Online Thursday Class
The morning takes place in two halves. In the first half, we explore one of two Buddhist meditations. After a short tea break, we will introduce another aspect of Buddhism with an opportunity for discussion.
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. Usually the format is a talk, 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
Mindfulness and stories from the life of the Buddha
| Date | Meditation | Talk Subject | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 March | Mindfulness of Breathing | the Buddha's life | Nigel Ward |
| 10 March | Mettā Bhāvanā | Training for Ordination | Marion and friends |
| 17 March | Mindfulness of Breathing | Meditation Workshop – Integration | Kṣāntivajra |
| 24 March | Mettā Bhāvanā | The Sutta Nipāta Pingiya's Praises of the Way to the Beyond | Śraddhādāsa |
| 31 March | Mindfulness of Breathing | Study on Pingiya's Praises of the Way to the Beyond | Śraddhādāsa |
| 7 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Morning – Triratna | Vanarājī |
| 14 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Petals of a Lotus | Thursday Class |
| 21 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | Meditation Workshop - Spiritual Death | Kṣāntivajra |
| 28 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Pāli Canon | Vandanacittā |
| 5 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Morning | Jas |
| 12 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | My Sādhana – The Buddha | Śraddhādāsa - Upekṣhādhī |
| 19 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Meditation Workshop | Vimoksini |
| 26 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Bahiya of the Bark Garment | Eric |
| 2 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Morning – Mangala Sutta | Marion |
| 9 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Working with our minds | Pat |
| 16 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Heart Sūtra in Sanskrit | Kṣāntivajra |
| 23 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Story about the Buddha | Śraddhādāsa |
| 30 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Study | Śraddhādāsa |
| 7 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning | Bodhi GFR Group |
| 14 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Heart Sūtra in Sanskrit | Kṣāntivajra |
| 21 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | A morning with Maitrisamudra | Maitrisamudra |
| 28 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | A case of dysentery and what happens next | Vanarājī |
| 4 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning – This the World – This the Self | Rachel |
| 11 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Send off to his Ordination Retreat | Nigel |
| 18 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Meditation Workshop | Āryasāra |
| 25 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Pali Canon | Lisa and friends |
| 1 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning | Abhayasiddhi GFR group |
| 8 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | Pali Canon | Āryasāra |
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, is £5-7, but this is not a fixed cost and everyone is equally welcome, even if you cannot give anything at all.
The Team
