Our Community
Anyone is free to take part in our activities whether or not a Buddhist and to whatever degree you wish. Some people choose to deepen their involvement with the community in various ways. For Buddhists, community (or 'Sangha') means friendships based on a shared vision of what is most valuable in life. If you want to deepen your practice at the LBC, we’ll help you to keep on taking the next step, whatever that is for you.
A significant step, usually after attending some courses and retreats and making connections with others, is to ask to become a Mitra (meaning ‘friend’). A Mitra is someone who considers themselves a Buddhist and wants to practise in the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community. One actually becomes a Mitra at a simple ceremony at the Centre, to properly mark the moment.
With growing commitment and inspiration some people go on to train for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order. This takes several years at least and culminates in a longer ordination retreat where one is given a Buddhist name.
If you’re interested, or want to discuss taking your involvement further, please contact the Mitra convenors, who would be happy to talk.
Men's mitra convenors:
dayanatha@lbc.org.uk / adityabandhu@lbc.org.uk
Women's mitra convenors:
kusalasara@lbc.org.uk / abhayanandi@lbc.org.uk:
At the LBC we value single-sex activities as a support for one’s deepening spiritual practice and we have men’s and women’s mitra convenors whose role it is to orientate new people into centre activities. If you identify as trans or non-binary then you're very welcome here - do get in touch and we can work out in discussion the best way of participating in the centre for you. We want to engage with everyone on an individual basis, in the spirit of friendship, and for everyone to feel at home at the London Buddhist Centre.
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Families & Children
Meditation and Buddhist practice can be an invaluable support as children and teenagers face the various demands of growing up. Our classes offer the chance to learn skills, tap into creativity and form friendships with peers who are interested in working on their minds and leading a meaningful life. There's now a creche for children from 6 months to 5 years old at the Wednesday daytime class.
LGBTQIA+ community
We run regular events for the LGBTQIA+ community to come together and explore the Buddha's teaching. The emphasis is on building a diverse community with inclusivity at its heart.
People of Colour
We run regular events for people of African, Asian or mixed heritage to come together to learn meditation and be inspired by the Buddha’s teaching.
Sub25
We offer classes for young people by young people. If you're aged 18-25, this is a great way to discover meditation and find out more about the teaching of the Buddha in a way that's relevant right here and now in your life.
