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
8 January 2025 — 28 May: The Brahma Viharas
| Date | Meditation | Topic | Newcomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January 2025 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Week 1: Overview of the Brahma Viharas and their importance - Saraṇālokā | Wisdom 1 – Conditionality - John |
| 15 January 2025 | Mettā Bhāvanā | Week 2: Mettā (Loving-kindness) Exploration and discussion Mettā Bhāvanā - Abhayavāṇī | Wisdom 2 – The Four Noble Truths - Katrina |
| 22 January | Mindfulness of Breathing | Exploring the near enemies of Mettā: Attachment, sentimentality, and self-centeredness and Far enemies of Mettā: Ill will, hatred, and aversion - Śraddhādāsa | Wisdom 3 – The Lakshanas - Saraṇālokā |
| 29 January | Mettā Bhāvanā | Week 3: Karuna (Compassion) Definition and cultivation of Karuna Exploring the near enemies of Karuna: Pity, co-dependency, Horrified anxiety and self-sacrifice; far enemies of Karuna: Indifference, apathy, and cruelty - Vīryanātha | Wisdom 4 – Karma and rebirth - Saraṇālokā |
| 5 February | Mindfulness of Breathing | Week 4: Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) Definition and cultivation of Mudita - Śraddhādāsa | Introduction to Buddhism and Triratna - Vanarājī |
| 12 February | Mettā Bhāvanā | Exploring the near enemies of Mudita: Over exuberance, exhilaration; and far enemies of Mudita: Envy, jealousy. - Saraṇālokā | Going for refuge to the three jewels - Vīryanātha |
| 19 February | Mindfulness of Breathing | Upekkha (Equanimity) Definition and cultivation of Upekkha - Saraṇālokā | Ethics 1 – Non harm - Abhayasakhī |
| 26 February | Mettā Bhāvanā | Exploring the near enemies of Upekkha: Apathy, numbness, and indifference and the far enemies of Upekkha: Anxiety, fear, and reactivity - Katrina | Ethics 2 – Generosity - Abhayasakhī |
| 5 March | Mindfulness of Breathing | Integrating the Brahma Viharas - The importance of balance and integration | Ethics 3 – Contentment - Saraṇālokā |
| 12 March | Mettā Bhāvanā | The Brahma Viharas and Near/Far Enemies in Daily Life: Identifying near and far enemies in your own life. A discussion on practical strategies for cultivating the Brahma Viharas in challenging situations - Dharmavartin | Ethics 4 – Wholesome speech - Saraṇālokā |
| 19 March | Mindfulness of Breathing | The Brahma Viharas and Social interaction. How to apply the Brahma Viharas in your interactions with others. Cultivating compassion and understanding for those who hold different beliefs | Ethics 5 – Mindfulness - Abhayavāṇī |
| 26 March | Mettā Bhāvanā | Integrating the Brahma Viharas into Daily Life. Review and setting intentions for continued practice. - Dharmavartin | Meditation 1 – The System of Practice - Katrina |
| 2 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Pūjā - Katrina | Meditation 2 – Balanced effort - Vanarājī |
| 9 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 1. Please book online for this 8 week course. | Meditation 3 – The Hindrances - Saraṇālokā |
| 16 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 2. Please book online for this 8 week course. | Wisdom 1 – Conditionality - Abhayavāṇī |
| 23 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 3. Please book online for this 8 week course. | Wisdom 2 – The Four Noble Truths - Kṣāntivajra |
| 30 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 4. Please book online for this 8 week course. | Wisdom 3 – The Lakshanas - Saraṇālokā |
| 7 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 5. Please book online for this 8 week course. | Wisdom 4 – Karma and rebirth - Katrina |
| 14 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 6. Please book online for this 8 week course. | |
| 21 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 7. Please book online for this 8 week course. | |
| 28 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Eight verses for training the mind. Week 8. Please book online for this 8 week course. |
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.