5 Week Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation Course

Intro to Buddhism and Meditation: a five week introductory course

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.

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.