, and extends beyond people to the natural world.
Sthiramanas explores the vital role of imagination in spiritual practice, defining it as the transformative faculty that bridges the gap between conceptual reason and the transcendental goal of enlightenment. By moving beyond the mechanical thinking of modern culture and embracing "useless" beauty, we are invited to cultivate an expansive and unified consciousness.
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.
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.
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.
Sanghadharin talking about impermanence and death from the Four Mind Turning Reflections.
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.
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
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
Our potential is a mysterious thing. It's who we could be, who we really are, and goes beyond what we can imagine. So what conditions do we need to live up to our potential?
Hear from one of LBC's most experienced and inspiring teachers, Maitreyabandu, for an exploration into how Buddhism can help to reveal our truest potential.
Donate to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate
The Buddha's five reflections for everyone, to help us be in touch with the reality of our lives, and in doing so, cultivate more awareness, meaning, perspective, and kindness Includes reflections on impermanence and karma. Led by Ksantikara.
Donate to the London Buddhist Centre: https://www.londonbuddhistcentre.com/donate
A three-part series on 'The Language of the Depths' by Suryagupta, the Chair of the London Buddhist Centre. Listen for an exploration of what is beyond the conscious mind, beyond our current awareness, and below the surface of our experience -- accessing our most essential nature.
The language of the depths includes the power of stories, symbols and sound. These powers enable us to grow by accessing the depths quickly and connecting to what's most important.
In this third episode, hear about the power of sound. Suryagupta begins with a reflection that everything has a sound, everything has a vibration. During this talk, Suryagupta was joined by Matt, a musician, who offered live percussion. A rich discussion on how sound can reveal meaning, support transformation, and open up the depths in our experience.
A three-part series on 'The Language of the Depths' by Suryagupta, the Chair of the London Buddhist Centre. Listen for an exploration of what is beyond the conscious mind, beyond our current awareness, and below the surface of our experience -- accessing our most essential nature.
The language of the depths includes the power of stories, symbols and sound. These powers enable us to grow by accessing the depths quickly and connecting to what's most important.
In this episode, hear about the power of symbols. Through symbols, we can access, express, and transform our inner worlds, helping us to unleash our truest potential. Suryagupta introduces us to a Buddhist symbol that has significance to her, and what it might mean for how we live.
A three-part series on 'The Language of the Depths' by Suryagupta, the Chair of the London Buddhist Centre. Listen for an exploration of what is beyond the conscious mind, beyond our current awareness, and below the surface of our experience -- accessing our most essential nature.
The language of the depths includes the power of stories, symbols and sound. These powers enable us to grow by accessing the depths quickly and connecting to what's most important.
In this episode, hear about the power of stories, and how stories help us make meaning of our experiences. We can choose the stories we tell ourselves, from stories that constrict us to stories which set us free. Listen in for a mythical, archetypal story with messages for our lives today.
Prajnamanas on the Myth of the Return Journey, from Dharma Night at the London Buddhist Centre.
Garavavati reflects on guarding our minds against the poisons of horrified anxiety, ill will, frustration and depression - and the importance of working with our minds in the right way, so that good deeds can spread like light.
Living in the borderlands between darkness and light: Maitreyabandhu reflects on life in house isolation and watching Wagner's Tristan and Isolde.
Subhadramati guides us in a 30 minute Mindfulness of Breathing meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the four stages.
For these guided meditations Subhadramati assumes you have already learnt the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka guides us in a 30 minute Metta Bhavana meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the five stages.
For these guided meditations Vidyadaka assumes you have already learnt the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Subhadramati guides us in a 30 minute Mindfulness of Breathing meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the four stages.
For these guided meditations Subhadramati assumes you have already learnt the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka guides us in a 30 minute Metta Bhavana meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the five stages.
For these guided meditations Vidyadaka assumes you have already learnt the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Subhadramati guides us in a 30 minute Mindfulness of Breathing meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the four stages.
For these guided meditations Subhadramati assumes you have already learnt the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka guides us in a 30 minute Metta Bhavana meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the five stages.
For these guided meditations Vidyadaka assumes you have already learnt the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Subhadramati guides us in a 30 minute Mindfulness of Breathing meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the four stages.
For these guided meditations Subhadramati assumes you have already learnt the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka guides us in a 30 minute Metta Bhavana meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the five stages.
For these guided meditations Vidyadaka assumes you have already learnt the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Subhadramati guides us in a 30 minute Mindfulness of Breathing meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the four stages.
For these guided meditations Subhadramati assumes you have already learn't the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka guides us in a 30 minute Metta Bhavana meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the five stages.
For these guided meditations Vidyadaka assumes you have already learn't the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka guides us in a 30 minute Metta Bhavana meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the five stages of the practice.
For these guided meditations Vidyadaka assumes you have already learn't the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Subhadramati guides us in a 30 minute Mindfulness of Breathing meditation. Firstly drawing out some themes of the practice before ringing bells for the four stages of the practice.
For these guided meditations Subhadramati assumes you have already learn't the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
Sign up to The Challenge here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Vidyadaka introduces us to the six week meditation challenge starting 14 Jan 2019. Sign up here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Each week (for the duration of the challenge) you'll find a new guided meditation from Vidyadaka. For these guided meditations he assumes you have already learn't the five stage Metta Bhavana meditation practice.
Subhadramati introduces us to the six week meditation challenge starting 14 Jan 2019. Sign up here - https://thechallengelbc.com.
Each week (for the duration of the challenge) you'll find a new guided meditation from Subhadramati. For these guided meditations she assumes you have already learn't the four stage Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice.
In Buddhist Puja we ritually evoke the many qualities of the Enlightened mind. We use our imagination to open up to a higher vision of reality.
In this talk Jnanavaca argues that engaging with devotion, worship and beauty will help us open up to those moments where we experience something 'more'... more than self, more than our usual view of the world, more than the day to day mundane rhythm of daily life.
Prajnamanas expertly navigates us around the twelve links of the wheel of life. Proving to us that this ancient Buddhist image of the wheel of life is still as relevant as ever.
A life spent circling round and round the twelve links is indeed a life if agonising repetition. But what is there that we can do? How can we take a creative step and get off of the wheel?
To be a poet and not know the trade
To be a lover and repel all women
Twin ironies by which great saints are made
The agonising pincer-jaws of Heaven -Patrick Kavanagh
"The Buddha's enlightenment is the most important moment in the history of the planet from the point of view of a Buddhist".
Ratnaprabha describes, explores and evokes the moment where the Buddha overcame all craving and hatred and illumined the path to liberation for others.
Danayutta looks at the inevitability of suffering to the human condition. She makes the case that the more we turn towards suffering and take responsibility for the suffering we cause ourselves, the more we can engage positively with that fundamental aspect of human experience.
Central to the Buddha's vision was the idea that we could get off the wheel of our repetitive behaviour, repetitive behaviour driven by craving and aversion. There is a gap, a doorway, off the wheel of reactivity and on to the spiral of more and more positive mental states. Vidyadaka talks on where we can find that doorway and how to open it.
Subhadramati explores the reactive, mechanical knee jerk mind of our normal unenlightened states. But she says we can transition to a mind with more choice and more freedom to choose how we respond to what life challenges us with. The talk makes the point that we are not destined to repeat our habits for evermore.
Highly respected teacher Padmavajra invokes Padmasambahava, the great Guru of the Tibetan tradition. Using mantra and story from Padmasmbhava's life the talk makes the case for symbol, myth and vision in our dharma lives.
Dhammadinna points to the fleetingness and preciousness of this human life in this talk on impermanence. Looking at the Buddhas death as recorded in the Buddhist scriptures, the talk is a reminder that all things that are dear to us we must be separated from. The talk was given on Parinirvana Day 2019, a day dedicated to remembering the passing away of the historical Buddha.
Devamitra evokes the archetypal guru Padmasambhava on this funny and engaging talk on fearlessness. Drawing from several instances from his life Devamitra reminds that "no one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going"
An evocative talk from Sraddhagita on the topic of Sangha, the community of the Buddha's disciples. Using the imagery of a flock of geese the talk brings out the qualities of the Sangha and what is needed for the spiritual community to thrive.
Sangharakshita’s last two papers, completed just over two weeks before he died, examine the three main paths of Buddhism, among other things, and thereby offer three different ways of understanding his own role as teacher. This helps us to understand both his human personality and his significance for us.
In this set of three rambles, Subhuti unpacks his 15 minute funeral oration for Sangharakshita (founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order) on 10th November 2018 at Adhisthana. He demonstrates how someone can be considered a very great teacher, exemplar, and even guru, yet also be a human being with his own personality and even failings.
Subhuti, one of the most senior and respected members of the Triratna Buddhist Order, explores a distinction made by Sangharakshita that helps to understand some of the paradoxes that Sangharakshita has left us with, as well as helping us to understand how we too can be so uneven in our Dharma lives.
In this set of three rambles, Subhuti unpacks his 15 minute funeral oration for Sangharakshita (founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order) on 10th November 2018 at Adhisthana. He demonstrates how someone can be considered a very great teacher, exemplar, and even guru, yet also be a human being with his own personality and even failings.
Subhuti, one of the most senior and respected members of the Triratna Buddhist Order, reflects on his own experience on the relationship between inspiration, spiritual experience, and human fallibility.
In this set of three rambles, Subhuti unpacks his 15 minute funeral oration for Sangharakshita (founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order) on 10th November 2018 at Adhisthana. He demonstrates how someone can be considered a very great teacher, exemplar, and even guru, yet also be a human being with his own personality and even failings.
The social and political landscape is changing. Societies are, on the one hand, fragmenting whilst, on the other, unifying within a growing culture of consumerism and individualism. How can we create a community that is unified and diverse, exemplifying real values and being a force for good in the world? A keynote talk from Suryagupta to launch 2019.
A drunkard walks home from a pub along a muddy track. To his right and left are steep ravines. With great wit, intelligence and experience, Maitreyabandhu explores this rich Buddhist parable.