London Buddhist Centre

London Buddhist Centre is a Buddhist centre in Bethnal Green that offers meditation, retreats and celebrations with chanting, music and movement. Reviewers mention a Saturday meditation session, an Urban Retreat, a youth club, and a community that is welcoming to people who are not Buddhists. One visitor who is still improving their English says the teacher made an effort to stay close enough to be heard. A recurring criticism is that the centre has not dealt properly with allegations of sexual misconduct against a figure it celebrates. Some people also feel it has become more commercial, and others say its teaching now judges people by identity.

• Meditation sessions and Urban Retreats
• Welcoming, friendly people
• Suitable for non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists
• Celebrations with chanting, music and movement

• Response to misconduct allegations criticised
• Classes said to be inaccessible to people with disabilities
• Retreat meals reported as very small and low-carb

• Wu A.September 2026

  I’ve visited the London Buddhist Centre three times so far, and each experience has been different and very positive. My first visit was mainly meditation, and I found everyone very friendly and welcoming. The second time I joined an Urban Retreat session. I’m still improving my English, and although of course the teacher couldn’t slow the whole class down just for one person, he was extremely patient and made an effort to stay close enough that I could hear him clearly, which I really appreciated. My third visit was for the Padmasambhava celebration, including chanting, music and movement. Parts of the evening were genuinely moving, and I was impressed by how much effort had gone into creating the whole experience. The only thing I found slightly confusing as a newcomer was the suggested donation system. This may partly be a cultural difference, as I come from an East Asian Buddhist background. The Centre provides a lot — teaching, events, refreshments, snacks and sometimes quite elaborate programmes — and I actually think many of these experiences are valuable enough to be charged for. When something is described as free with a suggested donation, but there are also people encouraging donations as you leave, a first-time visitor may feel unsure about whether donating is genuinely optional or socially expected. Personally, I think clearer guidance would make newcomers feel more comfortable. For example, some special events or food could perhaps have a fixed charge, while ordinary meditation and Dharma classes remain donation-based. That said, this is a small point compared with the overall experience. The Centre is warm, well organised and clearly run by people who put a great deal of time and care into what they do. It is honestly one of the better Buddhist centres I have visited. Five stars from me — and next time I come, I’ll be bringing a donation. 🙂

• Dor C.August 2026

  I cannot comprehend how this community is praising someone who committed sexual abuse and despite having MULTIPLE VICTIMS come forward. Sangharakshita was a sexual abuser who should not receive any praise, let alone celebration, yet the LBC still remains in collective denial and further humiliates his victims by reducing them to “lovers/sexual partners.” They are about to celebrate his 100th birthday next week. How does this align with Buddhist teachings? This is pure hypocrisy. It’s very concerning on many levels. People go there with open hearts and put themselves in vulnerable positions (especially on retreats). If the community is praising a sexual abuser, then what’s the guarantee that the past isn’t repeating itself; and if it does, is the LBC ready to take accountability and support the victims? Instead of celebrating this man’s birthday, they should publicly apologise to the victims for the lack of support, understanding and acknowledgement shown in this matter so far. Until this happens, I do not think the London Buddhist Centre is a safe environment.

• Content C.August 2026

  Never again. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Not my Narcissist monkeys not my circus. No cure for narcissists here at london Buddhist centre. Narcissists will always be Narcissists 🤣🤣🤣🤣. London Buddhist centre is a narcissists cult.... full of fear and control and judgements. I am out of here never again 🙏✌️

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