Urban Retreat
Be on retreat in the midst of your life
Sat 6 - Fri 12 Sep | In-person & Online
FREE (with donations welcome)
Since the time of the Buddha, people have gone on retreat to contact the depths, and heights, of the mind’s potential. By immersing ourselves in conditions that support our practice, we open the doors to a vastly richer, more fulfilling way of being.
The Urban Retreat is a chance to bring retreat-like conditions into the midst of our day-to-day lives.
Through a week of special events, including talks from some of our most experienced teachers, we’ll get a glimpse of the transformative potential of collective practice, without leaving the city.
All experience levels welcome, with a programme designed to fit around work and other commitments. Sign up on our website.
Urban Retreat Programme
This is some text inside of a div block.
Sat
6 Sep
|
2:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Sat
6 Sep
-
Sat
6 Sep
Urban Retreat Kick Off
Meet the team and your fellow retreatants and commit to turning your life into a retreat over the coming week. We’ll look at how to best engage with the retreat, reflect on our intentions and hopes, and take part in a special opening ceremony to start the retreat together.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Sun
7 Sep
|
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Sun
7 Sep
-
Sun
7 Sep
Total Immersion Day (for regulars)
with Abhayanandi and Sanghadharin
Dive in with a full day of collective practice. Expect plenty of meditation, and silence to help us take our practice deeper. Suitable for those who have learned the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana practices as we teach them at the LBC.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Sun
7 Sep
|
10:00 am
-
1:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Sun
7 Sep
-
Sun
7 Sep
Introduction to Meditation Morning (for beginners)
with Amalashri
Learn fundamental tools to work with your mind, and begin to transform it. This is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the practices we teach at the LBC, or learn meditation from scratch. After lunch, you will join in with the silent meditation day.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
-
Mon
8 Sep
Morning Meditation
with Abhayanandi and Bodhimati
Start your day meditating with others. Come in person if you can, or join online. After meditation, stay for breakfast in the LBC.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
|
10:30 am
-
11:30 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
-
Mon
8 Sep
Chi Kung
Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese system of exercises that help us contact and harness energy in the body, and can be a great way to prepare for meditation. Join us for a beginner-friendly session led by Serene. No experience necessary.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
-
Mon
8 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
with Amalashri and Sanghadharin
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. There will also be a separate class where you can learn the practices we teach from scratch (this will be in person only).
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Mon
8 Sep
-
Mon
8 Sep
The Ancient Path | Suryagupta
These evening sessions are often the highlight of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear Suryagupta discuss the Ancient Path, in the first talk of the Urban Retreat 2025.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
-
Tue
9 Sep
Morning Meditation
with Abhayanandi and Bodhimati
Start your day meditating with others. Come in person if you can, or join online. After meditation, stay for breakfast in the LBC.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
-
Tue
9 Sep
Yoga in the Park
with Ruth
Come and experience the benefits of movement. We’ll be doing Hatha flow yoga in the beautiful outdoors. If you’ve not tried yoga with us before, just come along – it’s free. Suitable for all levels.
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
|
10:30 am
-
11:30 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
-
Tue
9 Sep
Chi Kung
Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese system of exercises that help us contact and harness energy in the body, and can be a great way to prepare for meditation. Join us for a beginner-friendly session led by Serene. No experience necessary.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
-
Tue
9 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
with Amalashri and Sanghadharin
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. There will also be a separate class where you can learn the practices we teach from scratch (this will be in person only).
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
|
2:15 pm
-
3:15 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
-
Tue
9 Sep
Volunteering Session
with Maitreyaraja
Come along after the lunchtime class to work alongside the caretakers in looking after the fabric of the Centre. A wonderful way to give back to the LBC.
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tue
9 Sep
-
Tue
9 Sep
The Cosmic Path | Vajratara
These evening sessions are the highlights of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear Vajratara discuss the Cosmic Path, the second talk of the Urban Retreat 2025.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
-
Wed
10 Sep
Morning Meditation
with Abhayanandi and Bodhimati
Start your day meditating with others. Come in person if you can, or join online. After meditation, stay for breakfast in the LBC.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
|
10:30 am
-
11:30 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
-
Wed
10 Sep
Chi Kung
Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese system of exercises that help us contact and harness energy in the body, and can be a great way to prepare for meditation. Join us for a beginner-friendly session led by Serene. No experience necessary.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
-
Wed
10 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
with Amalashri and Sanghadharin
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. There will also be a separate class where you can learn the practices we teach from scratch (this will be in person only).
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
|
5:30 pm
-
6:30 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
-
Wed
10 Sep
Mantra Chanting
with Matthew and Sanghadharin
Here's a chance to chant a few different Buddhist mantras in a group as a way to going deeper in one's experience. Led by Matthew and Sanghadharin.
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Wed
10 Sep
-
Wed
10 Sep
The Direct Path | Maitreyabandhu
These evening sessions are the highlights of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear Maitreyabandhu discuss the Direct Path, the third talk of the Urban Retreat 2025.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
-
Thu
11 Sep
Morning Meditation
with Abhayanandi and Bodhimati
Start your day meditating with others. Come in person if you can, or join online. After meditation, stay for breakfast in the LBC.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
-
Thu
11 Sep
Yoga in the Park
with Pasadaketu
Come and experience the benefits of movement. We’ll be doing Hatha flow yoga in the beautiful outdoors. If you’ve not tried yoga with us before, just come along – it’s free. Suitable for all levels.
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
|
10:30 am
-
11:30 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
-
Thu
11 Sep
Chi Kung
Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese system of exercises that help us contact and harness energy in the body, and can be a great way to prepare for meditation. Join us for a beginner-friendly session led by Serene. No experience necessary.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
-
Thu
11 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
with Amalashri and Sanghadharin
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. There will also be a separate class where you can learn the practices we teach from scratch (this will be in person only).
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
|
2:15 pm
-
3:15 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
-
Thu
11 Sep
Volunteering Session
with Maitreyaraja
Come along after the lunchtime class to work alongside the caretakers in looking after the fabric of the Centre. A wonderful way to give back to the LBC.
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Thu
11 Sep
-
Thu
11 Sep
A Path for the Future | Jnanavaca
These evening sessions are the highlights of the Urban Retreat. Jnanavaca will discuss a Path for the Future, as the final talk of the Urban Retreat 2025.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
-
Fri
12 Sep
Morning Meditation
with Abhayanandi and Bodhimati
Start your day meditating with others. Come in person if you can, or join online. After meditation, stay for breakfast in the LBC.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
|
10:30 am
-
11:30 am
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
-
Fri
12 Sep
Chi Kung
Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese system of exercises that help us contact and harness energy in the body, and can be a great way to prepare for meditation. Join us for a beginner-friendly session led by Serene. No experience necessary.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
-
Fri
12 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
with Amalashri and Sanghadharin
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. There will also be a separate class where you can learn the practices we teach from scratch (this will be in person only).
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
|
3:00 pm
-
5:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
-
Fri
12 Sep
Visit to National Gallery to view Rembrandt
As part of the Urban Retreat, Paramabodhi, an experienced Order Member and artist living in London, will lead a trip to the Dutch section of the National Gallery to focus on Rembrandt. He will also be exploring the role of the arts in Buddhist practice. We'll be meeting at the LBC at 3pm to travel together.
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
-
Fri
12 Sep
Going For Refuge and Prostration Practice
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
|
6:30 pm
-
9:30 pm
This is some text inside of a div block.
Fri
12 Sep
-
Fri
12 Sep
Urban Retreat Closing Evening
Come together to celebrate the closing of the Urban Retreat. Join in for meditation and a closing ritual. By 8pm we’ll move into the Mandala Cafe for a shared meal, alongside stories from retreatants and live music.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
