Regular events

Dharma Monday

beginners welcome

This week we will be exploring a Buddhist sutta (commonly recognised as the closest thing we have to the recorded word of the Buddha). The Karaniya Metta Sutta.

Guhyasiddhi (hopefully) will be sharing his personal translation of this sutta and the inspiration he finds it its words. Since metta is one of the basic foundations of the Bodhisattva Ideal.

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The five aspects of Buddhist practice can be discussed under the headings of:

• Integration
• Skilful Action (positive emotion)
• Spiritual Death (letting go of unhelpful limiting habits)
• Spiritual Rebirth (opening to the mystery that knows no limits)
• and Spiritual Receptivity (when words fail us)

It might seem like we are repeating our explorations of Skilful Action / Positive Emotion in the above list ... and, in a way, we are. Hundreds of years after the Buddha died, the Bodhisattva Ideal was another way that his followers came to understand for themselves what he had taught them. In the beginning, it seems that the kindness the Buddha showed other living beings did not need to be highlighted to his followers. Later on, the kindness of the Buddha became an inspiration for others in an exciting way. So, yes, it could fit into the above categories.

For most people, the biggest hurdle to making progress with Buddhism is finding the inspiration to do regular practice (like practising kindness and generosity without forgetting to include themselves in this). Besides being insightful, such effort can also be fun and enjoyable. Attending these Monday nights is one way to help ourselves continue with our practice and exploration: we get to meet like-minded people, to have those deeper discussions about life which are so difficult to find sometimes, and to learn a 'box of tools' capable of changing our life for the better.

This evening starts in the reception room and ends a little after 8pm. After that, you are welcome to stay for a cup of tea, ask further questions, and talk more about Buddhism.

Dharma Night is suitable for everyone, regardless of their level of experience or exposure to Buddhism. If you like what you find we recommend that you sign up for one of our introductory Buddhist meditation courses. These courses provide a systematic introduction to Buddhist meditation practice.

When

Cost