These classes are suitable for all levels of experience. Most people meditate sitting on chairs but cushions are also available if you prefer to sit on the floor. There is no need to book – everyone is welcome to drop in to any class on any date. Come and feel uplifted not just by the class but also by the company and the beautiful meditation room. Get in touch if you have any questions at all.
These introductory classes begin with a simple guided meditation to reduce stress, tension and distractions. This is followed by a short teaching on how to apply Buddhist principles to daily life, followed by a second meditation and an opportunity to ask questions and discuss with others.
After the class you are welcome to stay for refreshments and informal discussion.
You don’t need any previous experience to attend these classes. Also, you don’t need to pre-register. All you need to do is choose a class and come along!
Our Tuesday evening classes are live-streamed for our local monthly members.
Information about our monthly membership schemes can be found here
***NEW TIME***
Tuesdays 7-8:15pm – with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Chogma
Jan 13, 20, 27 Feb 3, 10, 17 Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Apr 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19 Jun 2, 9, (NOT 16), 23, 30 Jul 7, 14, 21
Thursdays 11am-12noon – with Buddhist Teacher Ken Standley
Jan 15, 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19 Mar 5, 12, 19, 26
Apr 2, 23, 30 May 7, 14 21 Jun (NOT 4), 11, (NOT 18), 25 Jul 2, 9, 16, 23
Cost: £7 per class or four classes for £21. These classes are free for Monthly Members, who can attend in person or via live-stream. See here for details of becoming a Monthly Member
No need to book – just come along to any class at any time in the term.
Please note: door is locked when class starts so please try to arrive before the class start time.
If you arrive late please knock on the door or you can ring the doorbell situated at the door to the right of the main entrance.
Overcoming Painful Minds
Easter to Spring Half-Term
Five meditation classes looking at practical solutions to painful minds; in particular, teaching simple opponents to six different minds that Buddha called ‘root delusions’ – the painful states of mind that are the root of all our suffering and problems.
“The definition of delusion is a mental factor that arises from inappropriate attention and functions to make the mind unpeaceful and uncontrolled.”
How to Understand the Mind – Gehse Kelsang Gyatso
Week 1: Overcoming Craving
How to reduce our uncontrolled desires and live with more contentment.
Week 2: Overcoming Anger & Frustration
How to train our mind in the beauty of patient acceptance.
Week 3: Overcoming Low Self-Confidence
How to develop authentic self-confidence that is stable and humble.
Week 4: Overcoming Confusion & Doubts
How to develop our own wisdom.
Week 5: Overcoming Our Wrong Views of Ourself
How to identify ourself correctly.
Meditation Toolkit
June – July: a 7-week series of classes
This course is essential for everyone who wishes to understand how to be successful in their meditation.
Meditation has many benefits from simple relaxation to helping us keep a positive, peaceful outlook at all times. These results depend upon our meditation being effective.
In this 7-week course, you will learn the essential elements of meditation so you can understand how to improve your meditation every day.
There are various aspects of the mind that you will need to understand if your mind is to have the strength, power, and stability to meditate. These include:
- What to focus upon in meditation
- How to gain mindfulness
- Strengthening concentration
- Making our mind positive
Like training a weak body needs exercises, our distracted mind also needs to train in mental exercise to strengthen the qualities of mind that enable successful meditation.
TUESDAY LUNCHTIME MEDITATION
Tuesdays 1:30pm
Enjoy a FREE guided meditation at lunchtime.
The meditation is 15 minutes long but you’re welcome to stay and discuss afterwards. These sessions are suitable for everyone. Seating is on chairs but we do have cushions if you prefer to sit on the floor.
This class is in-person only. Attend any class on any date.
Dates:
Jan 13, 20, 27 Feb 3, 10, 17 Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Apr 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19 Jun 2, 9, 23, 30 Jul 7, 14, 21
PRAYERS FOR WORLD PEACE
A Free Public Service ~ Thursdays 5:30-6:15pm
Enjoy a free guided meditation, a reading or short teaching and some beautiful Buddhist prayers dedicated to world peace.
This session is in-person only. Attend any session on any date.
Dates:
Jan 15, 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19 Mar 5, 12, 19, 26
Apr 2, 23, 30 May 7, 14 Jun 11, 25 Jul 2, 9, 16