Come Alive to Peace and Contentment

Meditation and Buddhism for Everyone in the Heart of York

Classes and Events or New Course on Thursday DAYTIME - Change Your Mind!or Introduction to Meditation Course starts soon - book a place now!

Change Your Life - Change the World

Our experience of the world is forever changing. Things can go well, and this makes us happy, joyful and content. But sometimes things can go less well and this can lead to sadness, disappointment, frustration and even anger. The Buddha called these ups and downs of life The Worldly Winds. And he taught a way of dealing with them that can lead to true peace and contentment – whatever might befall us in our lives. At York Buddhist Centre we are committed to passing on the Buddha's wisdom in ways that are accessible to people in the West. Our approach is practical and friendly. No one is expected 'to become a Buddhist' we are just very happy for you to join us and enjoy the benefits of what we teach.

Recognising that people have different needs, we aim to welcome everyone, regardless of their:
Age, Gender and Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Disability, Race, Colour, National Origin, Ethnic Origin, Religious Belief, Economic Status, Social Status, Parental Status. You can read our Diversity Statement here.

A Friendly, Vibrant Community

We teach meditation and Buddhism at our centre at 17 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX.

This is the hub of our friendly, thriving community: local people who are meditating together and exploring the Buddha's teaching on how to be truly happy in their lives.

York Buddhist Centre is part of the worldwide Triratna Buddhist Community which was founded in 1968 by Sangharakshita, an English Buddhist monk who spent 20 years in India absorbing the depth and breadth of the Buddhist teachings.

Unlike most Buddhist Schools, which practise in a very particular way, we teach from the whole of the Buddhist tradition which means that Triratna Buddhism is particularly accessible and effective for those of us in the West.

A Sustainable Buddhist Centre in the Heart of York

As a spiritual community we take our practice of ethics seriously, and the time has now come to respond to the need to extend this practice to include a global perspective: what we consume and buy has a direct effect on communities across the globe; what we do and how we live now has a direct effect on future generations.
This Centre is therefore committed to the 10 Steps of the Triratna Sustainable Centre Scheme

Open to All

We welcome everyone over 18. You don’t need to be a Buddhist. We are simply happy to share the Buddha’s teachings to help everyone lead happier, more fulfilled lives in this turbulent world.

Access: There is one step up at the front door and we have a ramp for wheelchair access. Please contact us in advance if you have access issues: enquiries@yorkbuddhistcentre.org

We do not charge for any of our classes.* and no one at our centre is paid. However since we have no outside income, we do rely on the generosity of those who use our Centre, for our continued existence. So if you are able to give a donation it would be appreciated very much indeed.

*Except for a small booking fee on some events

Mitra Ceremony

Wednesday 13 November 7pm – 9:15pm

Becoming a mitra (a Sanskrit word meaning "friend") is a significant step someone's spiritual life. It is a declaration that they consider themselves to be a Buddhist within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community. This evening four of our community - Chris, Lee, Liz and Wendy - will take part in a ceremony to mark their passage into a deepening of their spiritual lives.

Mitra ceremonies are very joyful and moving occasions filled with a sense of warmth and loving-kindness. The evening will begin with tea and cake at 6.30pm, with the actual programme beginning at 7.00 pm.

Crystal Bowl Sound Bath with Georgia

Friday 22 November 7pm – 8pm

Immersing in the vibrations of crystal singing bowls allows us to drop into a deeper meditative state whereby we are able to fully relax and let go. Through the crystal bowl vibrations, the nervous system is able to return to a state of rest and digest, allowing the body to heal and creating enough inner space where we get to know ourselves better.

There is nothing to do in preparation, just come with an open mind and heart. Open to all over 18, no previous experience necessary. Booking is essential as places are limited

Fully Booked

Crystal Bowl Sound Bath with Georgia

Friday 22 November 7pm – 8pm

There is nothing to do in preparation, just come with an open mind and heart. Open to all over 18, no previous experience necessary. Booking is essential as places are limited

Fully Booked

Autumn Sangha Retreat - The Taste of Freedom

Friday 29 November – Sunday 1 December

The Buddha said that, just as the great and mighty ocean has but one taste, the taste of salt, the Buddha's Dharma has but one taste - the taste of freedom. During this short residential retreat we will be exploring the Buddhist concept of Freedom, or Liberation. We will examine the Buddha's words from the Pali Canon and explore the practices that lead to that liberation. There will be a talk from Shakyapada setting the scene, followed through the weekend with meditation, discussion, ritual and reflection.

Our new retreat venue - Barmoor - is a stunning Arts and Crafts house standing in a quiet location on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors near Hutton-le-Hole. This retreat is open to everyone who is a regular sangha member from York and Scarborough.

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Explore our Meditation Archive

Over 400 videos are available on demand from our Facebook page (click the video tab) or our YouTube Channel (just search for Triratna York). All the meditations are guided so they are suitable for everyone (even if you have never meditated before). Meditations include Body Awareness, Self-care, Giving and Receiving, Mindfulness of Breathing and Loving-Kindness for ourselves and others. So dive in and enjoy the wonderful benefits of regular meditation.