The Journey and the Guide

A practical course in Enlightenment

Led by Ksantikara

Starts Tue 20 Oct | 8-week course | 7-9.15pm

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Course description

meaning that’s beyond our everyday

Modern life seems to present us with many choices but little meaning. We know from psychological studies that when we experience meaning in our lives, we’re both happier and healthier. For those of us who neither believe in God nor in the promises of the materialistic world, where is meaning to be found?

The Buddhist vision points to meaning that’s transcendental – meaning that’s beyond our everyday, mundane experience, and above the binary of secular and divine. Buddhism offers a guided path to get there, helping us to transform our minds and uncover that meaning, in our direct experience.

We invite you to join The Journey and the Guide – an eight-week course in discovering transcendental meaning. You'll learn more about the Buddhist vision and be supported week-by-week in how to systematically apply it to the various aspects of your life. 

Based on a book by Maitreyabandhu – prize-winning poet and experienced teacher at the London Buddhist Centre -- the course mixes poetry and myth with down-to-earth instruction. You'll receive a copy of the book and Maitreyabandhu will be interviewed as our special guest for one of the evenings of the course.

This is a course that lays out the stages of the spiritual journey, with support from guides, teachers and others.

‍

A practical course in Enlightenment

Over eight weeks, we will explore

Week 1
The Spiritual Path as a whole
Week 2
Supports for a 'Fit Mind'
Week 3
Positive Emotion, the Stage of Action
Week 4
Working With Other People
Week 5
Spiritual Death: the Laws and Regularities of Life
Week 6
The View that Creates “Self”
Week 7
Spiritual Rebirth and the Imagination
Week 8
Faith, Imagination, Looking Up

Hear from Darsavini, Ksantikara & Maitrishura

Learn what we will be exploring

Why do a course?

Learning together, with more depth and continuity

Taking part in a course offers something that can be difficult to create alone: structure, consistency, and a sense of steady progress. Instead of approaching Buddhist ethics and meditation sporadically, a course provides a clear framework that supports regular practice and deeper understanding, helping insights become part of everyday life.

Just as importantly, learning alongside others brings connection, encouragement, and fresh perspectives. Sharing the journey with a group makes the experience more engaging and meaningful, supporting both personal growth and a deeper appreciation of Buddhist principles.

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What You Need to Know

Common questions

How can I get the most out of the course?
Come every week. Motivation often follows action so you’ll usually find that once you’re here, you’re glad you came! Aim to get here 15 minutes before we start. This gives you time to settle in and relax before the session begins.
What if I can’t make every session?
Don't worry - it’s fine, and common, to miss a session or two. We’ll usually send follow-up emails recapping the content you missed. If you know you’re going to be away, just let us know and we’ll look forward to seeing you the following week.
What is the cost?
We ask for a £20 deposit + £180 suggested donation for the course. You will receive Maitreyabandhu's book, The Journey and the Guide, as part of the course.
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What's Included

  • A copy of The Journey and the Guide book by Maitreyabandhu.
  • A thorough introduction to the Buddhist vision and system of spiritual training
  • Led meditation for all levels 
  • The opportunity for questions and answers with the leaders.
  • The support of a small group who you’ll discuss your progress with each week
  • Weekly emails with Session Summaries, Guided Meditations, and Home Practices to apply what you’ve been learning in the sessions
  • Everything you need to answer the questions ‘What is a Buddhist?’ and 'Am I a Buddhist?'

Evening Programme

6.50pm
Doors Open
7pm
Introduction & Guided Meditation
7.30pm
Short talk & Discussion
7.55pm
Tea break
8.15pm
Main Teaching & Plenary
9pm
Ending Meditation

Frequently Asked questions

How can I get the most out of the course?
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Consistency is key: Come every week. Motivation often follows action so you’ll usually find that once you’re here, you’re glad you came!Arrive early: Aim to get here 15 minutes before we start. This gives you time to settle in and relax before the session begins.

What if I can’t make every session? 
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Don't worry - it’s fine, and common, to miss a session or two. We’ll usually send follow-up emails recapping the content you missed. If you know you’re going to be away, just let us know and we’ll look forward to seeing you the following week.

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!)

What if I can’t afford it? 
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While many courses are "Give What You Can," others have a set fee. If the low-income rate is still out of reach, please get in touch. We want our courses to be accessible to all and can often offer a place for an amount that works for you. It helps if you can give us a rough idea of what you can contribute when you get in touch.

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.

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