Wednesday Dharma Night in person only
The evening 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.
Programme
13 March 2024 — 24 July: The system of Practice and the Dhyānas
| Date | Meditation | Topic | Newcomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 March 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | The first Dhyāna - soap powder and water mixed thoroughly together | Introduction to Buddhism and Triratna - Saraṇālokā |
| 20 March 2024 | Mettā Bhāvanā | The second Dhyāna - a calm lake being fed by an up-welling underground spring | Going for refuge to the three jewels - David |
| 27 March 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | The third Dhyāna- lotuses and water-lilies are growing in the lake, soaked and saturated by its water | Ethics 1 – non harm - David |
| 3 April 2024 | Mettā Bhāvanā | The fourth Dhyana - experience of taking a bath in the lake on a very hot afternoon, and afterwards resting on the bank wrapped in a perfectly clean white cloth | Ethics 2 – Generosity - Katrina |
| 10 April 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Review, discussion and pūjā | Ethics 3 – Contentment - Abhayavāṇī |
| 17 April 2024 | Mettā Bhāvanā | The four sights - Kṣāntivajra | Ethics 4 wholesome speech - Saraṇālokā |
| 24 April 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Gautama Going fourth, Going fourth within our own context - Saraṇālokā | Ethics 5 mindfulness - Katrina |
| 1 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | The four Noble Truths - Śraddhādāsa | Meditation 1: The System of Practice - Āryasāra |
| 8 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Puja - Āryasāra | Meditation 2: Balanced effort - Abhayavāṇī |
| 15 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Perfect Vision - Kṣāntivajra | Meditation 3: The Hindrances - Saraṇālokā |
| 22 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Perfect Emotion - Katrina | Wisdom 1: conditionality - Āryasāra |
| 29 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Perfect Speech - Śraddhādāsa | Wisdom 2: The four Noble Truths- Katrina |
| 5 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Puja - Śraddhādāsa | Wisdom 3: The Lakshanas - Abhayavāṇī |
| 12 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Perfect Action - Saraṇālokā | Wisdom 4 – Karma and rebirth - Āryasāra |
| 19 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Perfect livelihood - Saraṇālokā | Introduction to Buddhism and Triratna - |
| 26 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Perfect Effort - Āryasāra | Going for refuge to the three jewels - |
| 3 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Puja - Kṣāntivajra | Ethics 1 – non harm - |
| 10 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Perfect Awareness - Abhayavāṇī | Ethics 2 – Generosity - |
| 17 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Perfect Samādhi - Saraṇālokā | Ethics 3 – Contentment - |
| 24 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Seven fold Puja - Āryasāra | Ethics 4 wholesome speech - |
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.