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.
These In Person only sessions are taking place at Champions Manor Hall, Hullbridge Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford CM3 5LJ
Please remember to bring your own meditation gear
Programme
| Date | Meditation | Title | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Ritual to Prajñāpāramitā including a sevenfold Puja. | Āryasāra |
| 20 April | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Woman's Saturday GFR |
| 27 April | Mindfulness of Breathing | Four Noble Truths – The truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Dissatisfaction, discomfort, unease, or actual suffering. | Śraddhādāsa |
| 4 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Four Noble Truths – The Origin of Suffering: The fact of craving | Āryasāra |
| 11 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Four Noble Truths: 3rd Noble Truth: the cessation of suffering-what did the Bodhisattva of Compassion actually ‘see’ to sunder the bonds that caused him suffering? | Vanarājī |
| 18 May | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Āryasāra |
| 25 May | Mindfulness of Breathing | Four Noble Truths - End of Suffering: Introduction to the Noble Eight-Fold Path - Perfect Vision: The Nature of Existence | Śraddhādāsa |
| 1 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Emotion: Reason and Emotion in the Spiritual Life | Kṣāntivajra |
| 8 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Speech: The Ideal of Human Communication | Vandanacittā |
| 15 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Action: The Principles of Ethics | Kiraṇaśrī |
| 22 June | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Śraddhādāsa |
| 29 June | Mettā Bhāvanā | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Livelihood: The Ideal Society | Mens GFR |
| 6 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Effort: The Conscious Evolution of Man | Kṣāntivajra |
| 13 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Awareness: Levels of Awareness | Śraddhādāsa |
| 20 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Women GFR |
| 27 July | Mettā Bhāvanā | Noble Eightfold Path - Perfect Samadhi: The Higher Consciousness | Āryasāra |
| 3 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Āryasāra |
| 10 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Mens GFR |
| 17 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Āryasāra |
| 24 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | Āryasāra |
| 31 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening: Meditation, Readings, Practice and Devotion | 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
