For the Welfare of the Many
‘The Doors to the Deathless have been opened!’ said the Buddha when he first met his friends, the so-called five ascetics, after his Enlightenment. Soon Kaundinya understood. And according to the legend, the sky filled with devas.
The Buddha urged his disciples to ‘wander for the welfare and happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world’. And so Enlightenment, that supreme vision of how things really are, spread throughout India and, as the centuries passed, across the world to reach us here in the East End of London in 2026.
Join us as we celebrate the seismic, cosmic occasion of the Buddha’s first teaching.
Event Schedule
8.30am | Sadhana Practice (Order Members only) led by Kalyanavaca
9.30am | Breakfast (all welcome)
10.30am | Meditation, Reflection & Sutra Readings: From suffering to liberation
11.30am | Silent Tea Break
Doors re-open for those wishing to join.
12pm | Meditation, Reflection & Sutra Readings: Compassion for the world
1pm | Shared lunch
Please bring vegan food to share.
2:30pm | Songs and mantra out of silence
Join Dayabhadra and Danadhara for a mantra/singing workshop. Suitable for adults and children.
3.30pm | Tea and cake
4.00pm | For the Welfare of the Many - Dharma Talk by Manjusiha
Manjusiha has lived and worked at the LBC, where he was the Treasurer, and at Padmaloka retreat centre in Norfolk, where he was part of the men’s ordination team. He teaches at the LBC and supports men training for ordination.
(also on YouTube >>)
5.30pm | Dinner in Mandala Café (by donation)
Cooked and served by our team of chefs
7pm | Festival Day Puja with Mitra Ceremonies
Bring cards and gifts for new Mitras if you wish.
