Intro to Buddhism & Meditation

5-weeks / Mondays / 7-9.15pm

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5-weeks / Mondays 15 Jun - 13 Jul / 7-9.15pm

This 5-week introductory course will give you a thorough grounding in key Buddhist principles and practices. It offers a glimpse of the radical transformation of self & world that can result from practising the Buddha’s teaching as part of a thriving, open community.

Cost: £110 (concession cost £75)

Course description

The course is led by committed Buddhist practitioners and will include short talks, meditation teaching and practise, with plenty of opportunities for discussion and asking questions. Outside of the teaching sessions there will be opportunities to chat to the people on the team and others on the course.

Each week there will be home practice to engage with - this is a chance to apply the teachings to your daily life, and in so doing, take them deeper and start to make them your own.The course is led in an informal and friendly manner, and is open to anyone wanting to find out what meditation and Buddhism may have to offer.

Structure of the course

Week 1

Introduction to the Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practice, followed by the life story of the Buddha and what meaning we can draw from it for our own lives in the big city.

Week 2

Further teaching on the Mindfulness of Breathing and delve into one of the big questions, ‘What is Enlightenment?’

Week 3

Introduction to the Metta Bhavana meditation practice (development of kindness/love) and introduction to karma (one of the most misunderstood terms in Buddhism) and the five precepts.

Week 4

Further teaching on the Metta Bhavana and exploration of ways to go deeper in meditation by working on your mind.

Week 5

Introduction to the Three Jewels (the most precious ideals in Buddhism), focusing on spiritual community, friendship and individuality.

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Frequently Asked questions

How can I get the most out of the course?
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Consistency is key: Come every week. Motivation often follows action so you’ll usually find that once you’re here, you’re glad you came!Arrive early: Aim to get here 15 minutes before we start. This gives you time to settle in and relax before the session begins.

What if I can’t make every session? 
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Don't worry - it’s fine, and common, to miss a session or two. We’ll usually send follow-up emails recapping the content you missed. If you know you’re going to be away, just let us know and we’ll look forward to seeing you the following week.

Will there be any food and drink?
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Tea and biscuits are served during breaks. We provide a wide range of teas along with oat and soya milk. There is also tap water. If you’re attending a day-long event (a Festival day or Day retreat for example), you’re invited to bring a vegan lunch to share as part of a "pot-luck" buffet.

What should I wear?
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There is no dress code, just wear what you feel comfortable in. If you’re attending a meditation class, loose-fitting trousers are a good choice as they make it much easier to sit on a cushion or chair for longer periods.

Do I need to take my shoes off?
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We ask everyone to remove their shoes before entering our shrine rooms or yoga studio. You can leave your shoes in the designated areas. (You might want to bring a pair of socks if your feet get cold!)

What if I can’t afford it? 
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While many courses are "Give What You Can," others have a set fee. If the low-income rate is still out of reach, please get in touch. We want our courses to be accessible to all and can often offer a place for an amount that works for you. It helps if you can give us a rough idea of what you can contribute when you get in touch.

Is it ok to just come once?
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Absolutely! You are welcome to drop-in and see if it feels right for you. 

How do I get to the Buddhist Centre?
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We are a 5–10 minute walk from three stations: Highbury & Islington, Holloway Road, and Drayton Park. Bus routes 21, 43, 263, and 393 stop nearby. We are also on the C38 Cycleway, with plenty of bike racks close by on Fieldway Crescent. There is no on-site parking, and nearby streets are mostly resident-only.

Is the Buddhist Centre accessible? 
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While we have an internal lift to the shrine rooms and yoga studio, please be aware there are four steep steps at our main street-level entrance without a ramp or lift. On the ground floor, you’ll find an accessible toilet. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your specific access needs.