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
17 July 2024 — 8 January 2025: Worldly Winds
| Date | Meditation | Topic | Newcomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 July 2024 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Perfect Samādhi - Saraṇālokā | Ethics 3 – Contentment - David |
| 24 July 2024 | Mettā Bhāvanā | Seven fold Puja - Āryasāra | Ethics 4 – Wholesome speech - Saraṇālokā |
| 31 July | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening - Katrina | Ethics 5 – Mindfulness - Abhayavāṇī |
| 7 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Evening - Śraddhādāsa | Meditation 1 – The System of Practice - Saraṇālokā |
| 14 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening - Śraddhādāsa | Meditation 2 – Balanced effort - Āryasāra |
| 21 August | Mettā Bhāvanā | Marking the handover of the role of Treasurer, with a 3 fold Pūjā and Rejoicing in Śraddhādāsa - Āryasāra | Meditation 3 – The Hindrances - Katrina |
| 28 August | Mindfulness of Breathing | David Ordination Retreat Send Off - Kṣāntivajra | Newcomers and Regulars together |
| 4 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | Introduction: Worldly Winds - Āryasāra | Wisdom 1 – Conditionality - Abhayavāṇī |
| 11 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | Blown by the Winds - Saraṇālokā | Wisdom 2 – The Four Noble Truths- Katrina |
| 18 September | Mettā Bhāvanā | Rachel Ordination Retreat Send Off - Āryasāra | Newcomers and Regulars together |
| 25 September | Mindfulness of Breathing | Learning to Sail the Worldly Winds - Abhayavāṇī | Wisdom 3 – The Lakshanas - Āryasāra |
| 2 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | Ritual and Devotion - Katrina | Wisdom 4 – Karma and rebirth - Kṣāntivajra |
| 9 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Shelter from the Storm, the Inner Work of Meditation - Śraddhādāsa | Introduction to Buddhism and Triratna - |
| 16 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | The Winds of Change, Deepening Our Perspective | Going for refuge to the three jewels - |
| 23 October | Mindfulness of Breathing | Winds from the West - Saraṇālokā | Ethics 1 – Non harm - |
| 30 October | Mettā Bhāvanā | Ritual and Devotion | Ethics 2 – Generosity - |
| 6 November | Mindfulness of Breathing | If... not just a question of if; it is a matter of practice - Katrina | Ethics 3 – Contentment - |
| 13 November | Mettā Bhāvanā | The Lokavipatti Sutta | Ethics 4 – Wholesome speech - |
| 20 November | Mindfulness of Breathing | Review and discussion on Worldly Winds | Ethics 5 – Mindfulness - |
| 27 November | Mettā Bhāvanā | Ritual and Devotion | Meditation 1 – The System of Practice - |
| 4 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening - Abhayavāṇī | Meditation 2 – Balanced effort - |
| 11 December | Mettā Bhāvanā | Practice Evening - Abhayavāṇī | Meditation 3 – The Hindrances - |
| 18 December | Mindfulness of Breathing | Practice Evening | Wisdom 1 – Conditionality - |
| 25 December | Mettā Bhāvanā | Wisdom 2 – The Four Noble Truths - | |
| 1 January 2025 | Mindfulness of Breathing | Wisdom 3 – The Lakshanas - | |
| 8 January 2025 | Mettā Bhāvanā | Wisdom 4 – Karma and rebirth - |
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.