Online Thursday Class
The morning takes place in two halves. In the first half, we will introduce an aspect of Buddhism with an opportunity for discussion. After a short tea break, we explore one of two Buddhist meditations.
Classes are free but your donations are greatly appreciated. Make an online donation here
Meditation
We teach two Buddhist meditation practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind; and Mettā Bhāvanā (“development of loving kindness”), which brings about a gentle but radical transformation of our emotional world. Each week we alternate between the two practices.
Talks
We introduce traditional teachings of the Buddha in a way that is accessible and practical to everyday life in the modern world. The format is usually a talk, sometimes followed by breaking into smaller groups for discussion.
Click on the link below to join us on Thursday morning.
This meeting is Password enabled. Please contact us if you need access.
Programme
16 April 2026 — 31 December: 2026 Theme: Our Precious Teachers, Our Inspirations
| Date | Meditation | Title | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 April 2026 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Our Inspirations | Women's GFR Group |
| 23 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | My Inspiration | Abhayavāṇī |
| 30 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | My Teachers | Dharmavartin |
| 7 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Dhammapada | Julie |
| 14 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Buddha's Enlightenment | Vīryanātha |
| 21 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | What Inspires Me | Dharmavartin |
| 28 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Garland of Verse | Upekṣhādhī |
| 4 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | My Teachers | Sthiranāga |
| 11 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Inspiration | Śraddhādāsa |
| 18 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | My inspiration = Dakinis | Tracy |
| 25 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Study Series | Śraddhādāsa |
| 2 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Send off to Joh for his Ordination Retreat | John |
| 9 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | My role as Mitra convenor | Abhayavāṇī |
| 16 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Compassion, the kind heart of wisdom | Rob |
| 23 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Dharmapada | Julie |
| 30 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | The purpose of meditation | |
| 6 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Study series | Śraddhādāsa |
| 13 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Send off to Laurie for his Ordination Retreat | Laurie |
| 20 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Compassion | Debs |
| 27 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Dharmapada | Julie |
| 3 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | My Precious Teachers | Sthiranaga |
| 10 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | My role as Mitra Convenor | Dharmavartin |
| 17 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | My Inspirations | Abhayasakhi |
| 24 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | Dharmapada | |
| 1 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | Mitra study | Dharmavartin |
| 8 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Joining the order | Viryanatha |
| 15 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | Ritual | Sthiranaga |
| 22 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Laurie welcome back from Ordination | Ex-Laurie |
| 29 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | When I first came to MEBC | Abhayasakhi |
| 5 November | Mindfulness of Breathing | Dharmapada | Julie |
| 12 November | Mettā Bhāvanā | Study series | Ksantivajra |
| 19 November | Mindfulness of Breathing | Study series | Ksantivajra |
| 26 November | Mettā Bhāvanā | Overview my inspirations | Dharmavartin |
| 3 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | Study series | Ksantivajra |
| 10 December | Mettā Bhāvanā | *New Theme* Bodhicaryavitara – Guide to the Buddhist Path | Upekshadi |
| 17 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | End of year reflection | Abhayavani |
| 24 December | Mettā Bhāvanā | Sesshin | Abhayasakhi |
| 31 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | Sesshin | Upekshadhi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Buddhist?
No, the class is suitable for everyone who wants to meditate or learn about Buddhism.
What should I wear?
There are no special requirements, just whatever is comfortable to sit in.
Do I need to book?
No - just turn up!
Is it okay to join in the middle of the series?
Absolutely. Though of course you'll get those most out of the class by attending the whole series, there's no need to wait until the start of the next series if you want to start coming.
Can I just come for the meditation?
Of course, though the meditation we teach is itself a Buddhist teaching.
How much does the class cost?
We don't charge for our classes, and the team are not paid for their time. We simply ask that those who are able to do so make a donation to the centre to help us cover our running costs.
The suggested amount, based on how many people come and how much it costs to run the centre, would be what you would pay for say a Yoga class, but this is not a fixed cost and everyone is equally welcome, even if you cannot give anything at all.