Meditation and Buddhism

Develop, calmness, awareness and emotional positivity with Meditation

Every Tuesday evening - Open Meditation Sessions

These 'Open Sessions' are open to anyone (non-Buddhists included) who is interested in learning to meditate - just turn up. Depending on the experience of those present, this class covers the following topics:

• Guidance on meditation posture so that you will be able to meditate in comfort. NB There are many alternatives to the well-known 'Lotus Position'!
• The foundations of meditation - setting up your 'sit'.
• The 'Mindfulness of Breathing' practice, the purpose of which is to develop increased concentration, awareness and calmness of mind.
• The 'Metta Bhavana' (cultivation of friendliness) practice, the purpose of which is to develop positive emotions - warmth, kindness and friendliness towards yourself and others.
• Some basic elements of Buddhist practice that are relevant to meditation, for example the practice of ethical living.

The meditation sessions last 25-50 minutes (depending on the experience of those present) 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. There is also a tea break, during which you can informally meet the class team and other class members.

These classes are also an ideal preparation for our Part I Meditation and Buddhism 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.

The Open Sessions start at 7.15pm for 7.30pm and end at 9.45pm, and cost £5 (low income £3).

Friday mornings - meditation session, 7.30am.

D

Dayasara will be leading morning meditation sessions to start at 7.30am and finish at 8.20am. He may not always be available, so if you aren't on his 'list', before turning up please contact him (tel. 01473 252821 or 07748 375923) to confirm that a session will be running. Suggested donation £2.

Tuesday Lunchtime meditation class, 1pm to 2pm

Simply meditating - open to all. Cost £2. After the tea break at 2.15pm we have a programme of topics introducing skilful living etc. Finish by 3pm.

Find meaning, purpose and direction in life with Meditation and Buddhism Courses

Meditation and Buddhism 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 2008 :

• 10 June
• 9 September

And then...

'Part II' and 'Part III' six-week courses are available; also, many people find it beneficial to do the 'Part I' course more than once.

The six-week courses cost £55 (low wage £45, unwaged £25). They are led by members of the Western Buddhist Order.

We recommend that you wear loose comfortable clothing to these classes.

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