Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation

Can we really find happiness in more and more distraction, and having ever more stuff? …Buddhism tells us that this won’t work but that there is real happiness to be found if we look in the right place!

On this course, over six Tuesday evenings from the 12th September to the 17th October, you will explore the two most important Buddhist meditation practices, which are part of a whole system, and try out some powerful Buddhist wisdom teachings that can change the way we see the world.

The price for the full course is £70 / (£45 concessions). Please use the booking from below to reserve your place.

PART 2
What you learn in this course can be developed in a further six-weeks course ‘Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation Part 2’ starting 9th Jan.

Week 1 – Key Buddhist Ideas
Buddhism gives us tools to change in ways that bring inner happiness, the direction of this change takes account of the fact that we are interrelated beings, so selfishness is self-defeating. We will discuss the Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice

Week 2 – Wheels, Spirals and the ‘Gap’
This week we will discuss creative and reactive responses and of ‘being in the gap’ between good and bad impulses. Furthermore, we will look at Buddhist concepts of Karma and Vipaka (actions and consequences). We will practise mindfulness of breathing and share our experience

Week 3 – Reinventing the precepts: looking at moral behaviour
We will explore the principles of behaviour in people that we find inspirational and admirable, and the idea that ethics can free us from reactive cycles of behaviour. We will discuss the meditation practice Metta Bhavana, development of positive emotion

Week 4 – The Five Precepts
We clarify the nature of Buddhist ethics and relate this to the law of Karma, and look at and discuss skillful and unskillful states of mind, intentions and behaviour. We will practise the Metta Bhavana meditation and share our experience

Week 5 – Meditation
We will discuss practical ways of working with energy in meditation, balancing calm and alertness. Then we will explain and discuss the Threefold path of Ethics, Meditation and wisdom. We will practise mindfulness of breathing meditation and share our experience

Week 6 – The Three Laksanas
We discuss how we view our lived experience and explore the Buddhist concepts of Impermanence, Unsatisfactoriness and Insubstantiality. We will practise Metta Bhavana meditation and share our experience

Is this course suitable for me?

This course is ideal for anybody who would like to learn to meditate or find out more about Buddhism. It provides a structured introduction to a complete system of practice so whether you have attended introductory sessions and are looking for a more structured engagement or you have never been to the Buddhist Centre before, this course is will suit your needs.

What do I need to bring?

We provide mats and cushions for meditation and as much tea and biscuits as you are likely to need. You may find it helpful to bring a notepad and pen with you.

What if I can’t make all sessions?

It is best if you can plan to come to all sessions. If you have to miss one it shouldn’t be a problem but please let the organisers know.

Please use the booking form opposite to book your place on the course.

You will receive a confirmation email and shortly before the start of the course an email with an introduction for the first week.

[Tip – the form only becomes active once you have added a quantity]

You are advised to check our Booking Policy