Introduction to Buddhism 2014

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We are running two new Introduction to Buddhism courses for the remainder of 2014. These will run for three weeks each and cover basic Buddhist concepts and practice (including meditation) and an overview of the different sources used in Buddhism. They are strongly recommended for anyone who would like to start attending our Wednesday evening Regulars group as this will no longer include any introductory evenings. The courses are on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 and the dates are:

First course: September 25th; October 2nd and 16th

Second course: November 6th, 20th and 27th.

Please note that there are gaps in both courses due to the availability of the venue. The dates are still to be confirmed so please check again closer to the time. Further details can be found in Meeting times.

Week 1: A Very Short Introduction to Buddhism

Seven key Buddhist concepts.

Week 2: Schools and Sources

Buddhism was passed down as an oral tradition for several hundred years. How did it come to be written down? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the different texts and traditions that we know Buddhism through?

Week 3: Culture and Practice

Buddhism comes with various bits of Eastern cultural baggage. What are these? Where did they come from? Are any of them useful today or can we practice Buddhism without any of them?

Winter/spring 2014 ‘Buddhism from the Beginning’

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These talks build on each other, adding up to a rounded introduction to Buddhism, with the emphasis on practical application. However each talk is also meant to stand on its own and to be useful even if you can’t attend all of them.

February

Wed 05th         How To Approach Buddhism (Meditation: body awareness)

Wed 12th         The Noble Quest (Meditation: body awareness)

Wed 19th         The Buddha’s Enlightenment (Meditation: body awareness)

Wed 26th         The Four Noble Truths (Meditation: mindfulness of breathing)

March

Wed 05th         Right View, Right Intention (Meditation: mindfulness of breathing)

Wed 12th         Right Speech (Meditation: mindfulness of breathing)

Wed 19th         Right Action (Meditation: metta bhavana)

*Wed 26th         Right Livelihood, Right Effort (Meditation: metta bhavana)

April

Wed 02nd         Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration (Meditation: metta bhavana)

*Wed 09th         The Historical Development of Buddhism (Meditation: karuna bhavana)

Wed 16th         Buddhism and Society (Meditation: just sitting)

*Wed 23rd         The Five Hindrances

*Wed 30th         The ‘Meditation Roadmap’

May

Wed 07th         Discussion

*Wed 14th         Wesak / Buddha Day festival

* Not suitable for those with no experience of meditation

New study group book – Vision and Transformation

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The study group is going back to basics with a book we have done before: Vision and Transformation by Sangharakshita. It’s an introduction to the Buddha’s Eightfold Path, one limb of the path per chapter and an excellent practical introduction to the teachings. There is a free pdf for those with e-readers at http://www.sangharakshita.org/_books/Noble_Eightfold_Path.pdf Otherwise, we have a number of spare copies in the library.

The study group meets fortnightly(ish) on Sunday mornings in members homes. If you would like to join, please contact us.

9780904766448

Programme for Summer/Autumn 2013

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AUGUST

7th –  Nigel – Questions are the Answer

14th –  Nigel – The Precepts

21st –  Alan – The Art of Listening

28th –  Erin – title to be confirmed

SEPTEMBER

4th –  Alison – The Presence of the Buddha

11th –  Julian – The Maha-Rahulovada Sutta

18th –  Nava – Inclusive Buddhism

25th –  Thilini – reading

OCTOBER

2nd –  Nigel – Strength Training

9th –  Alison – Mantras

16th –  Double meditation

23rd –  Alan – Ritual in Buddhism

30th –  Autumn puja