In the heart of the city, demons and gods surround us. Some are positive – others need to be transformed.
It’s easy for city-dwellers to believe animism is ‘out there’ – in the countryside. But primordial forces are all around us all the time – within us and outside us – and we need to be aware of them and transform them, or risk them transforming us.
In this weekend-long ritual, we’ll confront the energies that inform our lives and how to transform these energies into something positive. We’ll do this through the life story of Padmasambhava. In five rituals, we’ll witness Padmasambhava’s birth, teaching and departure, alongside all the gods and demons he confronts along the way.
The weekend will be led by Maitreyabandhu and Amalashri, and will feature artistic and creative contributions from our Sangha, bringing the spirit of transformation to life. We will also witness individuals making a deep commitment to the Three Jewels through mitra ceremonies.
Dress code: please wear red or black
Event Schedule
Saturday
2.30pm | Mural Unveiling
Participate in the unveiling of our new mural, designed and painted by Kusalasara with the help of Maitreyabandhu.
3.30 pm | Ritual
Opening ritual evoking ‘The Night of the Demons’, Padmasambhava’s confrontation with the forces that hinder us.
4.30pm | Tea break
Doors re-open
5pm | Keynote talk by Subhuti, President of the London Buddhist Centre
A talk on the theme of Padmasambhava, ‘Transforming the Gods and Demons of the Modern World’.
In person and on Youtube (click here to watch>>)
6.30pm | Jazz and chai bar
feat. Maitrikumara Trio
End by 7.30pm
Sunday
8.30am | Padmasambhava Sadhana (Order Members only)
9.30am | Practice Morning
‘Discovering Padmasambhava on the Lake of Danakosa’.
11am | Silent Tea Break
Doors re-open
11.30am | Ritual
‘Padmasambhava’s Advice to Queen Ngang Chung’
1pm | Lunch
Bring vegan lunch to share
2.30pm | Festival Day Puja with Mitra ceremonies
A celebratory ritual in which a number of people will publicly join the LBC sangha and undertake to live as Buddhists.
Bring cards and gifts for new Mitras if you wish.
End by 5pm
5.30pm | Dinner in the Mandala Café (by donation)
7pm | Final Ritual
‘Padmasambhava’s Departure to the Copper-Coloured Mountain to teach the Dharma to the flesh-eating demons’.
End by 9pm
