Finding Peace in a Turbulent World

Meditation and Buddhism for Everyone in the Heart of York

Classes and Events or Start the Weekend Well - Saturday Morning Meditation from 10.30 every weekor The Mystery of Being: Six Thursdays 11.00 am to 1.15pm from 3rd July - all over 18 welcome

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.

This year marks the 100th birthday of our teacher's birth. As the founder and guiding inspiration of Triratna, Sangharakshita’s remarkable contributions to modern Buddhism continue to resonate globally.

Diversity

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

EXTRA EVENT:<br>Midsummer Puja in the Woods

EXTRA EVENT:
Midsummer Puja in the Woods

Friday 20 June 2025 7pm – 9:15pm

The Midsummer Equinox is on the Saturday of this week so we are having an extra sangha night event on the Friday before, out into the open air. We'll be meeting in the woods with our portable chairs or cushions, refreshments and a small shrine. And together we will be meditating, socialising and performing a special Celtic Puja to celebrate the season. The venue is accessible by car and okay for wheelchairs. There is a car park.

All over 18 are very welcome. The actual venue, and how to get there, will be announced nearer the time to those who have booked. Please bring any natural materials (pine cones etc) with which to make an offering.

Thursday DAYTIME Class: <br>How do we know if we are on the right Spiritual Path?

Thursday DAYTIME Class:
How do we know if we are on the right Spiritual Path?

Thursday 26 June 11am – 1:15pm

How do we know what is the right spiritual Path?
There is a confusing and conflicting amount of information, ‘new-age’ advice and ‘self-help’ advice available to us these days, especially on social media. How do we judge what is true and beneficial and what is not? In the Buddha’s day, people were also struggling with a similar dilemma of being bombarded by conflicting doctrines and dogma. In an ancient Buddhist text the Kalama tribe ask the Buddha how they can judge what is a wise teaching and what is not? Today Susan will explore his answer.

Open to all over 18. No experience of Buddhism necessary. No need to book. Please make a donation if you can for the session.

<b> Day Retreat</b> <br>Being with Being - an Exploration of Awareness and the Six Senses

Day Retreat
Being with Being - an Exploration of Awareness and the Six Senses

Sunday 29 June 10:30am – 4:30pm

Underneath the chattering mind there is a rich and vast world of sensations and feelings just waiting to be explored. If we can engage with this world then we really begin to change our normal meditation routine into something so much more profound and mysterious. This deeper experience leads to more stable, less reactive, and more contented mental states and moves us closer to a deeper sense of the way things really are. During this Day Retreat Shakyapada will be guiding us in an exploration of present-moment Being, experiencing the six senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, feeling and thinking and reflecting on the true nature of these senses.

Open to all those over 18 who have been meditating for at least six months and who have a regular meditation practice.

<b> Adhisthana</b><br>International Summer Sanghas Retreat | Invoking Padmasambhava: The Precious Master | Bhante 100

Adhisthana
International Summer Sanghas Retreat | Invoking Padmasambhava: The Precious Master | Bhante 100

Sunday 24 August – Sunday 31 August

Led by Subhuti + team
This is going to be a large international gathering in the big marquee and the stunning surroundings of Adhisthana. It is primarily a camping (or camper vanning) retreat. Members of our sangha are invited to join these celebrations around Sangharakshita's 100th Birthday and learn more about the life and practice of Padmasambhava. There will be no official York party but why not team up with friends and make your own way there? Booking is direct with Adhisthana.

Costs will be as follows: Standard £330 | Concession £265 | Financial Assistance £210 (payment includes a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of £70).

See More Buddhism<br>Classes See More Meditation See More Introductory<br>Courses See More Retreats

Don't miss out! Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and details about upcoming events.

We won't share your details with anyone and you can unsubscribe with one click at any time.

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.