Meditation groups
This page is about peer-led groups in London, which usually meet without a teacher. If you are not based in London you can also find details of sitting groups near London here.
The insight tradition encourages regular meditation practice. Sitting groups for group meditation are common across Buddhist traditions. Though it does not itself organise such groups, London Insight Meditation publicises them through its website. The management and finances of the sitting groups are completely independent of London Insight Meditation.
We ask that sitting groups listed on our website should have the aspiration and intention to:
- be organised on the basis of providing opportunities for shared practice in an environment of friendship and understanding
- be mindful of the need to create a safe environment physically and to safeguard members who are vulnerable
- have an affinity with the aims of London Insight Meditation and an interest in supporting its activities
- operate in a responsible way embodying the ethical principles of the Buddhist tradition including being run on a “not-for-profit” basis with sitting group members’ livelihoods kept separate from the sitting group
- be open to welcoming new members (unless it is made clear that it is a closed group) and be prepared to answer emails and telephone enquiries from prospective members (if a phone contact for the sitting group is given).
- nominate a contact from sitting group who can liaise with London Insight Meditation and who can share information from London Insight Meditation with sitting group members
- notify London Insight Meditation of changes needed to the website listing for the sitting group
Central London Sitting Group
Where private flat in Clerkenwell (Tube: Farringdon)
When every Tuesday, 7.00-8.30pm
Contact James: sittinggroup1@gmail.com
Chiswick Meditation Group
Where London Buddhist Vihara, 11 The Avenue, London, W4 1UD
When every Tuesday 11am – midday
Contact Paula: chiswickmeditation@gmail.com
Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (in London)
What a monthly meditation flashmob/vigil to bear witness to the impact of fossil fuels on our planet
Where Shell Centre, London SE1 7NA
When Last Sunday every month at 10am
Contact joseph.mishan@phonecoop.coop
DoSit London
DoSit London (for people engaging at the interface of Buddhist practice and social issues, both on and off the cushion)
Where: Usually in Walthamstow, East London, with the option to join remotely
When: Third Monday of the month, 6.30 for a 7pm start
Contact: Milla at dositlondon@gmail.com
Dulwich Sitting Group, South London
Where members’ homes in the Dulwich area
When Tuesday (twice monthly, first and third Tuesdays), 7.00-9.30pm
Contact Email stellachapman@yahoo.co.uk Tel Patricia MacDonald: 0207 274 4150 / Stella Chapman: 0208 693 9251
Ealing Meditation Group/Sangha
Where Ealing, West London (nearest tube station: Northfields)
When The first Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month, in the evening
Contact kevincarlin64@gmailcom / 0799 0935509.
East London Sitting Group
Where Walthamstow
When First Sunday of the month & third Wednesday of the month, 7.15-8.45pm (arrive from 7.00)
Contact eastlondonstggrp@yahoo.co.uk
Insight Dialogue Group (for experienced ID or IMP practitioners only)
Where Crossfields Centre, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, London NW6 3SG (usual venue but email to check as occasionally it varies)
When Varies
Contact idgrouplondon@gmail.com
Kingston Mindfulness Meditation Group
Where Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston-Upon-Thames, KT1 2PT
When Every Wednesday, 7.30-9.30pm
Contact www.kingstonmeditation.org.uk/contact-us/
London Fields / Dalston Sitting group
Where The Sitting Room, 43 Parkholme Road, E8 3AG
When Once a month on a Friday, usually the last Friday of the month, 8.00-9.30pm
Contact simonrobey@hotmail.com
North London Sitting Group
Where Usually in N8 (Crouch End) or close by
When Alternate Mondays 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Contact Peter Leanse sit.crouch.end@gmail.com
North London Theravadan Buddhist Group – Affiliated to the Thai Forest Sangha
Where Friends Meeting House, Rain Forest Room, Church Crescent, Muswell Hill, N10 3NE
When Thursdays 7.30pm
Contact Katie Tribe 0208 448820/Mobile:0752 7579 617/email : cdtribe@btinternet.com
Clara Grattidge: 0207 2673913/Mobile 0791 3186 922
Richmond Mindfulness Meditation Group
Where Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Hall, 222 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW10 5AN
When Every Thursday 7.30-9.30pm
Contact www.richmondmeditation.org.uk/contact-us/
South East London Sitting Group
Where 8 Hilly Fields Crescent, Brockley, London SE4 1QA
When Third Sunday of the month 6.00 – 8.15pm
Contact SELondon.Insight@gmail.com
Twickenham Mindfulness Meditation Group
Where St. James Church Hall on Radnor Road in Twickenham
When Every Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm
Contact twickenhammindfulness@gmail.com
Wimbledon Zen Meditation Group
Where William Morris House, 267 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SD
When Every Saturday morning – 10am to 11:30am
Contact Alan at wimbledonzen@gmail.com
Study and discussion groups
London Mindful Practitioners Group
Where Central London
When First Sunday of the month, 11.00am-1.00pm
Contact http://lmpgblog.wordpress.com/
West London 12 Step Recovery Sitting Group
Where West London Buddhist Centre, Royal Oak House, 45a Porchester Rd, W2 5DP
When Tuesday 6.30pm-8pm (arrive from 6.15pm)
Contact buddhistrecoverylondon@gmail.com / Tel 020 7727 9382
Being-in-Relationship Sitting Group
Where North London (opposite Golders Green Station)
When Friday 7-9pm – fortnightly
Contact Chuey Loh cyloh@btinternet.com
Refuge Recovery London
Where Bonnington Centre Community Association, Middle Room, 11 Vauxhall Grove, London, SW8 1TD
When Sundays 6.30-8.00pm (no meetings in August)
Contact David Bannocks : Refugerecoverylondon_UK@yahoo.com www.refugerecovery.co.uk