These 'Open Sessions' are for anyone who is interested in learning to meditate - just turn up. We introduce two meditations on alternate evenings. The Mindfulness of Breathing is a meditation practice that helps to focus and calm the mind. The Metta Bhavana, development of loving-kindness, is a meditation that develops a warm and open heartedness. Guidance on comfortable posture is available for you to find a posture that suits. The evening normally will start with a meditation, followed by a tea break and then an aspect of Buddhism is introduced and discussed.
The meditation sessions last 25-30 minutes and are 'guided', i.e. the class leader quietly gives instruction on what you should do at each stage. The teaching sessions are group based with discussion. During the tea break you can talk and meet the class team and other class members. After the tea break we normally have a short introduction to an aspect to Buddhism and there is time to have discussion.
These classes are also an ideal preparation for our Part I Buddhism and Meditation course, as they give you the opportunity to become familiar with the atmosphere of the Centre and the people you will meet there.
Classes are led by members of the Western Buddhist Order.
Newcomers' Night starts at 7.30pm and ends at 10.00pm. We offer the first night free and then donations accepted, £7 suggested.
We now have two early morning meditation sessions that start at 7.30am and finish at 8.20am. If you are an early riser come along and start your day with a meditation. Suggested donation £3.
Introducing our two meditations - open to all. Reinvigorate your day with the fresh energy from a meditation session. We offer the first day free and then £3 suggested or donation.
Buddhism and Meditation are practical subjects which you learn by experience and through discussion. We can only cover so much on the Tuesday Open Sessions, so we offer a 6 week 'Part I' Meditation and Buddhism course where you can learn more systematically with the same group of people. Each evening begins with a short topic on meditation, then we do a meditation session together, and after a break for tea an aspect of Buddhism's many practical ideas is introduced, with time for discussion. 'Part I' courses start on the following dates in 2010 :
And then...
'Part II' follow-on courses are available. Many people find it beneficial to do the 'Part I' course more than once.
The six-week courses cost £65/£55. They are led by members of the Western Buddhist Order.
