Sangha Mornings (at the Buddhist Centre)

Saturdays 10:30am – 1pm

This is an in-person weekly class at the Colchester Buddhist Centre.

Building on the success of our Dharma Mornings this class seeks to offer 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. These can be made via contactless payment at the Centre or you may wish to make an online donation here

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'.

Add To Calendar

Programme

Exploring Buddhist Meditation — A series taking a practical view of Buddhist meditation

During this series we will be looking at Buddhist meditation within the context of Triratna's System of Practice. The series will allow the opportunity to experience different aspects of meditation, as well as some different meditation practices.

There will be opportunities to discuss your own practice and along the way we will be sharing hints and tips to help your meditation.

This is a drop-in series and our aim is for each morning's topic to stand alone, so please come when you can.

Date	Talk Subject	Meditation
30 April	What are we trying to do?	Metta
7 May	The purpose of meditation	Mindfulness
14 May	Preparing for and concluding meditation	Metta
21 May	The importance of the body	Mindfulness
28 May	Enjoyment of awareness	Metta
4 June	Uncontrived mindfulness	Mindfulness
11 June	Opening the heart and Hara	Metta
18 June	Brahma Viharas - Metta (Loving Kindness)	Metta
25 June	Brahma Viharas - Karuna (Compassion)	Karuna Bhavana
2 July	Brahma Viharas - Mudita (Sympathetic Joy)	Mudita Bhavana
9 July	Brahma Viharas - Upekkha (Equanimity)	Upekkha Bhavana
16 July	Looking	Mindfulness
23 July	Relaxing	Element Practice
30 July	Just sitting	Just Sitting
6 August	Beyond the self - fulfilling our potential	Metta
13 August	Buddha Vandana	Visualisation
20 August	Buddhanasmrti	Visualisation
27 August	Life as meditation and Q&A session	Mindfulness

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 - currently our arrangements are that you do not need to book, you may simply 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)

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.