Friday Night Lecture
monthly - 90 minutes
About this class
A monthly class where we explore Buddhist perspectives on contemporary questions. There is no meditation in this class, but we leave lots of time for discussion and Q&A.
Class details
📆 When: One Friday a month, 7:30pm - 9pm
📍 Where: Jangchub Ling Centre
👨🏫 Teacher: Gen Kelsang Khechog
Next topic
This class shares a monthly theme with our ‘Meditation & Daily Life’ classes and our half day courses. May’s theme: ‘empathy’
9th May: Is It Possible To Be Truly Selfless?
Is it true to say that ‘a selfless act is one where we receive no benefit, but do it anyway’? If we always receive benefit from good actions, then does that mean selfishness is unavoidable and should be embraced? Buddha has a less confusing, more effective and much more uplifting view of selflessness, which we will explore in this class.
With plenty of time for questions and discussion.
Upcoming class topics
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Friday 6th, 7:30pm - 9pm
Exploring the Spirit of Play in Spiritual Life
When we practise meditation we should be like a child at play. When children are engrossed in their games they feel completely contented and nothing can distract them. Even if they are offered sweets they have no interest because the pleasure of their game is so great. Join us to explore together how to find such joy in our meditation practice.
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Friday 5th, 7:30pm - 9pm
Can Faith Be Scientific?
Faith is often framed as the opposite of scientific understanding - a blind, unthinking belief born out of attachment, convenience, or desperation. But does this really describe our experience of faith? Buddha himself insisted on a scientific approach to understanding the mind, warning to never accept blindly and to always checkhis teachings carefully against our own experience. In this class we will take Buddha’s advice and put faith to the test.
The Teacher for Friday Night Lectures
Friday Night Lecture is led by our resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Khechog.
Known for his thoughtful nature, Gen Khechog presents Buddha’s teachings with relatable clarity, showing how to connect these beautiful meditations with the realities of modern daily life.
Questions?
FIND ANSWERS HERE
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Our classes have three parts:
Guided meditation
Every class (except for ‘Friday Night Lectures’) includes a chance to practise meditation. No prior experience is necessary and all the meditations are guided.
Teaching
From Buddha’s teachings, these practical talks help us to solve our daily problems and find peace, happiness and, if we wish, a deeper purpose in our busy lives.
Discussion
A chance to discuss the topic of the talk and meditation with others during the break over refreshments. No one is ever ‘put on the spot’ and asked to talk in a class. The teacher will normally make time for questions, and will be happy to clarify any points during the class too.
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Yes. Courses cover a wide variety of topics from simple stress reduction to profound wisdom teachings, but are always taught in an accessible way such that everyone leaves with some practical insight they can use in daily life.
One exception to this is our monthly ‘Tantra’ class. Please see the Tantra class page for details.
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No. People from all backgrounds attend JLC to find peace according to their own individual needs and wishes. Everybody is welcome.
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No special clothing is needed. Our courses do not include any physical exercise and most people choose to sit on chairs, though cushions are also set out for those who prefer to sit on the floor.
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Other than removing shoes before going in to the meditation room (they can be worn as normal elsewhere) and turning phones off during session, there are no special rules to follow. People are always very pleasantly surprised with just how informal, welcoming and down to earth Jangchub Ling is; you’ll feel right at home in no time.
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Walk-ins are very welcome. You can pay on arrival (cash/card) or book online in advance. Block booking discounts are available.
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Centre members can access several of our classes online and we hope to offer online courses in the future too. Please see our ‘membership’ page for a list of online classes.
More questions? We’d love to hear from you!
Booking
After class refreshments included
Friday Night Lecture - once a month - 7:30pm - 9pm
These classes are included in Regular & Regular Plus membership options
Cost: £7 per class