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Buddhism

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  • Chizz
    Chizz Posts: 28,338
    How was the session last night @Arsenetatters ?
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    Chizz said:
    How was the session last night @Arsenetatters ?
    Once I'd managed to find it - you tube in the end - very enjoyable. The links and programme for all sessions are on

  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    Arsenetatters said:
    Chizz said:
    How was the session last night @Arsenetatters ?
    Once I'd managed to find it - you tube in the end - very enjoyable. The links and programme for all sessions are on

    I did the 7-7.45 meditation (with disturbance from hungry cat) which has left me feeling quite chilled. Off to get the chooks up and then will tune in to the yoga at 12. Have you looked at the programme/meditated @Chizz

    I
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    Arsenetatters said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Chizz said:
    How was the session last night @Arsenetatters ?
    Once I'd managed to find it - you tube in the end - very enjoyable. The links and programme for all sessions are on

    I did the 7-7.45 meditation (with disturbance from hungry cat) which has left me feeling quite chilled. Off to get the chooks up and then will tune in to the yoga at 12. Have you looked at the programme/meditated @Chizz

    I

    So chilled out I can't press the right buttons ohhhhmmmmm
  • Chizz
    Chizz Posts: 28,338

    Arsenetatters said:
    Chizz said:
    How was the session last night @Arsenetatters ?
    Once I'd managed to find it - you tube in the end - very enjoyable. The links and programme for all sessions are on

    I did the 7-7.45 meditation (with disturbance from hungry cat) which has left me feeling quite chilled. Off to get the chooks up and then will tune in to the yoga at 12. Have you looked at the programme/meditated @Chizz
    The road to enlightenment is long, paved with hurdles and can only be started with a single step.  So far, I have managed to think about doing so.  The next step might require even more commitment.  
  • Darty Valiant
    Darty Valiant Posts: 618
    Stumbled upon this thread…A few years have passed and I’m interested how the contributors to this thread are today…. Are they still exploring, given up, become a monk, life changed etc??

    How is it going?
  • sillav nitram
    sillav nitram Posts: 10,164
    Well, I've lasted the study course it ends, end of this year or early next and the 4 years have flown by.

    I've also asked for ordination into the Buddhist Order, though that won't be happening anytime soon, if it happens at all.

    As someone who struggles with mental health difficulties, I do think following and practising Buddhism to the best of my ability has helped but of course old habits die hard but I'm doing the best I can with the cards that I've been dealt and I would say so far so good.

    What also has definitely made life better was giving up alcohol and drugs, I made 18 years clean and sober this year.
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    I’m still with Triratna like @sillav nitram but belong to ‘Sangha Southeast’ which consists of groups from Hastings, Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells. 
    I’ve done years one and two of the study group and started year three but felt it was way over my head so decided to repeat year two again to get a deeper understanding. 
    So pleased you’re going for ordination @sillav nitram!
  • sillav nitram
    sillav nitram Posts: 10,164
    Arsenetatters said:
    I’m still with Triratna like @sillav nitram but belong to ‘Sangha Southeast’ which consists of groups from Hastings, Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells. 
    I’ve done years one and two of the study group and started year three but felt it was way over my head so decided to repeat year two again to get a deeper understanding. 
    So pleased you’re going for ordination @sillav nitram!
    Thanks  @arsentatters glad you’re still practising, funny I was gonna text you the other day wondering if you were?

    A lot of it goes over my head, there’s a lot to 📚 and a lot to take in but it’ll come, with commitment:)

    Sorry to hear 👂 about your health, I’m going through it too:(
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
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  • Wheresmeticket
    Wheresmeticket Posts: 17,304
    edited January 12
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    Gaia House


    https://gaiahouse.co.uk/
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    Gaia House


    https://gaiahouse.co.uk/
    Thank you. I’d never thought about them tbh. Looks like they do the type of thing I’m after. I need to have done a longer silent retreat than I have done and also a retreat at Gaia House. 
    I’ve done a few of the online morning meditations with them but must go there when I get some time.
  • The Red Robin
    The Red Robin Posts: 26,127
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    Rotherham away?
  • Wheresmeticket
    Wheresmeticket Posts: 17,304
    edited January 12
    Arsenetatters said:
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    Gaia House


    https://gaiahouse.co.uk/
    Thank you. I’d never thought about them tbh. Looks like they do the type of thing I’m after. I need to have done a longer silent retreat than I have done and also a retreat at Gaia House. 
    I’ve done a few of the online morning meditations with them but must go there when I get some time.
    They have retreats for people who haven't done retreats before so have another look....I did a 3 day there in 2009 after spending time with FWBO as Triratna used to be called. Very similar practice. X
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    Gaia House


    https://gaiahouse.co.uk/
    Thank you. I’d never thought about them tbh. Looks like they do the type of thing I’m after. I need to have done a longer silent retreat than I have done and also a retreat at Gaia House. 
    I’ve done a few of the online morning meditations with them but must go there when I get some time.
    They have retreats for people who haven't done retreats before so have another look....I did a 3 day there in 2009 after spending time with FWBO as Triratna used to be called. Very similar practice. X
    I’m with Triratna at the moment. Did you ever go to Rivendell, the retreat centre near Ashdown Forest? I’ve been on a couple there but their solitary retreat hut is fully booked for 2025!
  • Wheresmeticket
    Wheresmeticket Posts: 17,304
    Arsenetatters said:
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    Gaia House


    https://gaiahouse.co.uk/
    Thank you. I’d never thought about them tbh. Looks like they do the type of thing I’m after. I need to have done a longer silent retreat than I have done and also a retreat at Gaia House. 
    I’ve done a few of the online morning meditations with them but must go there when I get some time.
    They have retreats for people who haven't done retreats before so have another look....I did a 3 day there in 2009 after spending time with FWBO as Triratna used to be called. Very similar practice. X
    I’m with Triratna at the moment. Did you ever go to Rivendell, the retreat centre near Ashdown Forest? I’ve been on a couple there but their solitary retreat hut is fully booked for 2025!
    Yes I did. Had a long weekend in the big house and then a few years later in the hut. It was OK but a bit inward looking. Also went with the Brixton group to a place near Marlow that was better.
  • ShootersHillGuru
    ShootersHillGuru Posts: 50,622
    Arsenetatters said:
    Looking to go on a solitary retreat. It will be my first one so thinking of a long weekend to start with. Any suggestions or recommendations?
    West Stand Upper A Block
  • BoysOwn
    BoysOwn Posts: 67
    Anyone thinking of joining LBC may benefit from looking at their history and the behaviour of their founder:

    Sangharakshita - Wikipedia

    The most important teaching of the Buddha to me has been his final speech where he warned of creating a religion out of Buddhism. The Buddha was not a Buddhist.

    There are great interpretations of the teachings out there, Thich Nhat Hanh and many many others. I get a lot out of the secular Buddhism podcasts of Noah Rashita
    Secular Buddhism Podcast

    "Be a light unto yourself"
  • SoundAsa£
    SoundAsa£ Posts: 22,481
    edited January 13
    I am a confirmed atheist.
    However, I have long thought that were I to embrace some kind of religious belief/following I would most certainly take a long hard look at Buddhism.
  • BoysOwn
    BoysOwn Posts: 67
    edited January 13
    Go for it. It's had a major change on my life. Original Buddhist teachings hold that there is no supreme judgemental being and that Buddha was just a man.
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  • R0TW
    R0TW Posts: 1,676
    Wheresmeticket said:
    Was it the Barn? Those retreats are great too. At Gaia you literally spend most of your day in sitting or walking meditation and in silence...it can take some getting used to but I never want to leave when it comes to the last day.
    It was in the house. Very plush, almost spa like. One day is spent in silence, but I would have liked longer. For me it cuts out the need to make small talk with the others. One aspect of Buddism I find difficult is the teaching on relationships with others. I've sort of assumed kindness to all - but I don't know how to deal with difficult people then.
    I feel the same - I love the silence and as you say avoid the need to make small talk. I can be quite anti social so to be in a place where not speaking to others is acceptable is great. See if you can get hold of "Don't bite the hook" - audiobook by Pema C. All about that. Theres a teaching that buddha was supposed to have given to some villagers who were local businessmen and traders in India. "How should we react when we are insulted or abused?" "You are all family men. What do you do when a man comes to you with a gift which you do not want?" "We decline the gift graciously and say 'I do not need this gift. Take it home to enjoy yourself or with your family' " "Just so. And when a man gives you the gift of his abuse repond in the same way: 'I do not want this gift. Take it home to enjoy yourself or with your family' ". Easier said than done and I "bite the hook" all the time (not least on this forum :smile: ) but occasionally I remember and avoid adding to the conflict in my own life, at least.
    Think you may be due another long weekend away.
  • Arsenetatters
    Arsenetatters Posts: 5,976
    edited January 13
    BoysOwn said:
    Anyone thinking of joining LBC may benefit from looking at their history and the behaviour of their founder:

    Sangharakshita - Wikipedia

    The most important teaching of the Buddha to me has been his final speech where he warned of creating a religion out of Buddhism. The Buddha was not a Buddhist.

    There are great interpretations of the teachings out there, Thich Nhat Hanh and many many others. I get a lot out of the secular Buddhism podcasts of Noah Rashita
    Secular Buddhism Podcast

    "Be a light unto yourself"
    As a member of Triratna, founded by Sangharakshitta, I go to the LBC and more local groups who are aligned with them. I like his teachings but the elephant in the room of his behaviour isn't often discussed. It bothers me in a way I can't explain, not knowing the facts. He was dead before I joined.

    @silavnitram@"sillav nitram" any thoughts?



  • Gribbo
    Gribbo Posts: 8,485
    BoysOwn said:
    Go for it. It's had a major change on my life. Original Buddhist teachings hold that there is no supreme judgemental being and that Buddha was just a man.
    Thought that was Stevie Winwood?
  • BoysOwn
    BoysOwn Posts: 67
    Gribbo said:
    BoysOwn said:
    Go for it. It's had a major change on my life. Original Buddhist teachings hold that there is no supreme judgemental being and that Buddha was just a man.
    Thought that was Stevie Winwood?
    No idea of that quote but going to look it up! Cheers Gribbo
  • BoysOwn
    BoysOwn Posts: 67
    Nope, none the wiser :)
  • BoysOwn
    BoysOwn Posts: 67
    Arsenetatters said:
    BoysOwn said:
    Anyone thinking of joining LBC may benefit from looking at their history and the behaviour of their founder:

    Sangharakshita - Wikipedia

    The most important teaching of the Buddha to me has been his final speech where he warned of creating a religion out of Buddhism. The Buddha was not a Buddhist.

    There are great interpretations of the teachings out there, Thich Nhat Hanh and many many others. I get a lot out of the secular Buddhism podcasts of Noah Rashita
    Secular Buddhism Podcast

    "Be a light unto yourself"
    As a member of Triratna, founded by Sangharakshitta, I go to the LBC and more local groups who are aligned with them. I like his teachings but the elephant in the room of his behaviour isn't often discussed. It bothers me in a way I can't explain, not knowing the facts. He was dead before I joined.

    @silavnitram@"sillav nitram" any thoughts?



    I think his culpability was acknowledged by the Triratna organisation as evidenced in the link I sent.
  • bobmunro
    bobmunro Posts: 20,846
    BoysOwn said:
    Nope, none the wiser :)

    'I'm a Man' Spencer Davis Group, written by Stevie Winwood.
  • andipandi
    andipandi Posts: 1,182
    When I was doing rehab, back in 2001 my first yoga class was the day after 9/11, which felt kinda weird tbh. Anyway we all gathered in a room, in marched a big tattooed lump of a man, who stated 'today we are going to do some yoga'. Turns out the bloke was an ex hells angel who said he'd been a horrible fucker in his younger days. He was and remains an expert in all thing Buddhist, spiritual, yoga and meditation.

    From that time onwards I became obsessed with yoga, meditation and all things spiritual. I'm no longer obsessed with yoga, because I cant be, due to my lumbar spine doing a runner. I do though meditate daily, 45 minutes to an hour or more, a life saver/ giver for me. I've read a library of Buddhist stuff ever since as well, and continue to do so, I'm currently quite into Allan Watts but he can of course, be hard work. 

    I'm still soaked in beer on a regular basis, I'm now pretty much disabled, suffering from chronic depression since childhood and for almost 13 years chronic debilitating pain. But I'm continuing on my buddhist/ ad hoc spiritual journey, in my own weird way. 
  • sillav nitram
    sillav nitram Posts: 10,164
    edited January 13
    BoysOwn said:
    Anyone thinking of joining LBC may benefit from looking at their history and the behaviour of their founder:

    Sangharakshita - Wikipedia

    The most important teaching of the Buddha to me has been his final speech where he warned of creating a religion out of Buddhism. The Buddha was not a Buddhist.

    There are great interpretations of the teachings out there, Thich Nhat Hanh and many many others. I get a lot out of the secular Buddhism podcasts of Noah Rashita
    Secular Buddhism Podcast

    "Be a light unto yourself"
    Arsenetatters said:
    BoysOwn said:
    Anyone thinking of joining LBC may benefit from looking at their history and the behaviour of their founder:

    Sangharakshita - Wikipedia

    The most important teaching of the Buddha to me has been his final speech where he warned of creating a religion out of Buddhism. The Buddha was not a Buddhist.

    There are great interpretations of the teachings out there, Thich Nhat Hanh and many many others. I get a lot out of the secular Buddhism podcasts of Noah Rashita
    Secular Buddhism Podcast

    "Be a light unto yourself"
    As a member of Triratna, founded by Sangharakshitta, I go to the LBC and more local groups who are aligned with them. I like his teachings but the elephant in the room of his behaviour isn't often discussed. It bothers me in a way I can't explain, not knowing the facts. He was dead before I joined.

    @silavnitram@"sillav nitram" any thoughts?



    Yes, @arsenetatters it was something I found difficult to deal with initially when I read, “The Triratna Story” but if one wishes to trawl through the history of most religions and I don’t consider Buddhism a religion, it’s easy to find the skeletons in the closet, most notably, having been raised a Catholic, the Roman Catholic Church and no doubt others and yet millions ignore this fact and still go to church because I presume they’ve found a way to make peace with these facts within themselves.

    Triratna have been very upfront, in my experience of the misdemeanours, if in fact they were, of its founder.

    Equally it was in the orders infancy and one has to think of the period, when there had been no decisions/discussions around sexual conduct or celibacy and what happened was consensual, though he may have neglected to realise what his status and how it would impact on the members of the Sangha.

    Triratna also published a letter in the press acknowledging and explaining the events and their interpretation of what actually happened, rather than the hysterical sensationalism of the media who didn’t tell it like it really was, now there’s a surprise!

    I would equally encourage anyone who has doubts about Sangharakshitta to read his memoirs, which are phenomenal, of which I have and it may make you think differently about him, it has me and while I’m not happy about what happened, I am comfortable looking at the bigger picture of his legacy.

    I also know that Triratna now have things in place to hopefully prevent something like this happening again, which is more than one can say about the Roman Catholic Church!

  • BoysOwn
    BoysOwn Posts: 67
    Sangharakshitta groomed young men and sexually abused them. If you choose to follow his teachings, that's up to you. That behaviour has nothing to do with the Buddha's teaching. 

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