We run events of many sorts for people at all levels of commitment – short retreats, study of Buddhist texts, meditative ‘sesshins’ and occasional arts activities like singing workshops. We also celebrate the major festivals of the Buddhist calendar: Wesak and Parinirvana Day, commemorating the Buddha’s Enlightenment and his death; Dharma Day and Sangha Day celebrating the Buddha’s teachings and the spiritual community of his followers, and Padmasambhava Day when we fete the historical and mythological accomplishments of the character who established Buddhism in Tibet.
There is something on at the Centre most weekends. Most events are open to anyone already familiar with the Triratna Buddhist Community and the two main meditations we teach. If that isn’t you, look at the Newcomers page first.
Film and Food Night
Saturday 11 Feb 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Come to relax with the Sangha, eat a meal and watch a film together. And evening run by the fundraising group to raise money for Dharma causes worldwide.
Sing with the Sangha
Saturday 11 Feb 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Liven up your body and your mental states! Terry is restarting the Sing with Sangha evenings to brighten up your Saturday evenings.
Parinirvana Day
Sunday 12 Feb 2:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This major festival marks the Buddha’s final passing away into Nirvana at death. It gives us an opportunity to remember those close to us who have died and to learn from the Buddha’s example about how we can face our own death.
Remembering those close to us who have died
A central part of the festival ritual is the reading of the names (and dates if known) of those who have died. Email us the name of anyone who has died in the last year who you’d like to be remembered – and bring a photo or commemorative offering to put on the shrine.
Programme:
2.00pm Choice of:
Workshop making offerings for the puja to commemorate those who have died or connect with death as a fact of life or
Making a Will workshop – relevant to all but following up on the ‘death and dying’ workshop last Halloween or
Mettabhavana Meditation for those who have died
3.00pm Tea break
3.30pm Parinirvana ritual with commemorations, chanting, circumnambulation, sutra readings & puja
Meditation Kula Day: A New Year of Meditation (2)
Saturday 18 Feb 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Keep your practice refreshed with another day of meditation guidance and support from the Meditation Kula Order Members (Akasacitta, Jayagupta, Khemasuri, Kuladitya, Moksalila, Sihapada).
Look out for more details on the notice board and website nearer the event.
Bring your own lunch.
Finding our Way to the Buddha
Saturday 25 Feb 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A day of reflection and meditation with Maitridasa. exploring different approaches to the practice of Buddhanusati (Recollection of the Buddha) in order to connect with the Buddha from your own experience and inspiration.
Sunday Meditation Mornings
Sunday 26 Feb 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Deepen your meditation practice with the help of these monthly meditation mornings, led by a member of the meditation kula.
