The Buddhist Society

Last day of Term
2026-07-17 | The Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PH, United Kingdom

Zen Sundays Online
2026-07-26 11:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-30 11:00 - 15:30, 2026-09-27 11:00 - 15:30, 2026-10-25 11:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-29 11:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London)
Usually the last Sunday of the month in term time
Free online monthly classes through Zoom – details below

Join Zoom Meeting
https://thebuddhistsociety.zoom.us/j/89123490588
Meeting ID: 891 2349 0588
Zen Sundays are for newcomers wishing to learn more about Zen Buddhism and seasoned practitioners alike.
These classes are open to all, but are designed for those unable to attend during the week, allowing them to engage fully in the Zen training programme. There will be an opportunity to have a personal talk with an experienced teacher.
– Morning session run by senior members of Shobo-an Zen Temple
– Afternoon session led by ordained members of the sangha
This class is usually run on Sundays monthly (online schedule 11.00am 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 3:30pm) and is open to non-members and newcomers.
Please arrive a few minutes before the class starts to settle in
These classes are free and open to non-members but students are encouraged to join The Buddhist Society as members to support our wonderful free classes and courses and donations are very welcome.

Buddhist Society Summer School 2026
2026-08-22 - 2026-08-29
The 73nd Buddhist Society Summer School Retreat 2026
Saturday 22nd August to Saturday 29th August 2026
at Milton Hill House, Oxfordshire
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:

Lord High Abbot Daiko Osho-san of Ichibata Yakusi Zen Temple in Honshu, Japan of the Rinzai Zen Tradition
Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
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
Ven GB Kassapa Maha Thera
Olwen Smith
Mark Bush

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 held at Milton Hill House in Oxfordshire, which is a Georgian manor house surrounded by 22 acres of garden and woodland .
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.

Summer School Boarding (Single B) – Single Room With En-suite £950.00
Summer School Boarding (Double) – Shared Double Room With En-suite £575.00

(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. Milton Hill House is 12 miles from to Didcot Parkway Railway Station which connects with London Paddington. 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 2026
Young Persons’ Rate
The Hokun Trust provide a limited number of places at a special young person’s rate of £300 off the full cost of accommodation. This rate is for those up to and including 30 years of age (proof of age, when sending in booking form with payment).
Apply early as places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
