Everyone is invited
Spend a peaceful weekend exploring Buddhist wisdom in the tranquil surroundings of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Centre.
We are delighted to welcome Professor Masahiro Shimoda (Musashino University / University of Tokyo), who will give three engaging talks on important Buddhist teachings, presented live and in person.
Guests are also welcome to take part in optional meditation sessions, chanting and guided tours throughout the weekend.
Weekend Details
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2026
Timings: Sat 11am–3:45pm & Sun 11am–2:45pm
Keynote Speaker: Professor Masahiro Shimoda
(Musashino University / University of Tokyo)
Venue: Shinnyo Buddhist Centre (Surbiton, Surrey)
Tickets: Suggested donation of £30 per person for the weekend
(lunch and afternoon tea included)
Weekend Agenda
Saturday 13 June 2026
11:00 Doors open
11:30 Welcome & introduction
11:45 Talk 1 - The Heart of Buddhism:
The Foundations of Buddhist Thought
12:30 Q&A
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Talk 2 - The Buddha's Word:
The Emergence of Mahayana Scriptures
14:30 Q&A
14:45 Temple Tour and/or Walking Meditation (optional)
15:45 End of Day 1 - Afternoon Tea Served
Sunday 14 June 2026
11:00 Doors open
11:30 Welcome & recap
11:45 Talk 3 - The Buddha Within:
Buddha Nature in Mahayana Buddhism
12:30 Q&A
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Drop-in Meditation and/or Chanting
(optional)
14:45 End of Day 2 - Afternoon Tea Served
About the Keynote Speaker
Professor Masahiro Shimoda is a Professor at Musashino University / University of Tokyo and an internationally respected scholar in Buddhist Studies.
His work focuses on the history and development of Buddhist thought, and he is widely appreciated for making complex ideas accessible to a wider audience.
The Three Keynotes
The Heart of Buddhism:
The Foundations of Buddhist Thought
An introduction to the foundations of Buddhism: the Buddha, the teachings and the community.
This talk offers a clear overview of how these ideas support learning, understanding and shared practice.
The Buddha's Word:
The Emergence of Mahayana Scriptures
A gentle look at how important Buddhist texts came into being over time.
Professor Shimoda explains where these writings came from and why they have mattered to generations of Buddhists.
The Buddha Within:
Buddha-Nature in Mahayana Buddhism
An exploration of the idea that all people have the potential for wisdom and compassion.
This talk looks at how this concept developed and why it continues to be meaningful today.
Each guest will receive an explanatory booklet that supports your learning from each talk.
Lunch, Refreshments & Donations
A light lunch and afternoon tea will be provided on both days, giving time to relax, chat with others and reflect between sessions.
The event is ticketed with a suggested donation of £30 per person, which helps cover catering and venue costs.
No one will be excluded if they are unable to donate.
