Practice Night Class
A more in depth and intense class which includes Dharma talks, discussion, meditation practice as well as Buddhist ritual.
Suitable for those with more experience. Not suitable for beginners.
Sangha Morning
This class is an opportunity for our Sangha to come together. Suitable for experienced and new Sangha members alike.
In the second half of the class we will introduce an aspect of Buddhist teachings.
Classes are free but your donations are greatly appreciated.
Meditation
We teach two Buddhist meditation practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind; and Mettā Bhāvanā (“development of loving kindness”), which brings about a gentle but radical transformation of our emotional world. Each week we alternate between the two practices.
Talks
We introduce traditional teachings of the Buddha in a way that is accessible and practical to everyday life in the modern world.
We tend to focus on a particular aspect of Buddhism in a series which lasts several weeks. While you are welcome to start coming at any point, you will get the most out of the class by coming to an entire series.
Watch past talks on YouTube
If you would simply like to watch past talks you can do this via our YouTube Channel. Go to 'Playlists' and 'Online Sangha morning'.
Programme
In progress
7 June 2025 — 9 August: The Purpose and Practice of Buddhist Meditation — A series exploring various aspects of Buddhist mediation
“Here perpetual incense burns;
The heart to meditation turns,
And all delights and passions spurns.”
These are the opening line's of Sangharakshita's poem "Meditation". In a 2015 conversation with Saddhanandi he describes how the opening lines represent a faith in our meditation practice, something we place our heart upon, enabling us to try to leave behind all worldly thoughts and passions and to enter upon a higher meditative state.
But is that our experience of meditation?
This series will explore what meditation is and the place for it within our particular tradition. We hope to expose some misunderstandings and look more closely at our common practices of developing Mindfulness and Positive Emotion as well as levels of 'concentration' and how we can work in meditation.
This series will be ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their meditation practice. As usual for our Saturday Sangha class, each week will stand alone so you are welcome to come whenever you can.
| Date | Subject | Lead |
|---|---|---|
| 7 June 2025 | What is Meditation? | Sthiranāga |
| 14 June 2025 | A System of Meditation | Saddhavasita |
| 21 June | Motivation & Misunderstandings | Akashahrdaya |
| 28 June | Mindfulness | Silanatha |
| 5 July | The Development of Positive Emotion | Akashahrdaya |
| 12 July | Levels of Concentration | |
| 19 July | Working in Meditation I | |
| 26 July | Working in Meditation II | |
| 2 August | Taking Meditation Further | |
| 9 August | Puja and Recollection of the Buddha |
More questions? Get in touch
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive at the Centre for the class?
Arrive at the Buddhist centre in time to begin promptly at 10:30am.
How long do I need to have been coming?
The class is best suited for those who have learned both of the meditations we teach by coming on Newcomers Night or an Introductory Course.
Do I need to book?
No just come along.
Is it okay to join in the middle of the series?
Absolutely. Though of course you'll get those most out of the class by attending the whole series, there's no need to wait until the start of the next series if you want to start coming.
How much does the class cost?
We don't charge for our classes, and the team are not paid for their time. We simply ask that those who are able to do so make a donation to the centre to help us cover our running costs.
See the link on our web site to enable you to make a donation.
Can I still attend if I am under 18?
All are welcome at our classes however if you are under the age of 18 please contact us in advance of joining the session (contact@colchesterbuddhistcentre.com)
Is there parking available?
As we are in the town centre we do not have onsite parking, the nearest car parks are Britannia (route is via underground subway) and Napier Road.
We are also directly opposite the town train station and serviced by good bus links.
Bikes can be locked to the railings at the back of the building.
The Team
Where to Find Us
We're just off St. Botolph's Roundabout, across from the Colchester Town Station, just to the left of Mersea Road. Parking is available in Napier Road Car Park (first right off Mersea Road), a few minutes walk away, for £1.50.
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