London Buddhist Centre

The London Buddhist Centre (LBC) is a Buddhist centre in Bethnal Green, East London, at the heart of a varied community of Buddhist practitioners. It teaches Buddhism and meditation in a way that is relevant to contemporary life, and describes its work as "a vision of truth, in a culture of friendship, for the benefit of all."

The centre is part of the Triratna Buddhist Community, founded in London in 1967 by Urgyen Sangharakshita as the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. Sangharakshita founded the LBC in 1978. Its teaching draws on the breadth of the Buddhist tradition, and it stresses that Buddhism is practised within a living spiritual community, or sangha, through volunteering, teamwork, group study and friendship.

People come to the LBC to learn to meditate, explore Buddhism, go on retreat, or get more involved. Most events suit those with no previous experience, and you do not need to be a Buddhist to take part. The centre runs courses, daily yoga classes, events for families, classes and retreats for sub-25s and people of colour, and evenings with well-known artists at PoetryEast. It also hosts school visits and Buddhist festivals. Retreats take place at its rural retreat centre, Vajrasana, in Suffolk, and at other Triratna retreat sites. Its Buddhamind app supports home meditation practice.

The LBC also offers Dharma talks and guided meditations online through its YouTube channel, for people who want to cultivate mindfulness, compassion and wisdom wherever they are. Beside the centre is the Mandala Café, a non-profit venture run by friends and Buddhists, and the centre is open Monday to Saturday.