Buddhism and Deep Ecology Workshops have been held London Buddhist Centre for over 15 years, lead by Sanghasīha. He is from Dorset originally and while London has long been his base, he has lived in several places around the world. He has a special interest in Deep Listening. He is an Order Member in Triratna Buddhist Community. More recently he has been appointed as a Private Preceptor and trained as a teacher in Kum Nye – a Tibetan yoga form.

In recent years, myself and another order member, have also been involved in co-leading these events. We are often supported by a team of those involved at the centre.

So what is Deep Ecology? This environmental philosophy emerged through the work of Arne Naess, a Norwegian. In 1972, he promoted the inherent worth of all living beings regardless of their instrumental utility to human needs. He advocated that the living environment as a whole should be respected and regarded as having certain basic moral and even legal rights simply to live and flourish, independent of its instrumental benefits for human use.

In 1984: Naess and an activist, George Sessions, articulated the core principles of Deep Ecology:

Firstly, all living beings have intrinsic value.

Secondly, the richness and diversity of life has intrinsic value.

Thirdly, humans do not have the right to reduce this diversity and richness.

Fourth, tt would be better for humans if we were fewer – and much better for other living creatures.

Fifth, the extent and nature of human interference in the various ecosystems is unsustainable.

Six, decisive improvement requires massive change: social, economic, technological, ideological.

Seven, an ideological change would essentially seek a better quality of life rather than a raised standard of living.

Finally, those who accept the aforementioned points are responsible for trying to contribute directly or indirectly to the necessary changes.

These eight principles, and other aspects of Buddhism, are explored in the Buddhism and Deep Ecology Sessions. There are Retreat Days that happen 3 times a year at the London Buddhis Centre. These include ritual, meditation, deep listening to sound recordings, talks, activities and a shared vegan lunch.

There is also an annual weekend retreat at Vajrasana, a retreat centre in Suffolk. This is usually during the last weekend in January. The next one will be 29-31 January 2027.

We also co-lead an annual retreat at Alfoxton Retreat Centre – in beautiful countryside with lovely scenic walks available during the afternoon break. Our next one will be in April 2027.

When I present something it is often a drum journey – using my training and experience in guiding others through leading imaginal journeying, following the framework of shamanic counselling. The sessions cover a range of different journeys over the few days that we are there. There are also opportunities for developing skills in this area for journeying independently after the retreat.

Be encouraged to come to these events and have have a direct experience of this yourself. For more information, please contact me.