Saturday 12 – Friday 18 September | In person and online
Free, with donations welcome.
Be on retreat in the midst of your life.
How much can we change our mind in one week? The Urban Retreat is a chance to find out.
For seven days, the LBC's usual programme becomes something altogether more intensive – a series of special events designed to create the immersive, transformative conditions of a retreat without leaving the city.
Here's what's in store:
- An immersive day retreat to kick off the week
- Three drop-in meditation sessions each day
- Keynote talks from some of the centre's most experienced teachers
- Daily yoga classes
- Supporting events – qigong, study, mantra chanting and an art tour
All experience levels welcome, with a programme designed to fit around work and other commitments.
All events free, with donations welcome.
Sign up for event reminders, to stream live events, and access catchup material throughout the week.
Urban Retreat Programme
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Sat
12 Sep
|
2:30 pm
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5:00 pm
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Sat
12 Sep
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Sat
12 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.
More info
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Sat
12 Sep
|
2:30 pm
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3:30 pm
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Sat
12 Sep
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Sat
12 Sep
Online Opening Ceremony
For those joining the Urban Retreat online. Join us for the opening ceremony of the Urban Retreat 2026 from wherever you are — setting intentions and beginning the week together.
Free (with donations welcome).
Online only.
More info
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Sat
12 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:15 pm
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Sat
12 Sep
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Sat
12 Sep
Film Night: Past Lives
The Urban Retreat 2026
A bittersweet reunion between childhood sweethearts raises quiet questions about fate, choice, and the paths not taken.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Sun
13 Sep
|
10:00 am
-
1:00 pm
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Sun
13 Sep
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Sun
13 Sep
Introduction to Meditation Morning (Beginners)
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.
More info
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Sun
13 Sep
|
10:00 am
-
4:00 pm
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Sun
13 Sep
-
Sun
13 Sep
Total Immersion Day (Regulars)
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 and online.
More info
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Mon
14 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
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Mon
14 Sep
-
Mon
14 Sep
Morning Meditation
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.
More info
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Mon
14 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
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Mon
14 Sep
-
Mon
14 Sep
Yoga in the Park
Hatha flow yoga in the beautiful outdoors. All levels welcome — just bring yourself and a mat if you have one. Meet at the LBC at 8.30am to walk together, or at the location (TBC) at 9am.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Mon
14 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
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Mon
14 Sep
-
Mon
14 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. The regulars class is also available online via Zoom; the newcomers session is in person only.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Mon
14 Sep
|
3:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
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Mon
14 Sep
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Mon
14 Sep
Music: The Art of Listening
An afternoon session led by Amalavira, exploring how listening deeply to music can open up a richer, more receptive way of experiencing the world.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Mon
14 Sep
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
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Mon
14 Sep
-
Mon
14 Sep
Going For Refuge and Prostration Practice
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Mon
14 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
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Mon
14 Sep
-
Mon
14 Sep
Facing Life's Difficulties | Suryagupta
These evening sessions are often the highlight of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear Suryagupta on facing life's difficulties, the first of this year's keynote talks.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
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Tue
15 Sep
-
Tue
15 Sep
Morning Meditation
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.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
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Tue
15 Sep
-
Tue
15 Sep
Kum Nye
Kum Nye is a Tibetan movement practice, similar to tai chi or yoga. This session explores simple exercises using movement, breath and awareness to release tension and develop a deeper sense of ease in both body and mind. No prior experience needed.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
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Tue
15 Sep
-
Tue
15 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. The regulars class is also available online via Zoom; the newcomers session is in person only.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
2:15 pm
-
3:15 pm
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Tue
15 Sep
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Tue
15 Sep
Volunteering Session
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.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
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Tue
15 Sep
-
Tue
15 Sep
Going For Refuge and Prostration Practice
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
5:30 pm
-
6:30 pm
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Tue
15 Sep
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Tue
15 Sep
Qigong
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a system of exercises which helps us cultivate awareness and connect with our bodies through simple breathing exercises and movement techniques, and can be a great way to prepare for meditation. Join us for a beginner-friendly session. No experience necessary.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Tue
15 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
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Tue
15 Sep
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Tue
15 Sep
Finding the Root of Suffering
These evening sessions are often the highlight of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear a talk on finding the root of suffering, the second of this year's keynote talks.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
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Wed
16 Sep
-
Wed
16 Sep
Morning Meditation
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.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
8:15 am
-
9:00 am
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Wed
16 Sep
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Wed
16 Sep
Running Club
A friendly morning run from the LBC, led by Dario. Finishing at Yoga in the Park, or for a coffee and breakfast at the Mandala Café. All paces welcome - come along and start the day moving with others. Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
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Wed
16 Sep
-
Wed
16 Sep
Yoga in the Park
Hatha flow yoga in the beautiful outdoors. All levels welcome — just bring yourself and a mat if you have one. Meet at the LBC at 8.30am to walk together, or at the location (TBC) at 9am.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
10:45 am
-
12:30 pm
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Wed
16 Sep
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Wed
16 Sep
Daytime Buddhism & Meditation Class
Join in for our regular daytime weekly class of Dharma teaching and meditation, this week as part of the Urban Retreat. In person at the LBC and live on Zoom.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
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Wed
16 Sep
-
Wed
16 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. The regulars class is also available online via Zoom; the newcomers session is in person only.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
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Wed
16 Sep
-
Wed
16 Sep
Going For Refuge and Prostration Practice
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
5:15 pm
-
6:00 pm
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Wed
16 Sep
-
Wed
16 Sep
Online Check-in
For those joining the Urban Retreat online. A midweek chance to come together, share how the week is going and ask questions about practice.
Free (with donations welcome).
Online only.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
5:30 pm
-
6:30 pm
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Wed
16 Sep
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Wed
16 Sep
Mantra Chanting
Here's a chance to chant a few different Buddhist mantras in a group as a way of going deeper in one's experience.
Free (suggested donation £7).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Wed
16 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
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Wed
16 Sep
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Wed
16 Sep
Seeing the Nature of Things | Maitreyabandhu
These evening sessions are often the highlight of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear Maitreyabandhu on seeing the nature of things, the third of this year's keynote talks.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
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Thu
17 Sep
-
Thu
17 Sep
Morning Meditation
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.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
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Thu
17 Sep
-
Thu
17 Sep
Kum Nye
Kum Nye is a Tibetan movement practice, similar to tai chi or yoga. This session explores simple exercises using movement, breath and awareness to release tension and develop a deeper sense of ease in both body and mind. No prior experience needed.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
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Thu
17 Sep
-
Thu
17 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. The regulars class is also available online via Zoom; the newcomers session is in person only.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
2:15 pm
-
3:15 pm
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Thu
17 Sep
-
Thu
17 Sep
Volunteering Session
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.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
3:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
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Thu
17 Sep
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Thu
17 Sep
Dharma Study
Join us for an afternoon session of Dharma study as part of this year's Urban Retreat - a chance to explore the Buddha's teachings together in discussion.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
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Thu
17 Sep
-
Thu
17 Sep
Going For Refuge and Prostration Practice
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Thu
17 Sep
|
7:15 pm
-
9:30 pm
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Thu
17 Sep
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Thu
17 Sep
Following the Path to Freedom | Paramabandhu
These evening sessions are often the highlight of the Urban Retreat. Come to meditate and hear Paramabandhu on following the path to freedom, the final keynote talk of the Urban Retreat 2026.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
7:00 am
-
8:00 am
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Fri
18 Sep
-
Fri
18 Sep
Morning Meditation
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.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
9:00 am
-
10:00 am
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Fri
18 Sep
-
Fri
18 Sep
Yoga in the Park
Hatha flow yoga in the beautiful outdoors. All levels welcome — just bring yourself and a mat if you have one. Meet at the LBC at 8.30am to walk together, or at the location (TBC) at 9am.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
1:00 pm
-
2:00 pm
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Fri
18 Sep
-
Fri
18 Sep
Lunchtime Meditation Toolkit
A progressive sequence of lunchtime sessions, giving you tools for developing a wiser, more loving mind. The regulars class is also available online via Zoom; the newcomers session is in person only.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person and online.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
2:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
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Fri
18 Sep
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Fri
18 Sep
Prajnanayaka at the National Gallery
As part of the Urban Retreat, Prajnanayaka will lead a trip to the National Gallery, exploring the role of the arts in Buddhist practice. We'll be meeting at the LBC to travel together.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
5:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
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Fri
18 Sep
-
Fri
18 Sep
Going For Refuge and Prostration Practice
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members
For GFR mitras who have learned the prostration practice, and Order Members.
In person, just turn up.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
6:00 pm
-
6:30 pm
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Fri
18 Sep
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Fri
18 Sep
Online Closing Ritual
For those joining the Urban Retreat online. Close the week together with a short ritual, marking the end of the retreat and dedicating the practice we've shared.
Free (with donations welcome).
Online only.
More info
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Fri
18 Sep
|
6:30 pm
-
9:30 pm
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Fri
18 Sep
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Fri
18 Sep
Closing Ritual and Celebration Feast in Mandala
Come together to celebrate the closing of the Urban Retreat. Join in for meditation and a closing ritual, then move into the Mandala Café for a shared meal, alongside stories from retreatants and live music.
Free (with donations welcome).
In person, just turn up.
More info
