Regular classes and one-off events exploring Buddhist practice
Wed PRACTICE Night:
Moving Towards a More Skilful Life.
From 7th January for six weeks - 7.00pm to 9.15pm
In the Christian tradition ethics are viewed as commandments and you are often judged ‘good’ or ‘bad’ depending on your adherence to them, or
not. In Buddhism, behaviour is not viewed as good or bad but skilful or unskilful. Buddhist ethics is more about our natural inclination to act in a way that is beneficial for ourselves and others. We understand that if we can act skilfully then this will have a positive and helpful effect on our lives, our mental states and the people around us.
Open to all over 18 - You don’t need to be a Buddhist or intend to be one No need to book - just turn up when you can
Thursday DAYTIME Class: The Path to True Contentment
Every Thursday from 8th January - 11.00am to 1.15pm
This is a wide-ranging, practical and fascinating exploration of the Buddha’s teaching over eight months which you can fit into your normal week. It will give you a solid basis for living your life in a spirit of peace and harmony with others. This is a drop-in course looking at Buddhist Practice mostly in the context of how we approach it in the Triratna Community.
We are a contemporary tradition founded by an Englishman in 1968 so our approach is very accessible for people in the West. You don’t need to become a Buddhist or want to be one. Each week will begin with a guided meditation.
Wed PRACTICE Night: The Path of Practice
Wednesday 18 February 7pm – 9:15pm
When we meet the Dharma something very mysterious and wonderful happens to many of us. Sometimes for the first time in our lives we discover a profound meaning to our lives. This may be enough, at least to begin with, but as time progresses, many of us feel that we need to go further and, in some way, deepen our practice and our commitment to our practice.
This evening members of our mitra sangha will be exploring what this means, and the options that are available.
Wed PRACTICE Night:
Being Present in a Busy world
Wednesday 25 February 7pm – 9:15pm
21st Century life is hectic and often overwhelming. There are so many things bearing down on us - news, social media, work, family responsibilities and more - that it can seem impossible to find any stillness in our lives. Yet, even in the midst of all this, even in the midst of pressure and stress, our practice of the dharma can open up a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Mark Jones has been practising for over 25 years and is soon to be ordained as an Order member. Tonight he will explore this subject of busyness through his own experience and look at how we can all find more stillness in our busy lives.
Wed PRACTICE Night:
Newcomers Evening - What is Buddhist practice like?
Wednesday 4 March 7pm – 9:15pm
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a Buddhist? What difference could that make to your life?
Tonight three members of our sangha (community) will each give a short talk about their practice and what it has meant to them in their lives. There will also be an opportunity to discuss Buddhist practice with other members of our sangha. This evening is open to all over 18 - especially non-Buddhists and is a great opportunity to find out more from ordinary people like you who happen to have discovered a way to change their lives for the better.
The evening will begin with a short guided meditation followed by a short break before the main part of the evening. There is no charge but a donation would be appreciated.
Finding Peace in a Turbulent World: An Introduction to Buddhism (EVENING COURSE)
True happiness can be elusive. Good times so easily give way to anxiety, anger, disappointment and other painful states. Yet much of the suffering we experience can be avoided. Buddhism is a radically different vision of religion. Without belief in a creator god, it envisions an life of connection - with others, with the natural world and with our own precious lives.
This course will help you to identify what creates unhappiness in your life and will give you the practical tools to change the way that you respond to the difficult and uncomfortable situations and thoughts that you meet during every day.