On Sunday 15th September we will be celebrating the greatly precious guru, Padmasambhava. There are many reasons to celebrate Padmasambhava, which you will hear about during our celebrations. Padmasambhava is a semi-historical and mythical figure, who was crucially involved in the introduction and establishment of Buddhism in Tibet, though not a Tibetan himself. He is often regarded as the second Buddha in Tibet which gives some sense of his achievements and reputation, the prime example of a guru or even, the archetypal guru. If you would like to research him before the festival day it would be well worth listening to Sangharakshita’s talk on Padmasambhava in 1979, given at the London Buddhist Centre during a festival day.
Our own festival day will begin at 9.30am with an opportunity for all Order Members to gather in the morning and be led through the Padmasambhava sadhana by Sthanashraddha, after which the day will open up for everyone with a shared breakfast – please bring some vegetarian or vegan breakfast food to share).
The day will begin properly at 11am with introductions, chanting and meditation followed by a talk from Gambhiradhi exploring the precious guru.
Lunch will again be a shared meal, a festive meal, of food we all bring to share. Please bring something ‘Indian’ so we have a great Indian feast – rice dishes, curried vegetable dishes, tasty dhal and samosas, even Indian sweets!! If we all bring a bit more than we would eat it will be glorious.
The afternoon will begin at 1.45pm and see us worshiping around our festival shrine and beautiful statue of Padmasambhava. With a great big puja and within which will be several Mitra ceremonies. After the puja we will have time to celebrate and socialise with Sangha, friends and family of our new Mitras with tea and cakes – if you bake do feel free to offer up a tasty cake!
Padmasambhava Day Programme 2024.
9.30am Led Padmasambhava sadhana for all Dharmachari(ni)s.
10.30am Doors open, shared breakfast (please bring vegetarian /vegan food to share).
11am Start of Festival day – introductions, chanting, meditation.
11.30am Talk on Padmasambhava.
12.30pm Shared festive lunch (please bring vegetarian /vegan food to share).
1.45pm Padmasambhava Puja with Mitra ceremonies
3.30pm Post puja and Mitra ceremonies with tea and cake.
4.30pm Clear up and depart.
Read about our friends becoming Mitras today…
Helen Green
Hello to you all! As a child I was full of curiosity for the world and forever asking existential questions for which I could never quite find an answer to. This inquisitiveness followed me into adulthood and the pursuit of a spiritual path. A move to Brighton 20 years ago greatly opened me up to new perspectives, and around 11 years ago, whilst training as a midwife, a friend brought me to the Brighton Buddhist Centre. Here I learned to meditate, and I attended drop-ins for many years. Alongside this I began exploring different Buddhist traditions, attending retreats, talks and trying to develop as a Buddhist. However, I felt that to truly grow I needed a Sangha, and so in January 2023 I committed to deepening my relationship with Triratna and decided to attend the Foundation Year course. Through the connections I made, and with a growing relationship to Buddhism and the dharma, I began to help with the Young Sangha at the centre. The centre began to feel like home, and I felt I had found the Sangha I needed for my spiritual path to unfold.
I’m particularly moved by engaged Buddhism and see my work as a midwife, and with my local community, as a core part of my Buddhist practice; striving to live my values and practice Buddhist ethics in an embodied way that uses dharma for the liberation of all, and as a way to engage with social justice issues. My midwifery practice continues to be deeply entwined with my Buddhist practice, both showing me sacredness, meaning, and alternative ways of being in the world, and in relationship with myself and others.
I am so happy to be becoming a Mitra, and look forward to walking this Buddhist path with you.
Janice Leeming
I was born in Kendal when it was still part of the old county of Westmorland, a county where generations on both sides of my family come from. I was brought up on a beautiful farm, in the middle of an ancient landscape, and wanted to become a farmer. My father died when I was aged 14 and I lost contact with the farming community shortly afterwards. I will always have a special connection with that part of the world.
I studied at the University of Sheffield and Leicester University and worked for a number of years in London before moving to Lancaster. In 2001 I wrote a list of all the things I wanted to have in my ideal place to live and decided that Hove was the place for me. One of the first places I connected with, when I arrived in Brighton and Hove, was the Brighton Buddhist Centre. I attended regularly for a number of years, eventually taking the Foundation Course.  For some reason, that is lost to me, I kept meaning to reengage, but it never happened. I continued to practise meditation and learn about Buddhism, and other philosophies from India, in the intervening years.
Last year, I rather randomly found myself being drawn to having my Tarot cards read; during the session the reader talked about how Buddhism is my spiritual path, I questioned this but she was quite insistent and then the realisation dawned on me that perhaps the guidance was right! It was a light bulb moment. When I realised that I wanted to more seriously follow the Buddhist path the Brighton Buddhist Centre was the first place that came to mind and I practically ran back to the Centre.
Since my return, about a year ago, there are number of things that I have particularly valued about the Triratna Buddhist Community: one is the sense of community and friendship, the other is that the Community draws inspiration from the whole Buddhist tradition which I find fascinating and thirdly there is a pathway along which I can deepen and more fully embody my practice which I am keen to do.
In terms of earning living, I started off as a volunteer for an environmental charity and worked my way to 15 years in senior charity leadership roles, including as a CEO. Alongside my paid work I have volunteered, in some kind of capacity, most of my life since I was about 17. I currently work part-time for the Sussex Recovery College and part-time as a Wellbeing Coach. I qualified as a Classical Yoga Teacher in India 15 years ago and am currently part way through the Mindfulness Facilitator training with Breathworks.
I live in Hove with my partner of nearly 20 years and our two cats.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for welcoming me as a Mitra of the Triratna Buddhist Community.
Sarah Allen
I first encountered Buddhism through meditation when I travelled South East Asia at 18 years old, 10 years ago. It was the first time I had ever experienced that feeling of calm, serenity, peace. Over the years I have always felt connected to the power of meditation, and been intrigued by the wisdom to be found in Buddhist philosophy. I started attending the Brighton Buddhist centre by joining a Dharma study course, I was surprised almost by how much the teachings resonated with me, and how practical they were in relation to our lives, such as the concept of skilful and unskilful actions, and addressing the feelings of unsatisfactoriness which we often try to distract ourselves from or become weighed down by, I felt the Dharma as a framework through which I could explore and live my life. This also contributed to me becoming a qualified Mindfulness Teacher, further deepening my interest in and commitment to this way of living, and wanting to be able to share this with other people. I work in the charity sector, and being able to help others is a purpose that is very important to me. I feel very grateful and privileged to have found this path, becoming a Mitra is the next chapter of the journey, and I’m excited to discover what arises.
Alex Wootton
Alex’s journey began on the 29th of June, 1989, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. A gentle Cancerian boy born to Lesley and Tony, joining his older half-sisters Amanda, Vicky, and Susy.
From an early age, Alex exhibited a natural curiosity for the world, particularly when it came to anything that challenged the mind. Puzzles, games, activities requiring focus and thought—were his playground. But beyond his love for problem-solving, Alex showed an early spark for creativity. Whether it was through music, visual arts, or the inventive ways he’d approach life’s challenges, there was always a sense that his mind was both sharp and imaginative—a combination that would serve him well in the years to come.
Some of his fondest childhood memories involve time spent with his dad, flying kites, playing games and on the computer, tinkering with motorbikes and cars, absorbing the joy of hands-on work and learning to see the beauty in the mechanics of things. In fact, even as a toddler, Alex had his own little jeep—small, but significant—perhaps the first glimpse of the independent spirit that would later define him. His childhood was also shaped by quieter, more reflective moments at the farm, where his mum Lesley kept her horse, King Samuel. They also enjoyed blackberry picking on the way home, a game of badminton and custard for pudding! And, of course, being a child of the ‘90s, Alex couldn’t resist the allure of video games. His Game Boy was a constant companion, sparking what would become a long-term love for technology and gaming—interests that, over the years, have evolved into much more than a pastime.
At the young age of 16, Alex made a bold decision and moved on his own to Brighton. To some (including his parents!) it may have seemed like a leap, but to Alex, it was a natural progression. He was ready for the world. Within no time, he had secured a job, found a cozy studio flat in Hove, and began his next chapter. Moving out at such a young age, Alex demonstrated the blend of independence and determination that we still see in him today. He also made sure he wasn’t entirely alone in this new city, returning home one evening with a little black kitten named Yoshimitsu, a loyal companion who stayed by his side for many years.
Brighton has been his home ever since, and it’s in this vibrant and creative city that Alex has continued to carve out his path. Throughout his 20s, he thoughtfully and strategically navigated the world of work, developing a unique set of skills in technology. But beyond his technical expertise, what really sets Alex apart is his ability to connect with people—combining his natural curiosity, empathy, and problem-solving mindset to create a rare mix of abilities. Whether coding, troubleshooting, or just lending an ear, Alex’s approach to his work and his relationships is always personal and thoughtful.
However, it wasn’t all about work! Throughout his 20s, he found himself surrounded by a big, vibrant group of friends, many of whom were involved in the DIY music scene. Whether attending gigs, supporting friends, or discovering new artists, music has always been a constant source of joy in his life. Alex also took time out to travel across South America. Having had little experience travelling before, and without speaking Spanish, it was a brave and challenging decision that took him far outside his comfort zone. Immersed in diverse cultures, Alex witnessed firsthand how people live in very different circumstances, often with far fewer resources. Experiencing poverty up close left a lasting impression, deepening his empathy and giving him a new perspective on the world.
In more recent years, Alex’s journey has taken an introspective turn. Deeply committed to personal growth, he has invested in group therapy, where he explores the complex dynamics of relationships and how his early family experiences shaped his view of the world. It’s been a profound journey of self-discovery, one that has deepened his understanding of both himself and those around him. In 2021, Alex embarked on another significant chapter—marrying Veronika, and together they’ve built a life filled with love, curiosity, and shared passions. This past July, they welcomed their son, August, into the world. Being a father will, no doubt, be one of Alex’s most rewarding experiences to date, adding a new layer to his ever-evolving journey.
Alongside his personal and professional pursuits, Alex has found deep solace and strength in his Buddhist practice. The teachings of Buddhism and the support of his community at the Brighton Buddhist Centre have provided him with guidance, balance, and a strong foundation for navigating life’s challenges, including having recently lost both of his parents to dementia and cancer.
So today, we’re here to celebrate a person who is not only a wonderful friend, husband, and now father—but someone who is always seeking to learn, to grow, and to connect with the world in meaningful ways. Alex’s journey thus far has been remarkable. He faces challenges with courage, embraces every opportunity with an open heart, and continues to build a life that reflects his values, passions, and his love for those around him. As his wife Veronika would say, he is ‘the best’.
