Regular Events
Fridays – Sutta Discussion Group
with Ven Canda, 18:45 – 20:00pm UK time
Next sessions:
April 3rd & 17th (BST)
May 1st, 8th, 22nd
June 5th, 26th
Whether you are a beginner to sutta study, or well acquainted with the Buddha's teachings found in the Early Buddhist texts (EBT's), this ongoing sutta discussion group provides a unique opportunity to explore the profound and timeless wisdom of the Buddha, together with Ven Canda (and occasional monastic guests).
Whilst Ven Canda will offer reflections on some of her favourite teachings, informed by her decades of sutta study and meditation practice, the main aim is to provide you an opportunity to discuss ways in which the teachings might apply to your contemporary lives, in order to inspire, guide and deepen your own practice.
In the Buddha's day, bhikkhunis, bhikkhus, lay men and lay women became enlightened after hearing just one sutta! So, you are welcome to drop in as you choose. Regular attendance will give you a deeper appreciation of the Buddha's teachings as a whole, that may transform your lives for the better!
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
N.B You will need to be signed in to your personal zoom account to access all meetings. Please refer to our easy guidelines here: Joining Zoomi Bhikkhuni.
Saturdays – Guided Metta Meditation
with Ven Canda, 9:00 – 10:00am UK time
Next sessions:
May 2nd, 16th
June 6th, 27th
Start the weekend resourced by cultivating a soft and spacious heart, through the powerful practice of loving kindness. Regular practice helps undermine the sticky hindrance of ill will that can manifest in numerous ways - such as fault-finding, fear, depression or lethargy - and that zaps our vitality and joy. As we grow in loving kindness, our relationships with ourselves and others improve, our happiness increases and deep meditation becomes easier. What's not to love?!
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
N.B You will need to be signed in to your personal zoom account to access all meetings. Please refer to our easy guidelines here: Joining Zoomi Bhikkhuni.
Tuesday & Thursday Silent Sitting Group
Every Tuesday and Thursday 19:15 - 20:00 UK Time via Zoom - peer hosted by Matthias.
"Since December 2021 we have had a regular group of about 20 people coming to meditate in silence together, and people have said that they find it very supportive in developing and strengthening a regular practice. It never fails to amaze me how strongly connected we can be from afar, without even uttering a word - especially when we unite in wholesome (non) action!" ~ Ven Canda
Please be aware that this is NOT a guided meditation session but is intended for those who are looking for a virtual community with whom to sit silently in meditation together.
Please join early so Matthias can let you in before he starts meditating!
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
Pali Chanting & Blessings Group ~ Karaniya Metta Sutta
Wednesdays 17:30 - 18:00 UK Time
Join us to chant or just listen to the Karaniya Metta Sutta in Pali, the closest language to that which the Buddha spoke. Every week we offer an opportunity for you to dedicate loving kindness, compassion, and blessings to those who may be in need of support – be they family, friends or those suffering through war and famine. Ven Canda will usually be available and on the rare occasion she is not, a senior Anukampa volunteer will lead the chanting.
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
Special Events
Online Dhamma Teachings in Vietnam,
Sydney & Poland
by Ajahn Canda
Sunday 10th May 9-11am BST for Vietnamese group,"Loving Kindness & the Seven Enlightenment Factors"
Details to be announced on our website and Facebook page, closer to the time.
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Monday 11th May 10am-11.20am BST for Sydney Metta Centre, "Accepting the Unacceptable"
We are living through times that can feel impossible to fully face ~ escalating climate disruption, deep political fractures and an intense undercurrent of uncertainty. The instinct is often to shut down or harden into anger. But what if the path forward asks something different of us?
This talk explores how to accept the reality of what feels unacceptable without losing ourselves to despair, numbness, or division. It offers a grounded approach to working with grief and fear ~ acknowledging them as natural, necessary responses rather than weaknesses to suppress. We’ll examine how rest, reflection and care are not forms of escape, but essential practices that restore our capacity to respond with wisdom and courage.
Together, we’ll consider how to choose where to place our energy in a world full of urgent needs and act with purpose without being consumed by overwhelm. This is not a call to be endlessly resilient, but an invitation to be human: to move between engagement and rest, clarity and confusion, hope and grief ~ while continuing to choose a path of compassionate, courageous action.
Join online by clicking on this link to access the session.
Meeting ID: 835 0648 9824| Passcode: 718905
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Sat 16th May 16:00- 17:30 BST for the PEBS (Polish Early Buddhist Society), "Tuning into the Natural Breath"
This session will discuss why breath meditation is sometimes hard and how the gradual training supports a natural arising of breath awareness that leads one through the stages of Anapanasati, almost effortlessly and with much joy.
The organisers extend a warm welcome to everyone around the world. Here is the link for more information:
https://polishearlybuddhismsociety.pl/events-1/eng-ajahn-canda
Wednesday, 20th May 2026, 09:00 – 10:00
Vesak Vibing With Venerables:
Bhante Sujato & Ajahn Canda Discuss Suttas
On Thursday 14th and Wednesday 20th May at 9pm BST, Bhante Sujato and I have been invited by Angela and Chade-Meng Tan of Buddhism.net to participate in their "Seriously Sutta" series - a Vesak special entitled "Vibe with the Venerables." Expect the talks to directly address the challenges we are facing in the current socio-political context, as we grapple with how we can stay steady and resourced in order to take appropriate responsible and compassionate action.
We are still awaiting Bhante's input on the theme, which will later be posted here: https://buddhism.net/events-upcoming/
Saturday, 23rd May 2026, 14:30 – 18:00
Anukampa Grove Meditation Afternoon
with Ajahn Canda
(18 people only)
Enjoy a quiet afternoon of meditation with spiritual friends in tranquil surroundings from 14:30 until 18:00pm. Please arrive and settle in quietly at 14:00, so we can start with some Dhamma teaching at 14:30pm.
The afternoon will include time for sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma reflections, some group discussion and, of course, tea 🙂
Please bring your own flask or cup, and if you wish, some chocolate, milks and teas to share. If you would like to offer other items for the nuns, please check the Needed Items List before coming for a list of what would be helpful at this time.
We ask that you kindly consider your plans carefully before booking to avoid the admin that arises from cancellations.
Please be aware that Anukampa Grove is not a traditional Buddhist temple open to the public but a quiet bhikkhuni (nuns') residence. Your welcome is by pre-arrangement and upon the invitation of the bhikkhunis - no drop in visitors are allowed. We trust that you come with the intention to respect and benefit from the peaceful atmosphere at Anukampa Grove. In the spirit of care for the local environment, any vehicle must be parked in our driveway and not on the private roads nearby.
Saturday, 30th May 2026, 10:15 – 16:00
Ajahn Canda & Special Guest:
The Magic of Inspiration at Vesak!
In person at St. Colomba’s Church, Oxford.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Vesak Day, one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar. This special day offers an opportunity to come together as a Dhamma community for quiet reflection, laughter and meaningful connection.
Vesak commemorates the birth, Awakening and Parinibbāna - the final release from saṃsāra - of Gotama the Buddha. It is a time to pause, remember and renew our commitment to the Noble Eightfold Path, of virtue, peace and compassionate wisdom. Traditionally, Vesak is also a time when the lay community joyfully supports the monastic Saṅgha, offering the requisites that sustain their practice and preserve the Buddha’s teachings.
Above all, Vesak represents a coming together of diverse people, united by shared values of peace, compassion, generosity and goodwill. We invite you to stoke the fires of inspiration, reverence and spiritual joy with us!
The day will include:
- Dhamma reflection & guided meditation
- Refuges & Precepts (optional)
- Shared pot-lunch (please label food ingredients) and time to chat together
- Special guest, joining us online from Australia!
- Opportunity to discuss Dhamma with Ajahn Candā
Ajahn Brahmali's UK Visit: 12th - 22nd Jun 2026
Ajahn Brahmali is back in England this June and we have the opportunity to host him at our bhikkhuni residence, Anukampa Grove, on Boars' Hill! During his visit, we will be packing in lots of Dhamma teachings in Oxford, Surrey and London - including an 8-day residential retreat at the beautiful Franciscan Centre Ladywell in Surrey with its meditative atmosphere and serene grounds.
Ajahn's joy-infused delivery and extensive knowledge and experience of Buddhist practice helps us to forge a closer relationship with the Buddha and his teachings, that speak straight to our hearts and our daily lives.
Register for Ajahn Brahmali's teaching events below.
About Ajahn Brahmali
Born in Norway in 1964, Ajahn Brahmali felt a strong calling to Buddhism and meditation in his early 20’s after a visit to Japan. Having completed master degrees in engineering and finance, he began his monastic training as an anagarika in England at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries.
In 1994, after hearing a teaching by Ajahn Brahm, he went to Australia to train at Bodhinyana Monastery. He took full ordination as a bhikkhu, with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor, in 1996.
Ajahn Brahmali is a powerfully effective teacher of meditation, who draws direct inspiration from the Buddhist texts. He also teaches the Pali language and the monastic training rules to monks at Bodhinyana Monastery, and to bhikkhunis in Perth and beyond. Ajahn Brahmali also played an instrumental role in ordaining Theravada bhikkhunis and was recently awarded an honorary PhD for his translation of the Vinaya from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
As a Dhamma teacher, Ajahn Brahmali makes the teachings of the Buddha relevant and accessible through his lucid and inspiring talks. Here is some feedback from an 8-day online retreat that he taught for our community in 2021, alongside Ajahn Canda:
"I feel so lucky and grateful to have had the chance to participate in this retreat and to be in touch with your teaching. The path has never seemed so clear and beautiful to me! I feel that I am in contact with the best approach for my practice and for my daily life. Ajahn Brahmali's enthusiasm for suttas is contagious, I really want to read some from now on!" ~ by A.V.
Friday, 12th June 2026, 18:45 – 20:45
Dhamma Talk with Ajahn Brahmali
"So, You Think You Understand Impermanence...?"
At Oxford Quakers
We might think we understand impermanence but usually our understanding does not go very deep. We are trapped in perceptions that do not reflect reality. Sometimes we underestimate impermanence, at other times we overestimate it. We need to find the middle way and then investigate deeply. As we do so, the most natural yet beautiful truth reveals itself!
Sat 13th – Sat 20th June 2026
Ajahn Brahmali ~ 8-Day Residential Retreat:
"Turning Your Life Into a True Blessing"
At The Franciscan Centre Ladywell, Surrey
We are delighted to announce that Ajahn Brahmali is back to England in to teach his third 8-day silent residential retreat.
What is the theme of the retreat?
Mahāmaṅgala Sutta (The Discourse on the Highest Blessings) is among the most cherished teachings of the Theravāda tradition - a gentle yet profound guide to living well. Uniquely grounded in the realities of lay life, it offers clear, practical reflections that nourish the heart and quietly transform the way we live, relate, and practice.
Step by step, this sutta elucidates the entire spiritual path: from cultivating harmony and wise conduct in daily life, through deepening inner clarity and ultimately pointing toward liberation itself. During this retreat, we will slow down and explore its verses with care, drawing on the wider wisdom of the Pāli Canon to illuminate each blessing and bring it alive in our own experience.
Join us for a contemplative journey into simplicity, meaning, and awakening - a space to listen, reflect, and let the teachings gently lead you to freedom and liberation.
Be there or be square! 🙂
Where will the retreat be held?
We are delighted to have found a very peaceful venue in idyllic surroundings. Set in the heart of beautiful Surrey, The Franciscan Centre Ladywell is spiritual home to Franciscan Sisters and the FMDM (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood), who have created a space of peace, beauty and reflection. The buildings and extensive grounds lend themselves perfectly to a silent meditation retreat. We feel confident that the atmosphere alone will support you in quietening the mind!
By coming to the retreat you are agreeing to observe the Eight Precepts. If you require food in the evening for medical purposes, please ensure that you bring along simple snacks such as flapjacks, that can be kept in the shared kitchenettes.
Sunday, 21st June 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
Day retreat with Ajahn Brahmali:
"Spiritual Growth Through
Kindness & Compassion"
At St. Margaret's Institute, Oxford.
The Mettā Sutta looks at the entire spiritual path through lense of good will and love. We will investigate how you can use the practice of metta to purify your virtue, to super-charge your meditation, and finally to take you to the deepest insights of the Buddhist path. Moreover, the path of metta is a path of happiness and ease. If you agree that the spiritual life should be uplifting and fun, see you there!
Tentative Schedule:
09:30 - 09:55 Arrivals
10:00 - 11:30 Dhamma talk and guided meditation (silence begins!)
11:30 - 12:00 Walking meditation
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and rest period
13:00 - 13:30 Dhamma talk
13:30 - 14:15 Lightly guided meditation
14:15 - 15:00 Walking meditation/Tea break
15:00 - 15:45 Q&A
16:00 - 16:30 Final metta meditation and closing words
Monday, 22nd June 2026, 19:00 – 20:30
Dhamma Talk with Ajahn Brahmali:
"The Mystery of Letting Go: How To Do It At Will"
At London Buddhist Vihara, Chiswick
Why is it so hard to let go? Why is it that we usually can't do it when we try, but then it happens out of the blue? We will investigate the process of letting go and try to understand the mechanism behind it. Once we gain more clarity, we can use this to our advantage. Instead of trying hard and getting frustrated, we allow the path to unfold naturally.
No registration necessary; attendance is by donation.
Ajahn Brahm’s “The Bliss of Enlightenment” UK Tour
11th – 24th Nov 2026
This year, Ajahn Brahm returns to the UK to share his insightful teachings and compassionate wisdom. Joined by Ajahn Canda, Ajahn Brahm will be offering a Dhamma talk Oxford, an eight-day residential retreat at the tranquil Gaunts House in Dorset, as well as a weekend non-residential retreat at the Mercure Hotel, Oxford.
Ajahn Brahm’s unique blend of humour, compassion and profound understanding of Buddhist principles is certain to enrich your practice, whether you are an experienced meditator or a newcomer. His teachings cover everyday life themes, providing valuable insights and practical guidance.
Ajahn Brahm is dedicated to visiting England yearly to support Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project’s charitable aims of spreading the Dhamma and developing Anukampa Grove, our new bhikkhuni residence. Anukampa Grove offers women the opportunity to practice and aspire towards full bhikkhuni ordination for the first time in UK history, and provides a nurturing environment for our warm-hearted and diverse community to flourish.
All proceeds from the tour help cover venue hire and other arrangements. Any excess funds will go towards the significant running costs of Anukampa Grove. There will also be a chance to donate at the end of each event, towards the Sangha's requisites, etc.
We strive to keep costs reasonable, thanks to the loving dedication of volunteers who freely offer their service; however if you need to, please contact us to ask for bursary support.
Be sure to register early so you don't miss out on this rare opportunity - We are excited to to be able to hold a residential retreat of such a length for the first time since 2018, and for the first time at this venue.
Event Schedule
- Tuesday 10th: Evening Talk: "How to Live Fearlessly" at Quakers Friends Meeting House, Oxford (18:45-20:45)
- Friday, 13th – Friday, 20th: Eight-Day Residential Retreat: "The Bliss of Enlightenment" at Gaunts House, Wimborne, Dorset
- Sat, 21st – Sun, 22nd: Non-Residential Weekend Retreat: "A Mind Like Still Flowing Water" at Mercure Hawkwell Hotel, Oxford
- Tuesday, 24th: Evening Talk: “Understanding Non-Self” at Thames Buddhist Vihara, Croydon (18:45-20:45)
Tuesday, 10th Nov 2026, 18:45 – 20:45
Ajahn Brahm:
"How to Live Fearlessly"
Dhamma Talk at Oxford Quakers
The Buddha taught that living fearlessly is achieved by understanding the nature of reality and gradually releasing clinging. Learn how to realise this by cultivating a mind inclined towards peace ~ a truly important quality that can resource and empower you in an increasingly turbulent world. Small moments of peace and inspiration can make all the difference as to how we choose to live our lives. Join Ajahn Brahm to learn how to live with more integrity, resilience and courage.
This evening programme will begin with a short guided meditation, followed by a Dhamma talk from Ajahn Brahm. After the talk there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
Fri 13th - Fri 20th Nov 2026
Ajahn Brahm & Ajahn Canda
Eight-Day Residential Retreat:
"The Bliss of Enlightenment"
at Gaunts House, Wimborne, Dorset.
Immerse yourself in the early Buddhist teachings and experience the Noble Eightfold Path as a perfectly complete, holistic training ~ something to be explored, enjoyed and allowed to unfold in its own time. Rather than striving, the emphasis will be on cultivating the conditions in which insight arises naturally, giving rise to inner joy and ever-deepening bliss.
At the heart of the retreat is the practice of letting go (vossagga) and the gradual refinement of happiness (sukha) described in the Suttas. Grounded on virtue and as this process matures, such wholesome happiness becomes increasingly independent of external conditions ~ stable, trustworthy and conducive to the ultimate happiness of Nibbana, where all craving and suffering ceases.
You will be in safe hands with our deeply compassionate and approachable teachers, who bring over seventy years (!) of combined monastic experience. Through storytelling, humour and wisdom, they create a warm and loving environment that supports deep yet relaxed meditation practice.
Set in the beautiful countryside of rural Dorset, the extensive grounds of Gaunts House allow for plenty of space to meditate, relax and surround yourself with nature and views of the huge lake. This retreat also includes inspiring teachings and guidance from both of our vastly experienced teachers, including teachings from the Early Buddhist Texts, silent and guided meditations, Dhamma talks and Q&A sessions. The schedule will be flexible and you will have use of two main halls, a large sitting room, library, dining room and grounds.
We are excited to be able to hold a retreat of such a length for the first time since 2018 and for the first time at this venue.
Location & Venue
Gaunts House is a large country house "from another era," set in the beautiful Dorset countryside. The quiet environment is very conducive to peaceful meditation practice. If you bring walking boots you can go on lovely walks and explore the forested areas and lake (without getting too muddy!). We will have sole use of the centre, which will allow you to meditate with minimum distraction.
The venue consists of multiple buildings, three of which we will be using. The accommodation and dining room are in the Main House, additional accommodation is in the Stable Block and the meditation hall is in the Barn Theatre. The Barn Theatre is located just outside the main building and it is a short walk from the Stable Block. Click the "DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE" button below to view a map and more information so you are confident that you understand the layout.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
- Please be aware that Gaunts House has limited accessibility, as most rooms and toilets are on the first, second or third floors. The nearest toilets to our meditation hall (the Barn Theatre) are located in the Main House on the first, second and top floors. This means you need to be fit enough to walk up and down stairs (there is no lift!) several times a day and between meditation sessions to go to the toilet!
- Gaunts House has a "Mobile-Free" policy. You may give your phone to our retreat manager for safe-keeping until the final day of the retreat.
Sat 21st - Sun 22nd Nov 2026, 9:30am - 5:30pm each day
Ajahn Brahm & Ajahn Canda
Non-Residential Weekend Retreat:
"A Mind Like A Still Forest Pool"
at Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel ~ Oxford.
Ajahn's Chah's simile of the “still forest pool” beautifully captures the essence of a peaceful mind that is fully aware. He described sitting silently in the deep forests of Thailand, so still that wild animals no longer sensed his presence and gradually began to appear ~ first the familiar, then the rare and remarkable.
In a similar way, when the mind is allowed to settle, something profound begins to unfold. Stillness is not only deeply restful and nourishing; it becomes a source of insight. From a place of inner calm, we begin to see more clearly, respond more wisely and discover new ways of meeting life. Rather than withdrawing, we become more resilient, more grounded and better resourced to engage with the world around us.
The weekend includes sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma talks, Sutta discussions, and plenty of humour ~ shared with warmth, depth and joy from our two teachers.
Whether you’re new to meditation or deepening an established practice, you’re invited to step out of the noise and busyness of life, reset the mind and reconnect with a sense of clarity, balance and quiet confidence you can carry into everyday life.
Tuesday, 24th Nov 2026, 18:45 – 20:45
Ajahn Brahm:
"Understanding Non-Self"
Dhamma Talk at Thames Buddhist Vihara, South Croydon.
In this talk, learn about the fascinating topic of non-self and how the Buddha discovered that there is no permanent essence in form, feelings, perceptions, will, consciousnesses, or anywhere else for that matter! This is known as anatta (non-self), part of the three characteristics of existence alongside anicca (impermanence) and dukkha (suffering). Ajahn Brahm will guide you through this profound yet freeing topic, a favourite of his, in his trademark light-hearted style, in what promises to be a deeply insightful evening.
No registration needed; attendance is by donation.
