Bhante Birth Anniversary Celebration

Wed

26 Aug

6.30-8pm

Wed 26 Aug | 6.30pm - 8pm

Led by Maitrishura

I'm excited to invite you to celebrate Sangharakshita's 101st birthday this coming Wednesday, the 26th. This is the second year we are running the puja, which we plan to hold annually for 108 years in honour of his life. It's a lovely chance to do the puja together and to reflect on what Sangharakshita has given us through both his teachings and the founding of Triratna. All are welcome to join.

In addition to the Puja, I thought it would be great for us to watch a classic 25-minute interview from 1984 titled Varieties of Religious Experience, featuring Sangharakshita and the author Karen Armstrong. It’s a real delight to watch; you can see how much Sangharakshita enjoys the conversation. While focusing on his own spiritual experiences, he also explains fundamental Buddhist principles with his usual clarity.

Before the video screening we'll have a session of the Metta Bhavana and we'll end the evening with the 108-year Puja itself. 

It will be a really lovely evening and I hope to see you there.

Evening Schedule

6:00pm – Shared Dinner (a big vat of rice provided; please bring a vegan dish or side to share)

6:40pm –  Film Screening: Sangharakshita in conversation with Karen Armstrong

7:10pm – Meditation

7:30pm – 108-Year Puja with Readings

8:00pm – Finish

Frequently Asked questions

What does Give What you Can mean?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Absolutely! You are welcome to drop-in and see if it feels right for you. 

How do I get to the Buddhist Centre?
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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? 
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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.