Ambedkar Day: Compassion - The Heartbeat of the Dhamma

Sun

11 Oct

12-4pm

Sun 22 Nov / 10.30am - 4.30pm

Just turn up and Give What You Can (all donations will go to Karuna)

In October 1956, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, alongside hundreds of thousands of followers. His embrace of the Buddha's teaching ignited a Dhamma Revolution across India, lifting millions of people out of the oppressive caste system and enabling lives of dignity and meaning, free from discrimination.

Join us as we celebrate this Dhamma Revolution, honouring Dr. Ambedkar's legacy and reflecting on how the Buddha's teaching continues to inspire personal transformation and social change. Over the afternoon, we will explore how Ambedkar embodied Buddhist values through his lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.

Karuna: Compassion in Action
We will also hear about the inspiring work of Karuna, a UK Buddhist charity inspired by Buddhist values, which has offices on our second floor. Karuna works alongside some of the most excluded communities in South Asia to overcome poverty and discrimination through locally led projects focused on education, gender equality and sustainable livelihoods. Discover how compassion becomes action in today's world, and how each of us can help create the conditions for a more just and compassionate society.

Frequently Asked questions

What does Give What you Can mean?
an arrow pointing down

All of our Buddhism and meditation classes are offered free of charge, but donations are very welcome. At all our events, we invite people to give what they can to help cover the costs of running the Centre. We appreciate everyone’s generosity, no matter the size of the gift.

Will there be any food and drink?
an arrow pointing down

Tea and biscuits are served during breaks. We provide a wide range of teas along with oat and soya milk. There is also tap water. If you’re attending a day-long event (a Festival day or Day retreat for example), you’re invited to bring a vegan lunch to share as part of a "pot-luck" buffet.

What should I wear?
an arrow pointing down

There is no dress code, just wear what you feel comfortable in. If you’re attending a meditation class, loose-fitting trousers are a good choice as they make it much easier to sit on a cushion or chair for longer periods.

Do I need to take my shoes off?
an arrow pointing down

We ask everyone to remove their shoes before entering our shrine rooms or yoga studio. You can leave your shoes in the designated areas. (You might want to bring a pair of socks if your feet get cold!)

Is it ok to just come once?
an arrow pointing down

Absolutely! You are welcome to drop-in and see if it feels right for you. 

How do I get to the Buddhist Centre?
an arrow pointing down

We are a 5–10 minute walk from three stations: Highbury & Islington, Holloway Road, and Drayton Park. Bus routes 21, 43, 263, and 393 stop nearby. We are also on the C38 Cycleway, with plenty of bike racks close by on Fieldway Crescent. There is no on-site parking, and nearby streets are mostly resident-only.

Is the Buddhist Centre accessible? 
an arrow pointing down

While we have an internal lift to the shrine rooms and yoga studio, please be aware there are four steep steps at our main street-level entrance without a ramp or lift. On the ground floor, you’ll find an accessible toilet. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your specific access needs.