Hi there,
I hope you’re basking in the sunshine and feeling the gentle energy of spring all around.
We’ve had some really special gatherings over the past few Tuesdays.
Recently, we shared a wonderful film night and watched part of Suryaprabha’s excellent documentary, “An Opening of the Heart,” which tells the inspiring story of our movement’s beginnings. (You can watch the full film at https://lightsinthesky.org )
Now, here’s a little taste of what’s coming up:
🌟 Tuesday Night Programme 🌟
6th May — Keith – Film Night
13th May — Mangala
20th May — Shubhadasa
27th May — Samudraghosha
3rd June — Launch of a brand new 5-week course: The Greater Mandala
Each evening includes meditation with instruction, an inspiring talk, small group discussions, and of course — tea and biscuits to nourish our connections.
✨ The Greater Mandala Course (starting 3rd June)
In our often busy world, The Greater Mandala invites us to pause… and expand our hearts. This gentle and profound course will help us embrace spaciousness, step back from endless striving, and discover a freer, more meaningful way of being.
Through Buddhist wisdom, meditation, and friendly exploration, we’ll gently move beyond “doing” into being — living with presence, connection, and joy.
Whether you’re brand new or a regular, this promises to be an uplifting and transformative journey. No need to book — it’s drop-in, donation-based, and you are welcome to attend as many or as few evenings as you like. Just come along!
🌸 Buddha Day (Wesak) — Cambridge Buddhist Centre — Sunday 18th May, 9:30am–4:00pm
Buddha Day is the biggest festival in the Buddhist calendar — a celebration of the Buddha’s enlightenment and his boundless compassion.
This year’s celebration will be joyful, inclusive, and playful, with activities for all ages. Expect:
Meditation, reflection, and ritual for everyone
Play-based practice and enactments for families and children
A shared vegetarian/vegan lunch
A beautiful Mitra ceremony during the afternoon Puja
Children are warmly welcome. Come and celebrate Buddha’s Awakening as a living, joyful journey. Full details here: https://www.cambridgebuddhistcentre.com/BuddhaDay25
🍛 Fundraising meal for Tiratanaloka, Sun 15th June
Tiratanaloka is a retreat centre dedicated to supporting women to deepen their Buddhist practice and join the Triratna Order. They are moving to a much larger property in Ware, and we will be their spiritual neighbours. Please join us to help raise the funds that they still need to make this new retreat centre a reality. Our cooks will be creating a home-made, two-course vegan Gujarati meal. Arrive at 12:30pm for a 12:45pm start, finishing at 2pm. £12.50/ £15 with additional donations welcome. Bring your family members and friends. Places are limited and booking and advance payment by Wednesday 11th June is required by filling in the form at https://hertfordbuddhistgroup.co.uk/meal .
Karunadhi, Chair of Tiratanaloka, is intending to come.
So much to look forward to as the warmer months unfold — meditation, exploration through The Greater Mandala, joyful Buddha Day festivities, and sharing food and friendship to support Tiratanaloka.
Wherever you are in your practice, there’s a place here for you in our sangha.
I look forward to seeing you soon — in stillness, in joy, and in heartfelt connection.
With love and warm wishes,
Keith