Regular classes and one-off events
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week One, Victory Over Mara
Wednesday 10th April - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
The Buddha is said to have taken 7 weeks to become fully Enlightened, weeks which he spent meditating and reflecting under and around the Bodhi Tree. This week Shakyapada relates the story of the Buddha's Awakening on the full moon night of May, 2500 years ago and introduces Mara, a mythical figure who represents everything that holds us back - our shadow side - and the Earth Goddess who ultimately helps break the last fetter which was binding Gautama to mundane existence. Together we will explore the imagery of this profound archetypal story and see how the symbolism of Mara and the Earth Goddess can help us too to transform.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Two, The Place of the Unwinking Gaze
Wednesday 17th April - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. This week Jo explores the first full week of the Buddha's Awakening when he sits at the top of a small hill and gazes back at the nearby Bodhi Tree where he had realised Awakening. He feels deep, deep gratitude. Gratitude directed to the ancient tree, just down the hill. which has sheltered him from the sun and rain with it's vast canopy of huge heart-shaped leaves
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Three, The Cloister Walk
Wednesday 24th April - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. This week the Buddha is walking up and down near to the Bodhi Tree, reflecting on his experience of Awakening. He is incredibly aware and his mind is sharp and crystal clear as he takes each step. It is in this week that he realises that all things, all experiences, arise on conditions and that nothing is permanent or fixed - the basis of all his subsequent teaching. This evening Shakyapada will explore with us what this means and how an understanding of change can help us to transform our lives for the better.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Four, The Jewelled House
Wednesday 1st May - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. This week the Buddha sits and meditates deeply, really absorbing his experience so far. And as he meditates a host of devas gather around him and create a small house. He has ceased to be in time and space. He is no longer restricted in the way we are - he is just constantly here, now, as part of everything that is arising, absorbing what it means to be Enlightened. This evening Shakyapada will explore with us what this means and how we might begin to understand - at least on an intellectual level - what it means to be Enlightened.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Five, Under the Goatherd's Banyan Tree
Wednesday 8th May - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. The Buddha is continuing to experience the deep bliss of Awakening in the shade of a large banyan tree when he is disturbed by someone who barges in on him - the first person he has encountered since Enlightenment. He is an arrogant Brahmin called Uhungajataka and, as a Brahmin he insists that he is superior to all others. The Buddha however takes issue with this.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Six, Under the Mucalinda Tree
Wednesday 15th May - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. The Buddha has moved again and is is sitting under the 'Mucalinda Tree' when a great storm arises. The Buddha is going to get soaked and become very cold. But a great Naga or serpent called Mucalinda lives in the tree and comes down to the ground and winds his coils around the Buddha seven times opening his (cobra-like) hood above the Buddha's head, keeping him warm and dry. And, after 7 days, the rain stops and the Naga transforms into a beautiful young man who bows to the Buddha.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Seven, Under the Rajayatana Tree
Wednesday 22nd May - 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. The Buddha is now fully enlightened, all that remains is for him to go out into the world and teach the Dharma. He is preparing himself to leave and deciding where to go when two passing merchants chance upon him. The experience of seeing him stops them in their tracks. They are deeply moved by the blissful state which radiates from him. Both suddenly feel full of deep devotion and feel the need to make an offering of rice and honey - the first ever offering. At this, the earth shakes and the Four Great Kings appear, concerned that the Buddha has no bowl with which to receive the rice.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Going Deeper - What does it mean to become a mitra?
Sunday 9 June 10am – 1pm
This morning, led by Shakyapada, is an opportunity to consider taking your practice deeper by becoming a mitra.
We'll be looking at what is involved and what it means to become a mitra: how you ask to be a mitra, the three undertakings, the ceremony itself, where you need to be in your practice, and how becoming a mitra opens up the door to three further years of the mitra study course and other special retreats at Triratna retreat centres.
All over 18 welcome. Booking is essential. (There is no booking fee)