The Three Jewels 2025

“In a spiritual sense bondage is subjection to oneself. True freedom, therefore, consists in freedom from oneself.” – Sangharakshita

An immersion into the full architecture of a Dharma life – a human life, in fact. The text unfolds through the triad of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, with teachings that can momentarily lift the veils. Exploring the overall approach, with a particular emphasis on the Dharma section, we will weave together meditation (using specific meditation techniques), discussion and ritual readings to bring us more deeply into Bhante’s perspective and presentation of the Dharma.

Retreat Resources

Zoom Information

https://thebuddhistcentre.zoom.us/j/87427605366?pwd=onPLwfUyyGfxh4kX2BMF3xUTw2UQ09.1

Meeting ID: 874 2760 5366

Passcode: 724891

Retreat Timings

The retreat starts with Session 3 on 27th June. The online element ends with Session 3 on 3rd July. Please double-check the timings for your time zone here.

Session	BST/GMT+1 (UK)
1	10:30 – 12:45
2	16:00 – 17:45
3	20:00 – 21:00

Retreat Resources

Three Jewels intro talk Download

Text for Discussion, Day 1 Download

Text for Discussion, Day 2 Download

Text for Discussion, Day 3 Download

Text for Discussion, Day 4 Download

Text for Discussion, Day 5 Download

Green Tārā and the Fourth Laksana Download

A diagram by Jayarava, explaining the different treatments, and overlaps, of the nidanas in a number of Pali suttas.Download

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Day 1

Dedication Ceremony

Saddhanandi Leads a dedication ceremony after a short introduction in to how she sees the importance of The Three Jewels as a Buddhist text.

Day 2

Teaching session

Saddhanandi summarises the early life of Sangharakshita, and the encyclopaedia commission that lead to The Three Jewels being written. She talks about it being one of the few substantial Dharma books in print in English at the time it was written, and that it’s a way to get in touch with Bhante personally, not just the information in the text. There are two periods of meditation in this session.

meditation

Featuring an introduction and lead-in from the Anapanasati by Dhammarati.

puja

Three-fold puja, chanting, and meditation, lead by Vimalachitta.

Day 3

Teaching session and meditation

Saddhanandi covers more ground on the chapter on the Human Situation. She considers where dukkha shows up in our lives; what we are “rooted in” and what we need to let go of; where are we drawing our nourishment from, and where do we harden up around opinions?

Meditation

Un-lead Mindfulness of Breathing with Dhammarati.

Puja

Puja lead by Vimalachitta from Kamalashila’s book Collected Rituals, “Letting Go of Clinging”.

Day 4

Teaching session

Dhammarati picks up on the Dharma section, and starts with the Buddha’s initial formulation of what it is he needs to communicate post-Enlightenment. Session ends with the Bodhichitta Practice.

Meditation

Saddhanandi introduces and leads a meditation talking and sharing quotes from Bhante of how we can bring something of a different attitude to our meditation.

sevenfold puja

Puja lead by Vimalachitta.

Day 5

Teaching Session and Meditation

Dhammarati describes how when the mind is open and attending, the positive nidanas naturally arise. He takes trouble to emphasise the emotional tone and pleasure that’s present. He then leads a session of anapanasati based on this.

Meditation

Sadhanandi gives a reading from Bhante on the subject of silence, and leads an unguided meditation.

Sevenfold Puja

Vimalachitta leads a sevenfold puja after a short period of meditation and a reading of the poem “Hokusai says”.

Day 6

Teaching session and meditations

Dhammarati looks at the two positive nidanas of samadhi and yathabuthajnanadassana, interspersed with meditation.

teaching and three sessions of meditation

Dhammarati winds up on the Dharma section with a short teaching, followed by meditation.

Puja with Dhammarati

A meditative read through of the Cetana Sutta.

Day 7

Teaching and Order Sadhana

Saddhanandi looks at sangha in terms of setting in motion a natural process of growth, and as a high quality of individuality and communication. We explore this mythical through the Order Sadhana.

The last two nidanas and shakyamuni visulaisation

Dhammarati winds up by returning to look at the last two nidanas, and ends with a visualisation of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Rejoicings and sevenfold Puja

Thank yous and rejoicings from Ksantikara, followed by a puja lead by Vimalachitta. Ends with chanting that leads on out to Sangharakshita’s burial mound, and silence in the shrine room.