Life of Buddha

Regular Thursday meditations are suitable for anyone interested in Buddhism, and many people come back the next week (so don't worry if there's no-one showing as confirmed in Meetup; there's always a good group). There's an introductory talk about a basic Buddhist topic, followed by a guided meditation. Wear something comfortable for sitting on a meditation cushion. We start at 7:30 pm sharp. As befriending and learning from other practitioners is an integral part of Buddhist practice, we have a cup of tea beforehand and often socialise afterwards. Feel free to turn up from 7pm on.

DROP IN'S WELCOME *If you'd like to book in advance, you can purchase tickets [here](http://www.soholifedrawing.com/store/p82/Thursday_Drop-In_Life_Drawing%3A_Both_Sessions.html) . Otherwise please bring cash as we are cash only* £17.00 (cash, £1 surcharge for PayPal/card payments) Soho Life Drawing is a non-profit drawing group in central London that aims to make life drawing affordable and accessible while paying our models a fair wage. We believe that creativity is an essential part of well-being that is often stifled by the demands of busy schedules or fear due to lack of experience. We want to change that. Whether you're a professional, student, or amateur artist you'll find yourself at home at Soho Life Drawing. Located in one of London's most central locations, our drop-in classes provide an easily accessible and nonjudgemental space for you to hone your life drawing skills. We offer a portfolio boosting mix of both short and long poses with new models every week, making us a great fit for professionals and novices alike. Our members come from literally all walks of life, so don't be afraid to drop by if you have no background in art--at Soho Life Drawing, you are guaranteed to find a supportive place to explore your artistic abilities. Here's why you'll love Soho Life Drawing It's a Great Space!--Our sessions are held at one of London's best kept secrets--the historic Quaker Meeting House, which provides an oasis of calm just minutes away from Leicester Square Station. Short and Long Poses!--Our sessions begin with short, gestural poses and move up to a longer sustained pose. Our models are personally vetted professionals, and some of the best in the business. No Need to Bring your own Supplies!--We provide clipboards, and pencils, paper, and rubbers are available on site. Tea and Biscuits!--Yes, that's right. We provide tea and biscuits to keep your energy up during the breaks! Also, quite often homemade cookies! Drop-ins Welcome!--No need to book in advance! So come by and check us out—we look forward to seeing you there! 6:30-7:30 PM Guided Life Drawing 7:30PM-8:30PM: Tea Break + Longer Poses We also host private events. For more information visit www.privateartevents.co.uk

Free On-going 10 Week Sahaja Yoga Mediation Course - Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Manohar, Sat , Cristina, Tim, Larissa, Matthew - Learn to Meditate - Join us for weekly meditation sessions in Wanstead Community Hall on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.00pm - Wanstead Community Hall, 21 The Green, Wanstead, London, E11 2NT **Thursday evenings from 7.30 pm until 9.00 pm** \- Please come in good time as doors close at 8 pm and might be difficult to get in\. Sahaja Yoga is a unique form of meditation that will enable you to connect with your deeper 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 HH 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, how to diagnose and solve our problems, and how to meditate 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, it is for all cultures, ages, religions, and backgrounds. There are free meetings all over London and the UK and also in more than 100 countries. If you are looking for well-being, harmony, and solving your problems, you want to get out of confusion, and mental health problems 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)**

In our beginner-friendly first hour, we offer verbal guidance on how to approach poses, and one-on-instruction for anyone who wants it as you move through the process by Ann and Jen (don't worry--if you just want to show up and do your own thing we won't be looking over your shoulder). We've seen and tutored artists of every level, from stick figure to full-on academic drawings, and are here to help-simply let us know at the beginning of class where you're at or raise your hand if you'd like personal guidance. If you'd like to book in advance, you can purchase tickets [here](http://www.soholifedrawing.com/store/p81/Thursday_Drop-In_Life_Drawing%3A_1_Session.html) ABOUT US Soho Life Drawing is a non-profit drawing group in central London that aims to make life drawing affordable and accessible. We believe that creativity is an essential part of well-being that is often stifled by the demands of busy schedules or fear due to lack of experience. We want to change that. Whether you're a professional, student, or amateur artist you'll find yourself at home at Soho Life Drawing. Located in one of London's most central locations, our drop-in classes provide an easily accessible and nonjudgemental space for you to hone your life drawing skills. We offer a portfolio boosting mix of both short and long poses with new models every week, making us a great fit for professionals and novices alike. Our members come from literally all walks of life, so don't be afraid to drop by if you have no background in art--at Soho Life Drawing, you are guaranteed to find a supportive place to explore your artistic abilities. Here's why you'll love Soho Life Drawing It's a Great Space!--Our sessions are held at one of London's best kept secrets--the historic Quaker Meeting House, which provides an oasis of calm just minutes away from Leicester Square Station. Short and Long Poses!--Our sessions begin with short, gestural poses and move up to a longer sustained pose. Our models are personally vetted professionals, and some of the best in the business. No Need to Bring your own Supplies!--We provide clipboards, and pencils, paper, and rubbers are available on site. Tea and Biscuits!--Yes, that's right. We provide tea and biscuits to keep your energy up during the breaks! Also, quite often homemade cookies! Drop-ins Welcome!--No need to book in advance! So come by and check us out—we look forward to seeing you there! Timetable 6:30-7:30 PM Guided Life Drawing (Pose Length: 2min min. building to 15 min max) 7:30PM-7:40/4545PM: Tea Break 7:45-8:00PM: Life Drawing: Longer Poses (5 min min building to 20/28+ min max) For more info about our classes and about us please visit www.soholifedrawing.com We also host private events. For more information visit www.privateartevents.co.uk

10 Week On-going Free Sahaja Yoga Mediation Course - Join any week - Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Manohar, Sat , Cristina, Tim, Larissa, Matthew - Learn to Meditate - Join us for weekly meditation sessions in Wanstead Community Hall on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.00pm - Wanstead Community Hall, 21 The Green, Wanstead, London, E11 2NT With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we normally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats and no special clothing required. Yoga is a sanskrit term which means union. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy of all is hiding in plain sight, within us. It's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner Kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually and will take you into higher awerness. It was started back in 1970's by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, who was the greatest living saint of out times. Now Sahaja Yoga is practised in more than 100 countries. If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might well help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise, it isn't your typical Meditations 'R Us type class. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your own way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A Sahaja Yoga Meditation class is a great way to start. A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. Sahaja Yoga is more than a temporary solution or quick relief — it is a journey, rather than a destination. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral. You can never have too much of it. The best part? All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend, bring your self — all are welcome. We have a web site here in London too which you can visit for more info about weekly meetings: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk (http://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/London.Free.Meditation) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/SahajL)

A visually compelling and panoramic analysis of the eclectic culture of shamanism, animism, healing and journeys to the other planes. Entering trance states, healing body and soul, invoking animals as spirit guides and journeying to incorporeal realms – these skills have been central to shamanism over thousands of years and across much of the world, from the Evenki shamans of northern and central Asia to contemporary Neo-Shamans of the West. Join cultural and social anthropologist Max Carocci as he explores an eclectic array of shamanic artefacts and images, decoding the symbolism and explaining their extraordinary shamanic ritual practices. Marvel at the adornments of a Siberian shaman’s coat; examine the prehistoric rock art that depicts mystical transformations of shamans into animals; and discover the psychotropic plants that open our minds to interdimensional journeys of healing and wisdom.

* **read event description before signing up** * **register on Meetup to attend** * **update RSVP if plans change** * **arrive at 2.50pm** * **read the Book before session** * **review the Questions** [Book 3 - In Carnuntum](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_III) *Reading Time - 15 minutes* *Knowledge of prior Books is not required* [Gregory Hays translation used in session](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Translation-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/0812968255/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DYZJGWO42PUG&keywords=meditations+gregory+hays&qid=1656706450&s=books&sprefix=Meditations+Gregory%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-1) Meditations is one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others. Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, readers and thinkers throughout the centuries. **Questions we'll explore** 1\. So we need to hurry\. Not just because we move daily closer to death but also because our understanding—our grasp of the world—may be gone before we get there\. \(1\) *How do you feel about this?* 2\. Don’t waste the rest of your time here worrying about other people—unless it affects the common good\. \(4\) *What can you usefully do?* 3\. To stand up straight—not straightened\. \(5\) *How would you go about this?* 4\. Forget everything else\. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see. *(10)* *What are the implications?* 5\. If you\.\.\.\.—can find fulfillment in what you’re doing now\, as Nature intended\, and in superhuman truthfulness \(every word\, every utterance\)—then your life will be happy\. No one can prevent that. (12) *Do you agree or disagree?* **To fund the costs of** [room hire](https://bunhillquakers.org.uk/files/2025_bunhill_booking_info_trifold.pdf) **and** [Meetup subscription](https://www.meetup.com/blog/new-organizer-pricing-key-improvements/) **£15 is payable** To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled. Refunds exclude Meetup/PayPal fees. **If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.** There is no waiting list if the event is full. Please check this Meetup page on the day of the event, as a spot may become available if there is a late cancellation. **If you sign up, and do not Edit RSVP to "Not going", and are a no show, you will be removed from the Group and can rejoin after 3 months.**

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes – expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour – there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** **Classes can be booked ahead via tickets below** Secret Sketch is a sit down sketch class- drawing boards provided Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick Every Saturday 11-1pm £15/ £10 students and under 25's **Or you can drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/saturday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426760932437)

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick **Sunday Secret Sketch** **Every Sunday** **3.30-5.30pm** **£15 / £10 students and under 25's** **We also run [Saturday Secret Sketch session](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)** **11-1pm Every Saturday** **And a second Sunday Secret Sketch** **1-3pm every Sunday** **Drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426778555147) **Venue:** **Vaulty Towers** **34 Lower Marsh** **London** **SE1 7RG**

You are invited to an informal discussion of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, a work that has guided seekers of wisdom for over two millennia. Join us as we explore the nature of virtue, the cultivation of character, and the pursuit of the good life—topics as vital now as in antiquity. Aristotle teaches that ethical living requires thought, reflection, and friendship. As he writes, “It is not possible to live well without friends.” (Book VIII, Chapter 1) Come converse in the spirit of inquiry, share ideas freely, and take part in the age-old pursuit of eudaimonia—the flourishing life.

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/)

Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A. The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings. This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives. All are welcome! This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams). You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/ About the teacher: Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.

This group is for anyone who wants to explore Buddhist meditation in a relaxed and supportive setting. Each session includes a short meditation, a simple teaching from Buddhist psychology, and an open discussion about how these ideas show up in everyday life. While our foundation is Buddhist practice, we love weaving in wisdom from other traditions whenever it helps us grow, find peace, and support each other. Members of our community come from many different backgrounds, and you do not need to consider yourself a Buddhist to attend. All are welcome. The session runs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with doors open from 6:30 to 9:00. Come early or stay after if you’d like to enjoy some quiet reflection or casual conversation with the community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a potluck meal. Bring a dish if you’d like, but the most important thing you can bring is yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theater of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)

* In this special one day retreat we have the opportunity to increase our lifespan, merit and wisdom through the special meditation practice of Buddha Amitayus. Our human life is our most precious possession because it gives us the opportunity to improve ourselves and attain the supreme happiness of enlightenment. We therefore need a long and healthy life. To engage successfully in spiritual practice we also need wisdom, as well as the merit or good fortune that gives our mind the strength to support the growth of inner realizations. By engaging in Amitayus practice, we can develop these qualities and eventually attain the deathless state of enlightenment. We can also use this practice to help remove obstacles endangering the lives of others, especially our close friends and family. **COST:** Free * * **Event Schedule** Session 1: 2:30 to 3:45pm Session 2: 4:15 to 5:30pm

**Unlock Inner Peace and Power: Join Our Raja Yoga Intensive - Discover Meditation, Self-Realization, and Spiritual Wisdom!** Raja Yoga is an ancient system of meditation and spiritual understanding. It enables us to return to a state of inner peace, personal power and self-worth through re-kindling the soul's original qualities and virtues. At its deepest level, Raja Yoga Meditation is taught as a method of self-awareness, leading ultimately to self-realization. **This in person meditation course Includes:** * Thought Process Connecting to the Soul * Understanding the nature of the self and God (Supreme Soul). * The philosophy of karma and the cycle of time * The 8 Spiritual Powers **Advance Registration is Required** Class will meet on Monday – Friday for two weeks beginning on Monday, February 2nd – Friday, February 13th. Mon., Feb. 2nd, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/ZcRkE](https://shorturl.at/ZcRkE)

Jan. 25 前行课：为什么学习？ 人生需要老师--善知识 踏入《广论》研讨班，对许多人来说是开启生命转变的契机。或许您也会好奇：在繁忙的工作与生活之余，投入时间研读佛典，究竟能为人生带来哪些实质的成长与收获？ 《广论》研讨班秉持着日常老和尚以心灵提升、圆满生命的目标，提供大众身、心、灵健康的学习环境与循序渐进的佛法课程。学员通过听师父的录音带和研讨交流，对佛法建立整体认识，全面的理解，同时学习如何将佛法智慧运用于生活中，打造幸福人生。 **《菩提道次第广论》简介** 佛法大全，给与您心灵滋养，人生方向 次第井然，引领您脚踏实地，步步向上 心智科学，帮助您认识自己，了解他人 幸福教育，教会您正确取舍，离苦得乐 生命教育，陪伴您创造希望，走向美好

Meet at the Lake Audubon Pool parking lot at *2070 Twin Branches Road in Reston*. We’ll hike the Twin Branches trail for 2.5 miles, followed by a 3 mile walk on the Glade Stream Valley Trail. We’ll then drive to the nearby South Lakes Village Center for lunch. NO HIKE IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER OR RAIN! Alternative date 31 January.