Sangha Night
Meditation
We teach two Buddhist meditation practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind; and Mettā Bhāvanā (“development of loving kindness”), which brings about a gentle but radical transformation of our emotional world. Each week we alternate between the two practices.
We will help you to set up in good posture and give a fully led practice, so there is no need for any previous experience.
Dharma
We introduce traditional teachings of the Buddha in a way that is accessible and practical to everyday life in the modern world. Usually the format is a talk, followed by breaking into smaller groups for discussion. Each week will stand alone so there is no need for any previous knowledge.
Online Link
We strongly encourage attendence in person to get the most out of your engagement, but for those whom physical attendence is a problem or during Covid restrictions, we also offer online participation via Zoom. Just click this link to join.
Programme
The Heart Sutra
As the name implies, The Heart Sutra is a core Buddhist text. Although the Buddha taught that the true nature of reality cannot be accurately communicated in words, the Heart Sutra offers the most direct way words can offer to seeing into the truth of things.
Using Sangharakshita's helpful commentary as a basis, we will explore the sutra and the meaning behind it through a mix of talks, discussions and reflection.
As usual each evening will begin with meditation including a drop in class for newcomers, then after a tea break we will explore the nature of reality together.
This theme runs for a total of eight weeks including a Dharma Day celebration on July 27th. Although each week will be accessible to anyone, even better if you can commit yourself to attending the whole run.
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 15 June | Heart Sutra Series I - Introduction to Sangharakshita's Commentary Part 1 |
| 22 June | Heart Sutra Series II - Introduction to Sangharakshita's Commentary Part 2 |
| 29 June | Heart Sutra Series III - The Five Skandhas |
| 6 July | Heart Sutra Series IV - Sunyata & The Dhammas |
| 13 July | Heart Sutra Series V - Sunyata II |
| 20 July | Heart Sutra Series VI - The Six Sense Spheres |
| 27 July | Dharma Day Celebration |
| 3 August | Heart Sutra Series VII - PrajnaParamita - The Goddess of Supreme Wisdom |
Meditation Level 2
This series led by Ratnadaka will help deepen your meditation experience and practice.
Maintaining a regular meditation practice amongst the conditions of modern life is a difficult task, and most of us - beginners and experienced meditators alike, need some support.
Ratnadaka will be leading this course over six Tuesday evenings. As usual each evening will begin with meditation, including a drop in class for newcomers, then after a tea break we will explore aspects of meditation, including how to:
1. Set up and prepare for meditation
2. Balance active effort with receptivity
3. Explore focus and breadth in awareness
4. Identify and deepen positive mental states
5. Work with factors that get in the way of progress
The course is an opportunity to improve your meditation so you get real benefits in daily life.
In keeping with Buddhist tradition, this teaching is offered free of charge There is no need to book, but a donation to cover costs on the night is welcome.
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 10 August | Meditation Level 2 Class 1 |
| 17 August | Meditation Level 2 Class 2 |
| 24 August | Meditation Level 2 Class 3 |
| 31 August | Meditation Level 2 Class 4 |
| 7 September | Meditation Level 2 Class 5 |
| 14 September | Meditation Level 2 Class 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book?
No, just turn up!
What should I wear?
There are no special requirements, just whatever is comfortable to sit in
Do I need to be a Buddhist?
No, the class is suitable for everyone who wants to learn about Buddhism, or just to meditate.
Can I come just for the meditation?
Of course! The meditation part of the evening will finish around 7:30pm.
What time should I show up?
The meditation will start at 6:45pm. You're welcome to turn up any time from 6:30pm.
How much does the class cost?
We don't charge a fixed price for our classes but instead invite you to make a donation to the centre to help us cover our running costs.
A donation of $10-20 would help us to cover our costs, but everyone is equally welcome, even if you cannot give anything at all.
We are a non-profit organisation and support charities such as the ITBCI School for Tibetan refugee children.
You can give cash on the night or make a transfer to the following bank account: BSB: 313140 / Account: 12113931
Is it possible to participate online?
We strongly encourage attendance in person to get the most out of your engagement, but for those whom physical attendence is a problem we also offer online participation via Zoom. See above for the link to join.
What is a Puja?
A devotional ritual which invokes a sequence of spiritually beneficial moods, helping us bring our emotional side as well as our thinking side into our practice. It involves speaking in call and response and some simple chanting, so anyone can take part or just observe, as you feel comfortable.
Where to Find Us
We meet at the Anthroposophic Book Centre in Halifax Street.