With its gorgeous attractions, fabulous
shopping experience, awesome museums, unique art galleries, and excellent restaurants,
London beckons to you. And you are thinking that you just might spend your
vacation this year in this wondrous place. And yet you are having second
thoughts; you are saying to yourself, “I’ve known all these things before.”
But London has more to offer than the
usual sights, sounds, and pleasures. Not far away from Gower Street house bed and breakfast
is the London Buddhist Centre, where you can find some special ways to relax
and unwind.
Many people in the West, including those
in London, have embraced Buddhism, and the London Buddhist Centre (LBC) is one
of the largest urban centres of this religion in the West. It opened in 1978
and is run by the Triratna Buddhist Community; its Victorian building now a
landmark in London’s East End.
Many Buddhists now live and work in the
vicinity of this centre, which has come to be known as a Buddhist village. LBC
itself is involved in outreaches and in a communities’ organization called
London Citizens, and thereby became a major influence in promoting Buddhist
beliefs in the city and nearby places.
LBC is open to the public, with no
expectation of commitment, and it teaches Buddhism in a way that has meaning to
modern life. The atmosphere it generates is one of strong community and
friendship. Two Buddhist practices in particular that have gained popularity
among many people are meditation and yoga. Mindfulness is also taught — for
mental health and well-being — and it is found to be especially helpful in
controlling depression, anxiety, and stress.
Meditation is a way for you to free your
mind of worries and to gain focus, resulting in a happier life. (And it is
practiced not just by Buddhists, but also by followers of other religions.) The
concentration here is on breathing, and mindfulness also comes into play.
Yoga, on the other hand, is the age-old
art of stretching that not only develops your physical strength and
flexibility, but it also calms your mind and emotions. It is a very good way to
relieve stress.
Aside from meditation, mindfulness, and
yoga classes, LBC also offers Buddhism classes for those who want to know more
about it, and with a focus on learning how to work with your own mind. With the
help of an experienced teacher, one can go deeper in his learning and develop
strong friendships with the other students.
And for those who want to experience
more freedom from the troubles of life, LBC offers special retreats. In them
you can learn more about Buddhism, find rest, be inspired, and meet new
friends. Such retreats can be life-changing.
So, have you finally decided to visit
London? If you have, then simply book in one of hotels near
Bloomsbury Street London and try joining one of these classes offered by
the London Buddhist Centre. It can change your life.
