by Leeds Buddhist Centre | 6 Mar 2019
from 6pm Friday 12th April to 4pm Sunday 14th April 2019 The Leeds Buddhist Centre Sangha Retreat is held twice each year. This spring we’re going to the Beamsley Project again which is in a quiet rural location, near Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale. It’s a chance to practice with old friends and to make new friends. The programme includes meditation, workshops and ritual, and there is also time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Where physically possible all retreatants are asked to help out with cooking and washing-up etc. All meals are vegan and sleeping accommodation is provided (shared rooms, but if you need a single room for medical reasons, please ask). Please bring your own towels and toiletries. All bed linen is provided. Everyone who is familiar with our meditation practices is welcome, and in fact, this is a perfect weekend for those who have not been on retreat before. It is friendly, easy going and fun – with lots of meditation and Dharma practice. TO BOOK: Please complete a form and enclose a non-returnable deposit of £75 to cover the basic costs. N.B. Early booking is essential as the retreat is often oversubscribed. The Mandala of Generosity The balance is payable on the retreat itself (by cash or cheque): Our aim is to inspire a culture of generosity in the way we share Buddhist Teachings so, once the deposit has been paid, it is up to you how much more you pay. We suggest an additional donation (over and above the deposit) of between £15 and £65. We leave the exact amount for you to decide, depending on your... Read more
by Leeds Buddhist Centre | 13 Feb 2019
Exploring Ritual and Devotion in Buddhist Practice What does ritual mean to you? Does it leave you inspired, connected, curious or just uncomfortable? This day of discussion, meditation and puja aims to help us find our own relationship with ritual and to deepen our practice together. Please bring vegan/vegi food for a shared lunch. This event is run on a dana basis. With Uddyotani and Giles At Leeds Buddhist Centre Date/Time Date(s) – 23/02/2019 10:00 am – 4:00... Read more
by Leeds Buddhist Centre | 9 Jan 2019
the gap, kleshas and simply being According to a fundamental teaching common to all schools of Buddhism, the cause of all our self-inflicted suffering is craving. And craving, both ‘for’ and ‘against’ the things that turn up in our lives, is the fundamental expression of ignorance. Craving, aversion and ignorance together are the principal kleshas, ‘disturbing emotions’ that afflict our mind and being and, by extension, our relations with others and the world. Yet, as Sangharakshita has observed, craving and the other kleshas are not inevitable – there is a ‘gap’ between our feelings, even strong ones, and reacting into kleshas. This is why awakening is possible. In this weekend of led meditation and inquiry, we’ll explore this ‘gap’, from which can emerge insightful meditative ways of working with our reactions. In this exploration, the perspective of direct experience and the body will be central. In a very direct sense, the gap is to be found in the body – the somaor living, energetic sensate quality of the body. And once ‘in the gap’, it’s possible that formless meditation or ‘simply being’ will also open out vistas of ‘the open dimension’ that hint at the ending of suffering and its cause. Please bring vegi/vegan food to for a shared lunch. The event is run on... Read more
by Leeds Buddhist Centre | 6 Dec 2018
On Saturday 8th December 10am til 4pm With Uddyotani, Samanartha and Hridayavaca At Triratna Leeds Buddhist Centre This is a day retreat for people who have completed an Introductory course or similar program with the Triratna Buddhist Community, who are familiar with the meditation practices we teach and who haven’t yet had the opportunity to study in a group. With meditation, discussion, study and ritual through the day, it’s a chance to explore together with others who want to deeper their practice and understanding of Buddhism. We intend in the new year to offer people the opportunity to join a new study group, and we hope this day will help us get a sense of who might be interested. If you’d like to come on the day please email us at enquiries@leedsbuddhistcentre.org or sign up on the noticeboard. This event is run on Dana with a suggested donation of £20-£40. Please bring vegan/vegi food to... Read more
by Leeds Buddhist Centre | 7 Nov 2018
Dear sangha friends Last week we learned of the death of our teacher Sangharakshita on Tuesday 30thOctober. It has been a sad week as we take in the loss and grief felt by members of the Triratna community throughout the world, and as we appreciate what we have been given. This Thursdays Sangha night, the 8th November, we will celebrate Sangharakshita’s life, his teachings and the Triratna Buddhist Community that he established. We will take time to reflect on all we have been given as a result of his work and inspiration including our connection with the Dharma and our sangha here in Leeds. Please join us for an evening of gratitude and remembrance. There will be a meditation followed by a short talk and the opportunity to offer your own thoughts and recollections, bringing Sangharakshita to mind and reflecting on how his teachings have affected us. If you are not able to attend but would like to send in your thoughts to share you can email these to Uddyotani at the Centre. Sangharakshita’s vigil and funeral There is a vigil taking place at Adhisthana through the week and the opportunity for anyone go and view Bhante’s body. We don’t have any plans to go as a group from the Leeds Centre but individuals are welcome to go by themselves and full details can be found here https://thebuddhistcentre.com/viewing-bhantes-body. The funeral is to take place on Saturday 10th October between 12.30 and 4pm at Adhisthana. Everyone is welcome and some of us from Leeds are going to pay our respects. For anyone wanting... Read more
by Leeds Buddhist Centre | 30 Oct 2018
With great sadness we inform you of the passing away of Urgyen Sangharakshita, today, 30th October 2018, at approximately 10 am in Hereford Hospital. He had been diagnosed with pneumonia and this morning the consultant said that he also had sepsis, from which recovery was not possible. Please join with us as we direct our metta towards Bhante, recollecting his wonderful qualities and remembering with gratitude all that he has given to so many of us. This is a link to the memorial space: https://thebuddhistcentre.com/sangharakshita Puja for Sangharakshita Tuesday 30th October from 9.15pm at Leeds Buddhist Centre Everybody is welcome this evening to attend a Puja for Sangharakshita. Please arrive at 9pm for a 9.15pm start or attend the Newcomers’ class that starts at 7pm and stay through. Giles and Billy will lead the Puja. We have fresh flowers on the... Read more
