Regular classes and one-off events exploring Buddhist practice
Thursday DAYTIME Class: The Path to True Contentment
Every Thursday - 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.
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.
Wed PRACTICE Night:
7 Weeks to Enlightenment - 7. The Four Great Kings
Wednesday 29 April 7pm – 9:15pm
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.
Wed PRACTICE Night:
Dr Ambedkar - A Modern Bodhisattva
Wednesday 6 May 7pm – 9:15pm
Tonight Tasha will lead an evening celebrating the famous Indian politician and civil-rights proponent Doctor Bhimrao Ambedkar who influenced, and was influenced by, our own teacher Sangharakshita. Our movement is thriving in India, and today, Ambedkar is widely revered by the Indian sangha as a 20th Century Bodhisattva.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
Wed PRACTICE night:
The Dharma through different eyes
We often encounter the wisdom of the Dharma through the animals and nature around us, perhaps without even realizing it. The peace and beauty of the natural world helps us to be spiritually open and more aware of the beings that we share our world with. During this series of four practice evenings, we will start with a 40 minute meditation practice, then members of the Going for Refuge women`s Mitra Group will offer will offer talks on animals, the myths surrounding them and how they can inspire our Buddhist practice.
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too. No need to book, just turn up.
SUMMER EVENT:
Full Moon Woodland Puja
Friday 29 May 7pm – 9pm
The Full Moon each month is the occasion when, in the Buddha's time, his followers would gather together in the forest. We too will be gathering as a sangha in the woods at Rowntree Park to practise in the open air (and in the centre if very wet!). We'll be meeting in the woods with our portable chairs or cushions, refreshments and a small shrine. And together we will be meditating, socialising and performing a special Puja to celebrate the Full Moon of May. The venue is accessible by car and okay for wheelchairs. There is a car park.
All over 18 are very welcome. Details of the venue, and how to find us, will be emailed nearer the time. Booking is essential. Please bring any natural materials (pine cones, a flower etc) with which to make an offering.
Wed PRACTICE Night:
Newcomers Evening - What is Buddhist practice like?
Wednesday 10 June 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.
SUMMER EVENT:
Full Moon Woodland Puja
Friday 26 June 7pm – 9pm
The Full Moon each month is the occasion when, in the Buddha's time, his followers would gather together in the forest. We too will be gathering as a sangha in the woods at Rowntree Park to practise in the open air (and in the centre if very wet!). We'll be meeting in the woods with our portable chairs or cushions, refreshments and a small shrine. And together we will be meditating, socialising and performing a special Puja to celebrate the Full Moon of June. The venue is accessible by car and okay for wheelchairs. There is a car park.
All over 18 are very welcome. Details of the venue, and how to find us, will be emailed nearer the time. Booking is essential. Please bring any natural materials (pine cones, a flower etc) with which to make an offering.
SUMMER EVENT:
Full Moon Woodland Puja
Friday 31 July 7pm – 9pm
The Full Moon each month is the occasion when, in the Buddha's time, his followers would gather together in the forest. We too will be gathering as a sangha in the woods at Rowntree Park to practise in the open air (and in the centre if very wet!). We'll be meeting in the woods with our portable chairs or cushions, refreshments and a small shrine. And together we will be meditating, socialising and performing a special Puja to celebrate the Full Moon of July. The venue is accessible by car and okay for wheelchairs. There is a car park.
All over 18 are very welcome. Details of the venue, and how to find us, will be emailed nearer the time. Booking is essential. Please bring any natural materials (pine cones, a flower etc) with which to make an offering.
SUMMER EVENT:
Full Moon Woodland Puja
Friday 28 August 7pm – 9pm
The Full Moon each month is the occasion when, in the Buddha's time, his followers would gather together in the forest. We too will be gathering as a sangha in the woods at Rowntree Park, for the final time this year, to practise in the open air (and in the centre if very wet!). We'll be meeting in the woods with our portable chairs or cushions, refreshments and a small shrine. And together we will be meditating, socialising and performing a special Puja to celebrate the Full Moon of August. The venue is accessible by car and okay for wheelchairs. There is a car park.
All over 18 are very welcome. Details of the venue, and how to find us, will be emailed nearer the time. Booking is essential. Please bring any natural materials (pine cones, a flower etc) with which to make an offering.