Buddhism

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ja2H9lXYtWX8RdCKHw6qNK), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 13:45-14:00 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 14:00-14:05 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 14:05-14:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 14:45 - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ja2H9lXYtWX8RdCKHw6qNK). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ja2H9lXYtWX8RdCKHw6qNK) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ja2H9lXYtWX8RdCKHw6qNK) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

And now for something completely different - an event on the history of (selected) English words. "RobWords" is one of my favourite YouTube channels, and Rob himself is doing some live shows. Tickets £29-£37.50. Blurb: "Why don't we spell things the way we say them? Why is English full of words pilfered and purloined from other languages? ...... *RobWords* is an extremely popular YouTube channel..... which celebrates the wonderful weirdness of the English language...... Rob's love for language was established during a career as a newsreader for BBC radio and presenter on Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle. Living in Berlin and marrying into a French family have also helped him appreciate just how special English really is, and he now shares his passion for the subject with millions across the globe. This show will unlock the true wackiness of words and why we speak the way we do. From the origins of silent letters, to why some terms have a multitude of meanings; all of your etymological enigmas will be solved. Whether it's contronyms, homophones, or portmanteaus that float your linguistic boat, be sure to join us for *Rob Words’ Live!*." Meet at the bar 1PM, show starts 1:30 More details at [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/event-ticketing/app/ev/25079/](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/event-ticketing/app/ev/25079/)

The Venue is a room in Lauderdale house set on the entrance of the magnificent Waterlow park in Highgate (nearest tube is Archway, on the northern line. Waterlow park is less then 10min walk up highgate hill) A very beautiful location to be after such a energizing and emotionally cleansing experience! Doors open 0830am Instructions 0900am Meditation -915am-1015am (no admission after 915am) There is a cafe downstairs for you to drink, eat and connect together afterwards or you may feel drawn to wander alone into the majestic park, soaking up the beauty of the trees, lakes and landscape...whatever is right for you! Active meditations were designed by Osho with us westerners in mind. It can be challenging with our hectic lifestyles, full of stimulus to just sit down and switch off into silence. How many times have you heard people say' I just can't meditate, my mind is too busy, my body cannot be still etc...' Active meditations were designed by Osho to use the body and breath first, enabling us to 'empty our vessel ' through physical movement. By doing this we release pent up emotions and tension in the body so that we are more able to reach inner stillness, silence and meditation. We will commence with the dynamic meditation for a series of weeks then rotate to try other active meditations designed by Osho. What is the dynamic meditation? A complete work out for mind, body and soul; It is the mother of all emotional cleansers!! More detailed instructions for new comers given at 845am(optional attendance if you know this meditation well). Meditation starts 9am sharp. Doors will have to close then. This technique is in 5 stages that flow together beautifully to make up the complete meditation. It is done with the eyes closed so no need to feel self conscious; no one is looking at you! Stage 1)chaotic breathing. Completely takes you out of the mind, energizes, detoxifies and oxygenates the body in preparation for the next stage Stage 2)Catharsis-emptying your vessel! How often will you get the the opportunity to release on such a spectacular level. Your endorphins will be flying as you act out, scream, cry, shout, play madness as best you can. Doing this regular will release stress and tension on all levels; It could keep you sane:) Stage 3)''Hoo'' phase. Grounding the energy Stage 4)Silence...drop inside and really experience the witnessing self. Meditation will come easily now. Stage 5)Dance. Celebrate your experience like a new born you Meditations will start at 9am (running for one hour )on Saturday mornings. New comers please arrive at 845am if you want to go over the instructions... Cost is on a sliding scale depending on your wage or situation- £20/15 (please pay by cash, paypal or eventbrite. Correct money if paying cash please) https://paypal.me/moveandmeditate?locale.x=en_GB https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/osho-dynamic-meditation-tickets-164956387997 If money is a problem please speak to Tara, all are welcome This meditation can be done alone but the more the merrier for a real energy blast. I know it's early but get up and JOIN IN!!! Trust me you will feel amazing afterwards.... Ideally this is best done on an empty stomach(certainly not a full one). As I said there is a cafe downstairs so you won't go hungry or you can always picnic in the park! Come alone or come with friends. Bring a bottle of water and an open mind! FREE PARKING ON HIGHGATE HILL SATURDAYS :0 Additional info:- Lauderdale House Waterlow Park Highgate Hill London N6 5HG Lauderdale House is a white house behind the gates to Waterlow Park on Highgate Hill. It's on the left hand side heading north up from Archway tube, ( just past St Joseph’s Church on the corner of Dartmouth Park Hill). It faces Highgate Hill and is easily visible from the pavement, backing onto Waterlow Park.

Meetings run weekly on Saturdays from 11.00-12.30 in Enfield Town Library, Community Room, 66 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AX Join us for wonderful **free** weekly meditation sessions in Enfield Town Library, classes are always free. Sahaja Yoga is a unique form of meditation that will enable you to connect with your Inner Self, establishing a higher awareness within you resulting in a deep feeling of peace, calmness, balance, and joy. It is a tangible practical **experience**: Sahaja Yoga is “Subtle, Simple and Real”. It was founded by H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi ( 1923-2011) and has at its core the process of Self Realisation: connecting with your real Self through the awakening of the dormant energy in our sacrum bone called Kundalini who takes us into the deep peaceful state of thoughtless awareness. In the class, we will go through the process of Self Realisation and learn how to achieve the state of meditation effortlessly. Also, we will learn about balancing our subtle system, diagnosing and solving our problems, and meditating at home. Sahaja Yoga helps all aspects of our life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, it is an extraordinary method, unique from any other types of meditations as it uses our own energy Kundalini who can correct our chakras, balance us, and take us to a much higher and deeper state of awareness. We do not need mats, we sit on chairs, it is easy and simple, Sahaja means spontaneous in Sanskrit, and it is for all cultures, ages, religions, and backgrounds. There are free meetings all over London, the UK, and more than 100 countries. If you are looking for well-being, harmony, and solving your problems, if you want to get out of confusion, and/or mental health problems, if you are looking for answers then you are in the right place. Come along and try, no need to sign up, beginners are welcome anytime. **“ Sahaja Yoga is a method by which our Pure Desire is fulfilled “ (from the founder Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi)** Phone 07931 851 954 or 0773 766 0417 You may also like to check out our main London website, where you can find out more about the numerous free regular meetings taking place across London, and much more: [www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook [Sahaja Yoga | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sahajayogalondon/) Meditation app: [https://wemeditate.com](https://wemeditate.com/)

**LIMEHOUSE WALKING TOUR…** This is three tours in one, firstly we have the history of the Chinese community who settled and lived in Limehouse in the first part of the twentieth century. Not a lot to see but much to talk about, especially the the truth over exaggerated fiction and rumours of opium dens and prostitution. A fascinating story of a time not so long ago Then we move on to see the parts Limehouse of today that has been saved from the development of Docklands which towers over the area like a dragon ready to engulf all in its way. Some magnificent buildings that survived to remind us the nautical history of Limehouse back in the day. Lastly we see Limehouse as the trendy area it has become with cafes and restaurants and a rich mans marina full of super boats we wish we could afford ourselves. This tour has everything, it's the real London not the sad tourist central London of today. Prepare yourselves for a real treat. This tour will cost the usual £14 cash on the day contact Barrie on 07860 911393 for queries etc \*JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY \* <[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>

Every day you look at the news on your phone and you are shown a perspective on multiple events, vivid pictures, videos, and explanations that decide for you what to think. When you come out of your bubble and try to talk to others, you realise they have the wrong perspective. You assumed they saw the same undeniable evidence you did, with the same explanations. But each person is shown a perspective tailored to them, believable and convincing from where they stand. We moved from relying on our own eyes, to gossip, to the printing press, to radio and TV, and now to news customised to each individual. We moved from Plato's Cave, where we were all chained side by side experiencing the same shadows, to isolation, each of us with our own unique shadows. In Plato's Cave they were wrong together. Are we more lost being wrong alone? Is your bubble protecting you or trapping you? Can we build a shared world if we can't share a shared reality? Learn more about [the allegory of the cave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_cave). \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: Platos Allegory of the Cave 1604 by Jan Saenredam

Day retreat with Zazen and discussion. It might be best if you have some meditation experience but come anyway even if you don't and are feeling brave! Or you may want to try one of our shorter Wednesday evening sits in Chiswick first. Please get there before 9.45 so we can show you what to do before we start at 10:00. Bring your own packed lunch and wear something you can sit cross legged in comfortably. Cost £20 towards the hire of the room. Further info on www.londonzen.org Schedule 10:00-11:00 Zazen-Kinhin-Zazen 11:00-11:20 Coffee/tea break 11:20-12:20 Talk and Discussion 12:30-13:30 Zazen-Kinhin-Zazen 13:30-14:30 Lunch Break 14:30-15:30 Zazen-Kinhin-Zazen 15:30 End Cost £20 toward the hire of the hall.

**CUDDLE WORKSHOP** **The UK's Longest Running Cuddle Event - nearly 16 years!** **with Anna Shekory (Fortes)** Cuddle Workshops are bursting with fun, connection, deep relaxation, nervous system support, laughter and healing. We include playful light exercises to help everyone relax, boundary and consent practice, some real heart warming exercises and our famously popular Cuddle Pods (where you get to receive your own cuddle wishes from your small group). Whether you're a nervous beginner or a cuddle connoisseur, come and join us! This is a prebook only event. You're welcome to book through Meetup or pay directly using PayPal (without additional booking fees) - just use the email address anna@CuddleWorkshop.co.uk and state the workshop date. \*Please email us first if you do this to ensure there are spaces and so that you get booked in\* Concessions are available on request. www.cuddleworkshop.co.uk **\*\*\*You'll get an email a few days before the workshop with directions and details of what to bring/wear etc. Please contact Anna if you don't receive it\*\*\*** Please note: The number of people indicated as 'attending' on Meetup will not reflect the true number attending. We generally have between 25 - 30 people, with a roughly equal gender split, and workshops are confidential and will never be photographed or filmed.

A way for us guys to be social whilst working out m. Pull ups, dips, core. A time to have a chat whilst working out. Can get a coffee in the cafe after if anyone wants. This is an out door workout so do dress for the weather. All levels welcome you get to go at your pace.

**Here we meet up outside of the restaurant setting, in a beautiful room at the Tibetan Buddhist Centre in London. The quiet venue is helpful for perhaps a greater deep dive and attention to our topic.** Together we shall be exploring some of the themes that Krishnamurti is proposing but, more importantly, that we ourselves are facing in our everyday life. Krishnamurti is showing us what he sees about human conditioning and the lack or freedom and love that dominates existence. Our inquiry is to see this conditioning for ourselves and to bring about fundamental change. ### **Dialogue Dates For 2026** * Sunday 11th January * Sunday 8th February * Sunday 8th March * Sunday 12th April * Sunday 10th May * Sunday date in June awaiting confirmation * SORRY THE CENTRE IS CLOSED DURING JULY & AUGUST * Sunday 13th September * Sunday 11th October * Sunday 8th November * Sunday 13th December **The Dialogue** As we sit together and exchange on these unresolved topics of life, we will be confronted with the living limitations of our relationships in the group. What is real listening to each other or is my listening and attention already conditioned? What is real inquiry and can we think together during our dialogue? ### **Refreshments** Do come early and have a cup of tea with friends here at the Tibetan Buddhist Cafe on the premises. You can also go and sit in the little garden outside or relax in the lovely library for more private informal dialogues between participants. I will be present at the premises cafe for pre dialogue get togethers: (please contact me if you want me to be there at a specific time...) ### **Contribution Price for the Dialogue** There will be a cost of £10 per dialogue per person to cover the hiring of the room, thank you **[FOR FURTHER INFO ON THIS EVENTS & OTHERS VISIT HERE](https://open-door-worldwide.com/event/krishnamurti-inspired-group-dialogue-buddhist-temple-london/)**

Come and walk in silence and to music, around a replica of the labyrinth on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in extended time of walking meditation and reflection. The Labyrinth is a means, a tool which can help us to go within ourselves to “find our way”. To connect with our own inner Light and connect to a deeper/ higher sense of ourselves. It has no dogma or agenda. All we are asked to do is walk. Building on our regular practice of walking the labyrinth every two months on a Sunday evening, this workshop is an invitation to walk with intention and afterward there will be an opportunity to reflect on your experience through writing and meditation then share with others any insights you have gained. **Donations** We are a registered charity and rely on contributions to continue our work. We ask you to give what you can afford. Suggested donation: £10

Weekend with Eric Baret in an English in London - April 11-12 2026. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQfsHsmWg156SI0j32lhErbNUeeItDcybZou3CGeR2uASAqA/viewform For more details and how to book or Email Stefania.Puscasu@gmail.com.

You can journal your thoughts, emotions, experiences… You can write a sentence, a paragraph, a page… But journaling doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be enjoyable and enlightening. It can deepen your self-awareness, help you gain clarity and add a sense of calm. Whether you’ve never tried it or you’ve done a spot of journaling in the past and fallen out of practice, join us to: * explore the why, the how and the art of journaling * get inspired to pick up your pen and start journaling **This is a free live in-person 60-minute seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

Main Library, Meeting Room 3B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Let's catch up and have a relaxed chat, including chat about the book Disability Visibility. This collection of essays is available at the library. You'll be invited to share the essay that you related to the most, and the essay that did the most to grow your awareness of something new. It's OK if you don't read the whole book!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon