THE YOUNG SANGHA is a group of people mainly in their 20s and 30s who meet to discuss and practice meditation with a focus on the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (though people from any spiritual background are welcome). It isn’t necessary to be a Buddhist to come to Young Sangha events; all that is needed is an open mind. Our events are designed for everyone and do not require any previous knowledge or experience.
We hold retreats and events that involve both practise and discussion of the Buddha’s Teachings; with some events taking place at Marpa House in Essex, and some in London.
The group is inspired by the teachings of Lama Chime Rinpoche.
If you are interested, please contact Ben Henriques through the secretary at Marpa House – tel: 01799 584415
What members of the Young Sangha group have to say
FIRST REVIEW
“Attending a Young Sangha retreat is such an important part of my year, as it gives me proper time to catch up with everyone else and, vitally, with myself. Every retreat I have been to, I have come away a better, more understanding, and patient person. The Young Sangha gives me an enormous sense of security.
Being a Buddhist is for me a constant reminder of how to act toward people around you. Whenever I am tired, frustrated, or generally in a bit of a mood and perhaps not dealing with everyday stresses as well as possible, I think of Marpa House and my fellow Young Sangha, and my mood lightens”.
SECOND REVIEW
“The Young Sangha gatherings felt like such a gentle way to explore Tibetan Buddhism – the atmosphere is so relaxed and friendly. I didn’t know anyone the first time me and my partner attended, but was met with great warmth!
The peace and quiet of Marpa House is wonderful, you can wander in the countryside to get some space or have cups of tea and long chats with lovely and interesting people. I am very much looking forward to my next visit!”
THIRD REVIEW
“The Young Sangha weekends are a lovely way to spend a fun, relaxing and memorable weekend at Marpa House. They provide an opportunity to “escape the real world”! I enjoy getting together with old friends, meeting new people, and learning more about Buddhism together.
We practise meditation, have interesting discussions, go on invigorating walks and cook and eat delicious food! And all in a beautiful countryside setting. No two Young Sangha weekends are the same, and I always take away unique memories from each one.”
FOURTH REVIEW
“In the past five years the Young Sangha has been a source of friendship and great joy for me. The first event I attended felt like coming home and since then the group has become an important part of my Buddhist practice.
Young Sangha retreats are always friendly and involve just the right balance of relaxation and meditation (as well as loads of good chat!). No one expects you to believe anything or be a fully signed-up Buddhist before you come and there are always opportunities to ask questions. Marpa House provides a fantastic environment in which to chill out and enjoy just being.”
FIFTH REVIEW
“For me the Young Sangha was and continues to be, a fantastic introduction to the teachings of the Buddha. Practising meditation with your peers makes it very accessible.
The relaxed atmosphere allowed me to expand what knowledge I did have, re-think a lot I thought I knew and, most importantly, allowed me the space and access to ideas, which have deepened my meditative practice far beyond what I thought possible.
In very real, tangible and often simple ways the meditative skills that I have been introduced to, through the Young Sangha’s support, extend way beyond the Retreat Weekends and Meditation Days and feature daily in my life.”