LBC Charity Shop makes £18 000 profit in first year of trading!

Santavajri from Triratna’s London Buddhist Centre writes with news of their new Right Livelihood charity shop, Lama’s Pyjamas - and the healthy profit they’ve made in their first year of trading!

She says - “Lama’s Pyjamas is the London Buddhist Centre’s new charity shop in Bethnal Green. We sell clothes, bric-a-brac, CDs, DVDs, videos, toys, cards, jewellery, small items of furniture, books, and more. In fact, the only things we don’t sell are electrical goods and larger pieces of furniture. During the 17 months we’ve been open, we’ve sold all manner of weird and wonderful things, including bicycles, designer watches, and a wedding dress!

“The shop is a women’s team-based right livelihood business managed by a team of three, with another 10 or so volunteers and casual workers.

“In our first year, our gross takings were £73 000, of which £18 000 was profit. We employed three full-time workers on Right Livelihood support and paid a market rent for the premises. After re-investing some of the profit in the business, we were able to give £11 000 in dana to the LBC.

“It would seem that, in these times of economic hardship, charity shops can do very good business! We would be happy to share the experience we’ve gained over the last year with anyone in Triratna who is considering setting up a similar venture. Please email Claudine@lamaspyjamas.com, Padmalila@lamaspyjamas.com or Santavajri@lamaspyjamas.com for more information.

They have a website at www.lamaspyjamas.com.

West London Buddhist Centre hosts exhibition of Mongolian Paintings and Calligraphy

News is just in that Triratna’s West London Buddhist Centre is hosting an exhibition on Mongolian Paintings and Calligraphy. Entitled ‘Windhorse’, it’s a solo exhibition by award-winning artist and calligrapher Sukhbaatar Davaakhuu at the Centre, 18-25 March 2011, between 2-6pm.

On Saturday 26 March there’s a talk and workshop ‘Mongolian Script and Calligraphy: the literate nomads’ given by Sukhbaatar Davaakhuu. The talk is free and at 1pm; the workshop is £15 and runs from 2-6pm - they ask people to book for the workshop.

They say - "In his talk, Sukhbaatar Davaakhuu will explain the various scripts that the Mongol nomads use, and emphasise the significance and viability of the Mongolian script. The script represents an artistic creation in its own right, which he will demonstrate in the brush-writing calligraphy workshop, so do come along and have a go. There will be an opportunity for you to have your name or message written in Mongolian script by Sukhbaatar or by yourself. Families are welcome."

The Triratna Buddhist Community on Film

Maitreyaraja writes from Triratna's London Buddhist Centre with news of their upcoming day “The Triratna Buddhist Community on Film”. He says - “On Saturday 19 March Subhuti and Suryaprabha are hosting ‘Earth Rising Heaven Descending’ at the LBC. This is a real opportunity to see the story of Triratna told on film in the presence of both Suryaprabha - the films’ director - and Subhuti - one of Triratna’s principle pioneers, innovators, and teachers.

“There’s four separate films - Background, Once Free, Recurring Dream, and The Rainbow - which between them cross four continents capturing something of the essence of Triratna by showing how it as a spiritual community is evolving and changing in the twenty-first century.

“Besides the films themselves, there’ll be plenty of time to discuss them and ask Subhuti and Suryaprabha questions throughout the day. The day will be hosted by Subhuti.

“Details are: Venue - the London Buddhist Centre, (51 Roman Rd, London, E2); doors open 9.30am. First film at 10.00am, finish at 5.30pm. Bring a vegetarian lunch to share. Cost £25/20. Click here to book, or  for more information phone 020 8981 1225.

Earth Rising Heaven Descending
Saturday 19 March
The Triratna Buddhist Community on Film.

'Poetry East' at the London Buddhist Centre

Maitreyabandhu writes from the London Buddhist Centre with news of the 2011 line-up for Poetry East, their new venture showcasing the work of well-known contemporary poets, exploring the relationship between poetry and spiritual life. He says -  "Hi there all, I'm particularly proud of my line-up for Poetry East next year, so I thought I'd let you know! Here's the details... Love Maitreyabandhu

January 22nd
Penelope Shuttle  has published nine collections of poetry including Redgrove’s Wife, which was short-listed for both the Forward and the TS Eliot Prize. Her new collection, Sandgrain and Hourglass, was a PBS recommendation. 'Her poems of mourning...are among the best she has written.' Elaine Feinstein, The Times.

March 26th
Jo Shapcott won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for Best First Collection, the Forward Poetry Prize, and the National Poetry Competition (twice). She is Professor of Poetry at the University of London and President of the Poetry Society. Her most recent collection Of Mutability, was shortlisted for the Forward Prize.

October 1st
Jackie Kay won the Cholmondeley Award in 2003. Her Maw Broon Monologues, performed at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow were shortlisted for the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry. Her latest book Red Dust Road, a memoir about meeting her Nigerian birth father, was sterilized on BBC Radio 4. In 2006, she was awarded an MBE, for services to literature.

November 19th
Bernard O'Donoghue is a poet and literary critic. His 1995 collection, Gunpowder won the Whitbread Poetry Award. His Selected Poems was published by Faber and Faber in 2008. He received a Cholmondeley Award in 2009. Bernard is a Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford, and a senior member of the Oxford University Poetry Society

First Mitras at new home of Brixton group

Ratnachuda writes from the small Triratna sangha in South London to say -

"On Thursday August 5th the Brixton Buddhist Sangha celebrated its first Mitra ceremonies in our new home at Vaccasin's yoga studio, YogaPoint. Greg, Rachel and Vicki took the very significant step of becoming Mitras that evening.

Amarapuspa and Satyanathin led the ceremony assisted by myself.

The photos show the shrine created by Amarapuspa and the three happy mitras after the ceremony.

Yogapoint can be found at122 Dalberg Road, London SW2 or online at www.yogapoint.co.uk

Maitrin exhibits in East London

Dharmachari Maitrin from Sweden is better-known in arts circles as the photographer Joakim Eneroth. He’s currently exhibiting a collection of photographs entitled ‘Swedish Red’ in the gallery space of art magazine Next Level in East London.

The Swedish Embassy's website reports -

“In his images of snowy Sweden, Eneroth evokes the crisp, idealistic serenity of Nordic winter. Beneath the placid surface, however, lurk the larger questions of isolation and loneliness that come with seeking this quiet security.'

“Eneroth's work has been exhibited internationally in dozens of solo and group shows. He is the recipient of numerous grants and awards and his works are held in private and institutional collections, including The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and The Museum of Modern Art, Stockholm. The photo book Swedish Red is released in 2010. Joakim Eneroth lives and works in Stockholm”.

The exhibition runs from 1 Jun - 18 Jul 2010, at 58 Hanbury Street, London E1 5JL and the opening times are Tuesday - Friday 12 - 6 pm and Saturday - Sunday 2 - 6 pm.

Maitrin’s website is at  www.joakimeneroth.com

new home for Brixton FWBO

Ratnachuda writes on behalf of the four Order Members who together run the FWBO’s small but much-loved group in South London, with news of their new and permanent home - they had met for years in a room attached to the open-air Lido in Brockwell Park, but had had to leave that, and had to move several times since. He says -

“Brixton FWBO finally found a 'permanent' home in December when the Thursday evening Regulars' class re-located from its third temporary venue in eighteen months, as did the beginner's class led by Vimalaraja

“Vaccasin has kindly rented us the mezzanine floor of his new yoga studio, Yoga Point. The Brixton FWBO contributed funds to enable a roof truss to be taken out - this has given us a clear space that can hold 20 people meditating.

“We have a kitchen in the room that allows us to have the traditional FWBO tea break and an increasing number of regulars.

“One of the features of the new space is its shrine, recently created for us by Vaccasin - it’s made of old roof slates, so the photograph of the shrine reflects its simplicity

“Hopefully we will continue to develop the Brixton FWBO and our new home will give us a much needed impetus.

“metta, Ratnachuda, Amarapuspa, Satyanathin and Vimalaraja

2PS - full details of all our classes are on-line at http://brixtonbuddhistmeditation.org"

Reports are reaching us of new premises also for the FWBO groups in Exeter and Glastonbury - watch this space!

Opportunities coming up at Karuna

Andrea writes from the FWBO’s Karuna Trust with news of their hostel in Central India - and an invitation for 2 people to contribute to Karuna's work in London, starting next month. She says -

“The education of a child can pull a whole family out of the cycle of deprivation.  To illustrate this I'd like to tell you a little of Vidyha Salgare's story.

At an educational hostel in Latur, a small town in the heart of India, 65 girls from low-caste backgrounds have found love, support and the opportunity to build a future.

The Latur Girls Hostel is a special place. A delightful family atmosphere is created by 65 girls and three wardens with a mix of exuberance, intelligence and care. The walls resound with creativity and potential. The Karuna supported hostel was purpose built after a devastating earthquake in 1993 in a drought-prone area of Maharashtra.

Vidhya Salgare is from a Dalit family. “I was 10 when my father was murdered. There was discrimination against Dalits in the office where he worked. They found acid in his ears. My mother sells vegetables now, a very hard life. My father loved me, and wanted me to get an education. In the village, the teacher made me sit at the back of the class. It’s not like that here in Latur. I am very happy here.”

Admission to the hostel is based on need – the girls, such as Vidyha, come from the very bottom of the caste system. They live at the hostel free of charge, attend the local schools, and are coached by the hostel wardens.

The hostel, run by members of TBMSG (the Indian equivalent of the FWBO), is a wonderful example of how the rigid hostility of caste can be transformed by care and friendship, and girls who were once imprisoned by poverty and discrimination can realize their potential, and in turn, gain dignity, strength, and hope for the future.

Calling YOU!
Could you tell a story like Vidyha’s to a Karuna supporter? Join a Karuna Phone Campaign from 19 April to 28 May 2010 and find out!

Karuna supporters are often pleased to hear more about our work in Asia, especially when they hear what a difference their donation is making to lives like Vidyha’s. As such, a supporter is often inspired and moved to increase their existing donation.

We need to find 2 more phone fundraisers to join a team of fundraisers for a Karuna phone campaign. It will be 6-weeks long, non-residential, working with a team of Buddhist men and women out of the Karuna office in North London. Financial support is offered.

During the campaign we'll be phoning existing Karuna supporters to communicate the benefits of Karuna’s work in South Asia with a view to them increasing their existing donation.

A fundraiser on a 6-week Karuna phone campaign could raise an extra £17,000 for Karuna. That’s the equivalent of keeping Vidhya and at least 10 of her friends at the hostel for 5 years – enough for them to receive a decent education.

If you would like to tell a story like Vidhya’s, please contact Jo Goldsmid on 0207 697 3006 or jo@karuna.org

An invitation - and a challenge - from the Karuna Trust fundraising team

Khemajala, a fundraiser at the Karuna Trust, writes with an invitation - and a challenge - for all men reading FWBO News. He says -

"Would you like to live a truly meaningful and memorable year as part of a Karuna Men's Fundraising Community?

"On 29 September 2006, in Khairlanji village, central India, Surekha Bhotmange, her daughter Priyanka and her two sons, Roshan and Sudhir were dragged from their home by a mob, stripped naked, paraded through their village, beaten to death, and their bodied dumped in a nearby canal.

 Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange, the father of the family (photo opposite), escaped by lucky chance. The details of this caste-based crime are sickening, and the hatred behind it is difficult to comprehend but the viciousness is typical of many crimes committed against lower caste people in India every day.

"Most of these crimes are invisible, but this atrocity came to light through Dalit campaigns and became an international news story. The Manuski project, led by members of TBMSG (the Indian equivalent of the FWBO), and supported by Karuna, played an important part in making that happen.

"Could you tell Bhaiyyalal’s story? You could give Dalit people such as Bhaiyyalal a voice and help them escape the suffering caused by caste discrimination.

"How? Live a truly meaningful and memorable year as part of a Karuna Men’s Fundraising Community

"From September 2010 to August 2011, Karuna will be pioneering the first team of Karuna Appeal fundraisers who will come together for a year to live and work together as a community of fundraisers.

"We need a team of four or more men.

"What we’re offering:

• Community living based in London
• Blocks of 6 weeks fundraising followed by at least one week off
• A total of 10 weeks leaves including a trip to India and time for retreats
• Training in Fundraising as a spiritual practice
• A comprehensive support package
• Led by Jayaraja

"For more information -
Contact Khemajala
Phone 0207 697 3004
Email khemajala@karuna.org
Web www.appeals.karuna.org

Karuna Trust launches 2010 Fundraising Campaign

Andrea McCaghy writes from the FWBO's Karuna Trust, saying -

"We’re really excited here at Karuna to be able to launch the Karuna 2010 Fundraising Campaigns. Did you know there is a peaceful revolution happening in South Asia?

"There are about 250 million children, women and men in South Asia who have been born into the rigid caste system which inflicts severe restrictions on their lives creating a relentless cycle of suffering which has persisted for thousands of years.

"Karuna was formed in 1980, in response to the suffering of India’s Dalit population. For 30 years, Karuna has worked with some of South Asia’s most disadvantaged people, supporting low-caste and tribal communities, street children and refugees fulfill their potential through our social and Dharma projects.

"Karuna sends over £1 million each year to fund projects in South Asia which support hundreds of thousands of people by lifting them out of poverty, building dignity and challenging discrimination.

"You can help this peaceful revolution.

"How?

"By giving your time in 2010 in one of three ways:

1. Help out on a telephone fundraising campaign in London

2. Join a Karuna residential Door to Door Fundraising Appeal

3. Live in a pioneering Men’s fundraising community for a year

“Karuna door-to-door fundraising appeals are a very effective spiritual practice. Over the years I have seen many people change significantly as a result of taking part in them. I would therefore urge all those who have our work in India at heart to support Karuna in this way.” Sangharakshita

"To find out more:

"Contact Jo Goldsmid, Pete Hannah, Khemajala or Amalavajra
Phone 0207 697 3026
Email appeals@karuna.org
Web www.appeals.karuna.org

Check out the Booklets and posters which are due to arrive at FWBO Buddhist centres across the UK very soon. I attach the poster for those not able to get one - or who'd like a sneak preview!

Bye for now.

Andrea

MBE for London Order Member

FWBO News has just received a tipoff from our Taraloka mole, who says -

“Just discovered that Sraddhapushpa has just collected her MBE at Buckingham Palace!”

Thanks, mole…! It’s true - Debrett’s says so, where we learn that the Queen has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday, to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire...

Sraddhapushpa (whose English name is Suzy Powesland) is a 79-year-old Order Member living in an FWBO women’s community around the London Buddhist Centre, and was for many years a teacher in some of East London’s roughest schools. She was nominated for the award (a Member of the British Empire)by her community, which was awarded for “voluntary service to Black and Minority Ethnic People in East London”.

Sraddhapushpa featured prominently in Ed Husain's 2008 book ‘The Islamist: Why I Joined Radical Islam in Britain, What I Saw Inside and Why I Left’, shortlisted for both the Book Prize and Orwell Prize 2008.

To quote from Chapter 1, Ed Husain says  - “Sir William Burrough primary school in Limehouse was almost an extension of my home. The teachers would often visit my parents and I remember going to Ms Powlesland’s house to pick cherries in her garden. She loved her pupils so much that even her social life revolved around us. At weekends she often took us to theatres in the West End, where many of the stories we read in class came alive on stage. My particular favourite was Peter Pan. I liked his ability to do the undoable: to fly.

“Growing up in Britain in the 1980s was not easy. Looking back, I think Ms Powlesland was trying to create her own little world of goodwill and kindness for the children in her care. We grew up oblivious of the fact that large numbers of us were somehow different – we were ‘Asian’.

"‘Pakis! Pakis! F— off back home!’ the hoodlums would shout. The National Front was at its peak in the 1980s. I can still see a gang of shaven-headed tattooed thugs standing tall above us, hurling abuse as we walked to the local library to return our books. Ms Powlesland and the other teachers raced to us, held our hands firmly, and roared at the hate-filled bigots.

"‘Go away! Leave us alone,’ they would bellow to taunts of ‘Paki lovers’ from the thugs. Little did I know then that one day I, too, would be filled with abhorrence of others..."   (click here to read the rest of the first chapter online).

Sadhu Sraddhapushpa!

Ambedkar Day in north London - coming up soon...

The second annual Ambedkar Day at the FWBO’s North London Buddhist Centre is coming up on Saturday 13th September 2008,.

It’s been created to celebrate the life, work, and legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, who died in 1956 but is still the inspiration to millions upon millions of India’s new Buddhists. More than almost anyone else, he demonstrated the need for Dhamma practice to address both the individual and the world – inspiring Sangharakshita, and though him, the whole FWBO/TBMSG with this vision.

It’s looking to be a rich and full day, running from 10 am – 10 pm, offering a feast of events and information put on by a wide variety of groups, both FWBO and other. There’ll be talks by Vishvapani on ‘Indian Buddhism now’ and Tejadarshan on Ambedkar’s Dhamma Revolution; a display by the Dalit Solidarity Network on their campaign against manual scavenging (still endemic in India) two showings of ‘Recurring Dreams’ (Suryaprabha’s new film on TBMSG and Indian Dhamma. There’ll be a selection of workshops and presentations, including Saul Deason will be reporting on his recent visits to India and to followers of Dr. Ambedkar in Hungary. There’ll be Bollywood Dance by Ramesh; Hindi chanting, and DVDs and books on Caste on sale in the foyer – and even, for those needing a bit of peace and quiet, meditation workshops!

It’s been timed to coincide with the local borough Islington’s InterFaith Peace Week and local councillors are expected to attend.

Saul Deason, the organiser, describes his mission being “to encourage active support for Ambedkarite projects and to broaden the support for them among Buddhists and others”.

Dharma and creativity: fresh explorations

Vajradaka lived for 21 years at Vajraloka, the FWBO's meditation retreat centre in Wales, and for many years its chairman.

Now he's left and moved to the big city, London - and started a new project supporting "creativity". More specifically, he's facilitating forums and workshops on the underlying principles and spirit of Creativity, and he's created a website illustrating what he's trying to do. He describes it as "CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT: Exploring the Dharma in the context of creativity".

Outside of cyberspace you'll find him at 491 Gallery, a vibrant community arts and creativity centre in Leytonstone, London. They describe what they're up to as "an evolving Arts Piece, a meta-conceptual living room, a pirate utopia reclaiming neglected land and property and giving something back to the community with a healthy balance of art, regeneration, education, performance, gardening, and diversity of life..."

Vajradaka hopes his forums/workshops will support creative expression in all its different forms; the next events at 491 are on the 3rd and 17th of September. He tells FWBO News he's also giving one-to-one guidance on creativity - you can email him here.

Of course there's plenty else in the way of creativity going on across the FWBO/TBMSG - in london for instnace we have for years run the London Buddhist Arts Centre. They describe their mission as "to support Buddhist artists to explore the relationship between their art, Dharma practice, and the urban habitat".

Another new development is that on the FWBO Photos website (now hosting over 3,000 FWBO photos!) there's a page dedicated to showcasing the work of some FWBO Artists, including links to many individual artists' pages. Click here to have a look.

West London emerges from the Flood – and Edinburgh says “thank you”

Last summer the West London Buddhist Centre experienced serious flooding on two separate and entirely unrelated occasions – one causing the ceiling of their shrine room to collapse and one covering the floor with water.

Undeterred, they embarked upon the necessary repairs and are now scheduled to be fully up and running again in time to celebrate Buddha Day on Sunday the 18th of May. There will be a free open day from 12 to 5, with talks, meditation, and an exhibition of Buddhist art works, followed by celebrations for the Sangha in the evening.

Among the artwork is a piece by local Buddhist artist Jason Etienne, titled “Basic Buddhism 2” – clearly inspired by the twin sources of British graffiti artist Banksy and the legendary biographies of the Buddha, which speak of lotuses springing up behind each step of the Buddha as he roared his lion’s roar..

Meanwhile, up in Scotland, the Edinburgh Buddhist Centre, who last year experienced major floods of their own, are just celebrating the second anniversary of their new Centre. Their new Director, Vajrahridaya, has written an open letter to all who have ever contributed to the FWBO in Edinburgh. Since those many people are now scattered around the world, we have pleasure in reproducing part of it here on FWBO News. Vajrahridaya writes -

“I, along with the Trustees on the Edinburgh Buddhist Council would like to take this opportunity to thank you and express our gratitude for all the support and help you have contributed towards the stability and growth of our local Sangha in Edinburgh.

“We would like to acknowledge that your help and generosity, in the form of either Donations, Standing Orders, Gift Aid, your practical help, your encouraging presence and words or even just coming along to the centre to support us, has contributed towards the creation of this new centre and thus our Sangha.

“It is due to our collective effort and enthusiasm that we have managed to buy our own new premises and establish our Sangha, the spiritual community in Edinburgh. So Sadhu! Sadhu!! Sadhu!!!

“We hope that you will continue to offer your valuable support and help towards the growth and development of our Sangha and we very much value and welcome your ideas, thoughts and vision for spreading the Buddha’s Dharma in this modern world.

“Yours in the Dharma, Vajrahridaya”

Sadhu Edinburgh!

London Buddhist Centre reviewed on CNN

The London Buddhist Centre's meditation classes have been favourably reviewed on CNN, under the heading 'Meditation - the key to calm', with the reviewer, Brigid Delaney, concuding it was a "surprisingly effective exercise". Click for details...

FWBO Projects Receive Community Funding

The UK government recently announced the results of round 2 of the ‘Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund’, which attracted bids from over 1,200 UK faith-based organisations. The funding was given to “groups with practical solutions to build capacity among faith communities to support inter faith work”. The successful applicants were the Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Croydon FWBO Centres, the Clear Vision Trust, Dharmachakra (now known as Free Buddhist Audio), and the LBC’s Globe Community Project.

A full list of the 343 successful organisations is available online (pdf file). The fund is administered to the Community Development Foundation (CDF). FWBO News will be chasing up the recipients to find out how they will be using the money.

Story by Lokabandhu