Dear Friends,
As February unfolds, I find myself drawn to the quiet signs of renewal in our local park, where the first white flowers have bravely emerged to face the winter elements. These early harbingers of spring seem to mirror our own journey of practice – finding courage to grow even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Teaching Buddhism: Stories of Connection
Last week brought an inspiring challenge – teaching Buddhism to Year 10 students at a local school, with ten different classes of 26 students each given just 20 minutes to explore these profound teachings. Now in my fourth year of doing this, I’ve discovered that the heart of sharing Buddhism lies in authentic personal story.
I share with them my journey as a choirboy at my local church, including those transcendent moments when music and spirit merged into something beyond words. Then I tell them about the questions that arose when blind faith no longer resonated, and how Buddhism later opened a door to similar experiences – not through belief, but through direct exploration of consciousness. Through meditation, retreats, and study groups, I found a path of discovery rather than doctrine.
The most touching moment came when asking what brings them joy. One student raised her hand to share that the brief meditation she had practiced earlier had brought her peace. In that simple response lay the essence of what we hope to share – that direct experience of something genuine and transformative.
Life with Full Attention: Tuesday Evenings
Our Tuesday evening classes continue to explore Maitreyabandhu’s “Life with Full Attention” course. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been practising for years, you’re welcome to join us. No need to register – simply drop in and discover the power of mindfulness in community. The photo below was taken on week one of the course.
Spring Retreat at Vajrasana
We’re delighted to invite you to our spring retreat at the beautiful Vajrasana retreat centre, nestled in the Suffolk countryside near Bury St Edmunds. From March 21st-23rd, we’ll create a space for both beginners and experienced practitioners to deepen their practice together. As this will be our last retreat until October, I warmly encourage you to join us. Previous retreats have been profoundly uplifting experiences for all who attended. Book your place at https://hertfordbuddhistgroup.co.uk/retreat202503 (sliding scale £100-£155).
In Closing
Like those early spring flowers in the park, each of us has the capacity to bloom, even in challenging times. Whether you join us for Tuesday evenings or on retreat, know that you’re part of a community that values authentic growth and genuine connection.
Until we meet again, may your practice flourish like the first flowers of spring.
With metta,
Keith