Buddhist Society Summer School 2025

The 72nd Buddhist Society Summer School Retreat 2025 – Friday 29th August to Friday 5th September 2025 at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

Celebrating 100 Years of The Buddhist Society 1924 – 2024

The week is an opportunity for beginners and experienced practitioners to come together for a program of talks and meditation to deepen their connection with the Dharma and enhance their practice.

Morning talks will cover the early teachings of the Buddha. Afternoon talks will cover Buddhist practice, and Evening talks are on a variety of topics intended to encourage and inspire.

Speakers

This year’s distinguished international speakers from all the main traditions are attending and include:

• Ajahn Sucitto, Cittaviveka Monastery in Chithurst, Thai Forest Tradition
• Lord High Abbot Daiko Osho-san of Ichibata Yakusi Zen Temple in Honshu, Japan of the Rinzai Zen Tradition
• Dr Desmond Biddulph CBE, President of the Buddhist Society, Chairman of the Summer School Retreat, of the Zen Tradition
• Roy Sutherwood, FPMT teacher and leads on Tibetan Studies at the Buddhist Society
• Lopen Ani Pema Deki
• Ven GB Kassapa Maha Thera
  
• Olwen Smith
• Mark Bush
• Marco Albizzi

 Other international speakers are being invited and will be added to the programme.

Daily meditation practice
There are three daily sessions of voluntary meditation. Instructions are offered to newcomers by Mark Bush of the Zen Tradition.

Morning Dharma Talks
A series of six talks. Three talks are given by Olwen Smith on the fundamental teachings common to all schools of Buddhism and three talks given by Roy Sutherwood, former Director of Jamyang Tibetan Buddhist Centre London, on the development of the Mahayana, The Great Way.

Afternoon Talks
Afternoon talks on Buddhist practice in daily life are given by experienced practitioners and open for everyone to attend after tea time and relaxation.

This year the The Buddhist Society Summer School will be returning to High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

The annual Summer School Retreat is a joyous week.  The friendly atmosphere of ‘all on the same path’ makes it a happy experience for everyone. There is free time every day to explore the Lea Valley and the beautiful surroundings of the Hertfordshire countryside.

• Summer School Boarding (Single B) – Single Room With En-suite £850.00
• Summer School Boarding (Double) – Shared Double Room With En-suite £835.00

(please note that all the prices above are per person.)

Click here to read about the Buddhist Society Summer School

There is plenty of free time during the week to explore the countryside. The accommodation consists of single and double rooms with en-suite facilities. All meals are provided, with a choice of vegetarian, vegan or meat, as well as tea and coffee during breaks.

Comments received from previous Summer Schools

• “Summer School is a wonderful mix of serious spiritual teachings and practice, alongside relaxation in beautiful country surroundings, good accommodation and delicious food. All of this is enhanced by warm and welcoming friends.”
• “We came away with a much greater understanding of what Buddhism really is; the essence of it and how it applies to us in our everyday lives, together with the practical application of the daily life practice.”
• “You get time to meditate and learn more deeply about Buddhism as well as having time for yourself, not to mention the chance to meet others who are interested in the Buddha’s way. It is a week of the year that I really value.”
• “… left traces so deeply, it echoes over and over again accompanying me through my daily life practice and life”
• “The directness and clarity with which the essential truths were presented was most welcome”

LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION

• The accommodation is in single rooms unless a shared room is requested.
• All rooms have ensuite facilities..
• All meals (with a choice of vegetarian or meat) as well as tea and coffee during breaks are provided.

TRANSPORT – Directions for travel can be found here. High Leigh is close to Broxbourne Railway Station which connects with London Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters. Full travel details, including a map and directions for drivers, will be sent on receipt of full payment.

COST – Standard prices are provided on the booking form..

Concessionary places:

We have a limited number of bursaries which will pay £300.00 towards the full cost of accommodation, thanks to the Camellia Trust, to those who are unable to meet the full cost and who will be coming for the first time. If you wish to apply, please write giving details of your circumstances.

Bursaries:

Trevor Leggett Adhyatma Yoga Trust

Trevor Leggett Adhyatma Yoga Trust (‘TLAYT’) sponsors a limited number of places where all residential fees will be covered. The payment of travel costs will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Priority will be given to those under the age of 35 or those already engaged in a religious practice, but applications will also be considered from pensioners.

TLAY Trust Application For Buddhist Society Summer School 2025

Apply early as places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.