The Life Inside with Maitreyabandhu and Andy West
at the Mandala Café
The Life Inside with Maitreyabandhu and Andy West
at the Mandala Café
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What can men in prison teach us about being free?
Andy West grew up in a family marked by prison. Years later he went inside himself, as a teacher, leading philosophy conversations with men behind bars. He’ll share stories from those places and what they taught him about anger, shame, courage and connection.
Interviewed by Maitreyabandhu, he’ll explore his story and perspective and how that links to the Buddhist path, which leads to freedom for all.
Andy's book has been made into a successful BBC TV drama "Waiting for the Out". The evening promises to give us a chance to hear a unique perspective on the way things are and what it means for us.
6:30pm Doors open
7:30pm Interview Starts
Tea Break
9:30pm End
This special event is part of Guhyaloka For The Ages, a fundraising campaign supporting Triratna's men's ordination training retreat centre in Spain, helping ensure future generations have the opportunity to deepen their practice in a unique environment of wisdom, friendship and transformation. Whatever your gender and whether you are a Buddhist or simply curious, join us for what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking evening at the Mandala Café.
All Welcome
Come in person
Doors open 15 minutes before the start. When you arrive, there'll be someone on reception to help you with any queries. There'll also be short breaks during most events.
Price
We appreciate every amount people feel able to give, no matter how big or small and thank you for your generosity in helping pass on the benefits of the Buddha’s teachings.
Single sex activities
At the LBC we value single-sex activities as a support for one’s deepening spiritual practice and we have men’s and women’s mitra convenors whose role it is to orientate new people into centre activities. If you identify as trans or non-binary then you're very welcome here - do get in touch and we can work out in discussion the best way of participating in the centre for you. We want to engage with everyone on an individual basis, in the spirit of friendship, and for everyone to feel at home at the London Buddhist Centre.
Venue
Opening times
Reception hours | 10am-5pm | Mon to Sat
Evening Classes | 7pm to 9.30pm | Mon to Fri
Sunday events | Check event page for timings
Getting here
Our address is: 51 Roman Rd, Bethnal Green, E20HU. The nearest tube stations within 5-10 minutes walk are Bethnal Green (Central Line and Overground), Cambridge Heath (Overground) and Stepney Green (District and Hammersmith & City lines). There are also lots of bus routes with stops 2-5 minutes from the centre.
How to book
Most of our events are by donation, you don't need to book just simply turn up on the day.
For courses and retreats, pre-booking online is recommended. There’s no need to print your e-ticket.
Plan your visit
An accessible toilet is located in the building.
Cloakroom
You can leave your coats and bags in the cloakroom provided. We ask that you take your footwear off if you plan on entering the shrine room. Please bring any valuable items with you into the class.
Bookshop
There is a bookshop at reception which includes books on Buddhism, Meditation and Mindfulness as well as ritual items, incense and cards. We accept both cash and card.
Accessibility
If you require wheelchair or step free assistance please let reception know upon arrival or call beforehand. Depending on which shrine rooms will be used a team member will be able to assist with the use a ramps and lifts in the building.
Eating and drinking
During some events tea and biscuits are served during breaks while on day retreats and festival days there is vegan lunch shared between all those present.
If you would like to eat before or after an event at the centre the Mandala cafe is next door to the London Buddhist Centre! The Mandala team are friends and Buddhists, and this is a non-profit venture (we are a registered charity) so do come along and experience the unique and friendly atmosphere.
Monday - Thursday: 8.30am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 3.15pm
Saturday: 10am - 3.15pm
Sunday: CLOSED
