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
28 March 2024 — 9 January 2025: The Three Jewels : Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
| Date | Meditation | Title | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 March 2024 | Mettā Bhāvanā | Friendship | GFR Group - Abhayasiddi |
| 4 April 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning | Lisa |
| 11 April 2024 | Mettā Bhāvanā | What the Buddha taught | Abhayavāṇī |
| 18 April 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Meditation Workshop | Āryasāra |
| 25 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | What the Dharma means to me | Mens GFR group |
| 2 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning | John |
| 9 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | The four sights | Upekṣhādhī |
| 16 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | a dialogue | Upekṣhādhī - Parami |
| 23 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | The Dharma | Saraṇālokā |
| 30 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | The Buddha's Enlightenment | Dharmavartin |
| 6 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Morning | Āryasāra |
| 13 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Meditation Workshop | Kṣāntivajra |
| 20 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Actions have consequences | Sthiranāga |
| 27 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | What lives in my practice and why | Upekṣhādhī |
| 4 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice morning | |
| 11 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Testing the teachings | Pat |
| 18 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | 1 year on | Abhayavāṇī |
| 25 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Garland of Verses | Upekṣhādhī - Group |
| 1 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice morning | Saraṇālokā |
| 8 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Tibetan book of the dead | Dharmavartin |
| 15 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Meditation workshop | Sthiranāga |
| 22 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Being an Order Member | Dharmavartin |
| 29 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Send off for David for his ordination Retreat | Upekṣhādhī |
| 5 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning | Upekṣhādhī |
| 12 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | The Sangha | |
| 19 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | Meditation Workshop | |
| 26 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | Dharma Niyamas | |
| 3 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Morning | |
| 10 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | What the Sangha means to me | |
| 17 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Meditation Workshop | |
| 24 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | No fixed self | |
| 31 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Going on retreat – the right conditions | |
| 7 November | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Morning | |
| 14 November | Mindfulness of Breathing | The Arya Sangha | |
| 21 November | Mettā Bhāvanā | Meditation Workshop | |
| 28 November | Mindfulness of Breathing | Silence – ending the 3 Jewels | |
| 5 December | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Morning | |
| 12 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | Reflection – end of year | |
| 19 December | Mettā Bhāvanā | New theme: this being that becomes | |
| 26 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | One hour sesshin | |
| 2 January 2025 | Mettā Bhāvanā | New Year Reflection | |
| 9 January 2025 | Mindfulness of Breathing | New theme: This being that becomes |
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.