Buddhism

Thursday DAYTIME Class:
The Mystery of Being

Thursdays from 3rd July for Six Weeks - 11.00am to 1.15pm

This weekly daytime drop-in class includes many aspects of Buddhist practice which can be helpful to you whether you wish to practice Buddhism or not. Each week begins with a guided meditation, after which Shakyapada will introduce a particular theme for the week. Discussion and questions are encouraged. From 3rd July for six weeks we will be exploring the Buddhist concept of non-self or anatman. This is not to say that the self does not exist, merely that it does not exist in the way that we think it does.

All over 18 are welcome. No need to book - just turn up when you can.

Wed PRACTICE Night:
Cultivating the Noble Qualities of Awakening

Every Wednesday from 16th July for six weeks

The Six Perfections or paramitas are the transcendental qualities enjoyed by a Bodhisattva - someone who is on the verge of Buddhahood but chooses to remain in the world in order to help all beings free themselves from suffering. These are very lofty ideals indeed, yet they are also familiar qualities which we aim to cultivate in our spiritual lives.

Over these six weeks we will be looking at each of these qualities in detail and exploring how they relate to our own lives.

Wed PRACTICE Night:
Our Teacher’s 100th Birthday

Wednesday 27 August 7pm – 9:15pm

Our late teacher Bhante Sangharakshita was born in Tooting, London on 26th August 2025, so this year commemorates 100 years since his birth.
Sangharakshita always said that he was the most unlikely person to start a thriving international Buddhist movement but he did. He saw friendship as a key part of Buddhism and encouraged his followers to meet regularly in a spirit of mutual support in their practice.

Tonight will be led by our GfR mitras; Jo will reflect on what our Teacher means to her after which Susan will lead a reflection/meditation which everyone can take part in. After the break Tasha will lead a seven-fold Puja based around Bhante’s poetry.

Special Event:
Woodland Puja and Meditation

Friday 29 August 7pm – 9pm

This is the third of our Summer Woodland Meditation and Puja Evenings amongst the trees in Rowntree Park.

Tonight, we will be performing a Green Puja together. This is a poetical devotional practice which invites us to connect with something much greater than ourselves - in this case the astounding natural world which we so often can take for granted.

Please also bring a torch as it will be dark when we finish plus something to sit on - there are wooden logs but a cushion would make them more comfortable - something natural to offer to the shrine (perhaps a flower, an acorn or a fir cone) and a drink for the break.

Open to all over 18 - You don’t need to be a Buddhist or intend to be one. Booking is essential, so that we can contact you with alternative arrangements in the event of inclement weather.

Special Event:
Padmasambhava Puja and Meditation in the Woods

Friday 26 September 7pm – 9pm

This is the last of our Summer Woodland Meditation and Puja Evenings amongst the trees in Rowntree Park and mostly by candlelight tonight. Do come along and lets end our summer woodland events with a real flourish.
Tonight we will be performing a puja to the Great Guru Padmasambhava. This is a poetical devotional practice which invites us to connect with something much greater than ourselves - in this case the wisdom and devotion of Padmasambhava.

Open to all over 18 - You don’t need to be a Buddhist or intend to be one Booking is essential, so that we can contact you with alternative arrangements in the event of inclement weather.