I’m just back from eight days of joy, connection and learning and growth, sharing a field with four thousand people. ‘Uncovering the Jewel’ was the topic of this year’s Buddhafield Festival, 16-20 July 2025. It’s an annual festival organised by the Triratna Buddhist Community, a celebration for everyone who is interested in spirituality and personal growth. As a festival it’s virtually unique as it’s without alcohol and drugs. There are workshops, talks, meditation, healing opportunities for the body, Yoga sessions, rituals, bonfires, singing, dancing, and creative activities. 

Meaningful experience

Could you imagine what was so special about it? You might be surprised, it wasn’t the workshops, talks or bonfires, it was being part of the Infopoint team. The team leader emphasised and modelled care for the whole festival community, including self-care. It was fun doing things together as a team and working together for the welfare of all beings. I noticed that I often tell myself I have to do it by myself – I’m alone. Sometimes I miss out on the joy of giving and receiving.

Heart-touching experience

The Infopoint team was my anchor. I really enjoyed how we got to know each other day by day. We supported each other in our ups and downs, checked in, organised food, and held space for each other. In the mornings we received little gem stones of the Dharma in the form of a poem or reflection and these guided us through the day. We really needed these because the work was intense: updating the programme board, holding lost property, and helping people to enjoy the festival.

Uncovering jewels

The jewels I uncovered were my needs for care, warmth and fun. As part of my contribution I created an Empathy Space in the Healing Garden. I offered two hours of empathic listening every day. At the beginning people who came along asked, ‘What is empathy?’ Later people asked me directly for empathy. I recall one session in which I completely switched off my mind and listened with my whole being. I felt a flow of connecting energy outside of time and space. Rumi comes to mind: Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, / There is a field. I’ll meet you there (see article).

Reflecting on the experience

I came to realize how important it is for me to have a small community, people who care and support each other in thriving and wellbeing. I’m a social being. It’s not always easy to find people who are willing to go through difficult conversations and hold each others’ differences. And yet, I believe that we need each other to find meaning in life, for connection, inspiration, learning, growth and more. 

Building Community

Through our Year Training, Shantigarbha and I can support you to build your community. We help you to create meaningful, heartfelt relationships. If this is what you’re looking for, please get in touch. Our next Year Training, starting 2 October is on Building Community.