Dear friends,
As April gently unfolds her soft green hands, the cherry blossoms begin their fleeting dance—and I find myself reflecting on how our practice, too, follows the same rhythm: quiet, steady, and full of promise. Just as buds become blossoms, we too awaken and open, moment by moment.
Cherry Blossoms at Vajrasana: A Springtime Retreat
We recently shared a beautiful retreat at Vajrasana in Suffolk with our friends from the Bury St. Edmunds Sangha. Thirty-six of us came together as the first whispers of spring stirred the land—cherry blossoms blooming like gentle reminders of impermanence and renewal.
I was co-organising with the ever-wonderful Tejodhi, and supported by a vibrant, loving team. Together, we created something precious: a space of friendship, stillness, depth, and joy. Moments like these remind me why sangha is at the heart of the path.
Craving: Root of Suffering, Gateway to Freedom
Last Tuesday we welcomed the thoughtful and inspiring Kuladipa from Cambridge to launch his new book “Thirsting for More: A Buddhist Approach to Craving.” I had the joy of interviewing him—and together we explored how craving sits at the very core of the Buddha’s teaching.
Where many approaches to wellbeing skim the surface, Buddhism dares to go deep—inviting us to see the fire of craving clearly, to understand its mechanisms, and to gently loosen its grip. Even the old biblical commandment “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife” gestures toward this—but whereas one path says “Don’t!” the other says, “Look. Feel. Understand. Be free.”
When we really begin to observe craving as it arises—without judgement, just with honest awareness—something magical happens. The heart begins to settle. Peace becomes possible.
🌿 Upcoming Opportunities for Practice
🌞 Day Event: “Opening to Freedom and Joy” with Sagaraghosa
Saturday 26th April, 10am–3pm in Ware (can leave early if you need to)
A beautiful chance to explore conditionality—how our experience arises and how we can meet it with wisdom.
🧡 Full details here
🕯️ Tuesday Evening Classes – Millbridge Rooms, Hertford (7.15–9.30pm)
Drop-in friendly, beginner-welcoming, and full of heart:
- 8 Apr – Film night with Keith 🍿
- 15 Apr – Khemananda
- 22 Apr – Keith
- 29 Apr – Samudraghosha
- 6 May – Mangala
- 13 May – Samudraghosha
- 20 May – Shubhadasa
- 27 May – Keith
- 3 Jun – Launch of a new 5-week course: “The Greater Mandala”
Each evening usually includes meditation with instruction, discussion, connection, and a sense of spiritual adventure.
🌧️ April Showers, Dharma Flowers
April brings both sunlight and storms. And isn’t that just like life? One moment soft and golden, the next wet and wild. Just like the worldly winds. Our practice helps us to hold all of it—with curiosity, courage, and a heart as open as the sky.
Whether you’re returning after time away or just feeling curious to begin, you are warmly invited. The sangha is here, always. A place to land, a place to grow, a place to remember who you really are.
Until we meet again—may you feel the beauty in every blossom, the teachings in every raindrop, and the vastness of love in every breath.
With love and metta
Keith