Meditation for Beginners | Wed 5:45pm

Meditation for Beginners | Wed 5:45pm

An Introduction to Buddhist Meditation

Check our What’s On page for the latest on our upcoming events.

Wednesdays 5:45 – 7pm (arrive from 5:30pm) | 162 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NT

In person only – with Alice

Our beginners classes are a great way to sample meditation for the first time or to get refreshing support and clarity to help you set up a regular practice.

Full instructions will be given including how to sit comfortably in a chair or on cushions on the floor. We’ll introduce our meditation practices, one each week – either the Mindfulness of Breathing which develops calm, focus and wholeheartedness, or a Loving-Kindness (Metta Bhavana) meditation which develops emotional strength. Consistently working with the same practice over time can create depth.

There is plenty of time for questions and discussion.

No need to book! Just turn up on the day. Arrive from 5:30pm for a 5:45pm start.

There is no set charge for this class – we ask you to give what you can so that we can teach meditation to the next person through the door.

Why meditate? Some of our meditators share their experience here

You don’t need any special clothes for meditation, just wear comfortable trousers or a loose skirt so you can bend your knees.

Do I need any previous experience of meditation?
No, these sessions are suitable for complete beginners and anyone wanting to refresh their practice. See the videos below for tips on how to sit and your posture.


Upcoming Events

- Wed Apr 5th 2023
5:45pm - 7:00pm
- Wed Apr 12th 2023
5:45pm - 7:00pm
- Wed Apr 19th 2023
5:45pm - 7:00pm
- Wed Apr 26th 2023
5:45pm - 7:00pm
- Fri Apr 28th 2023
4:30pm - 4:00pm

Advayamati offering guidance on setting up a meditation posture (Part one)
Advayamati offering guidance on setting up a meditation posture (Part two)

Body-Dharma (mindful yoga) | Sun 9:30am

‘Sensitive to the whole body’ is one of the Buddha’s ‘pith instructions’.  What might it mean to us? How can we become more sensitive to the life of our body and breath? In this class we explore this question.

Sundays 9:30-10:30am with Advayamati | Open to all | Hybrid (in person & online)

UPDATE! Starting from 3rd October

In person at the centre. Book your place by finding the event on our ‘events’ page and signing up!

(TBC if this is to be an online hybrid event too. (Join us via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83787627639)

Body-dharma yoga is a ‘still flowing’ form of Hatha yoga that incorporates Vinyasa flow, Scaravelli inspiration, somatic approach with a ‘practical’ mindfulness. These aid the integration of mind, body and spirit using the yoga of curiosity and letting go.

Trained yoga teacher Advayamati brings his experience of many years practice, leading workshops and retreats that combine shiatsu and energy work with teaching Buddhism and embodied mindfulness.


- Thu Mar 30th 2023
5:30pm - 6:30pm
- Thu Apr 6th 2023
5:30pm - 6:30pm
- Thu Apr 13th 2023
5:30pm - 6:30pm
- Thu Apr 20th 2023
5:30pm - 6:30pm
- Thu Apr 27th 2023
5:30pm - 6:30pm

Courses

Buddhism and Meditation Courses, Retreats and Events

Finding Freedom in a Restricted World

Introductory Course

Monday 23rd January 2023 | 7:30 – 9:30pm | for 6 weeks

Uncover genuine ease, contentment and meaning in life through exploring profound yet simple teachings. Come together with others to learn, discuss and discover the means to uncover how to become the change you want to see.

Each session will be partly introducing meditation and partly about the Buddhist context, that helps meditation to be a real power for change. There will be input from the experienced teaching team plus an opportunity for small group discussion. Each week we will email you material to follow up the session and to take your understanding and experience deeper.  

No set charge but we ask for you to donate within your means to keep us sharing meditation and Buddhism with the people of Bristol.

This is an in person event at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Glos Rd, BS7 8NT

Email us to register: maureen@bristol-buddhist-centre.org (and let us know if you need to cancel)


Vision & Daily Life

Follow-on course

6th March 2023 | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | for 6 weeks

Open to all who’ve done an intro course with us at any time.

Establish a regular meditation practice and integrate the teachings you find helpful into your daily life. We will be exploring the classic Buddhist teaching of the Noble Eightfold Path for these practical and engaging sessions. This 6 week course combines teaching, discussion and meditation.

This is an in person event at the Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Glos Rd, BS7 8NT

There is no set amount for this course – we ask for you to donate within your means.

Email us to register: maureen@bristol-buddhist-centre.org (and let us know if you need to cancel)

Ethnicity & Race Inclusivity

We welcome everyone to our classes. Some people of African, Asian, mixed heritage or other non-white identifications may find these particular classes at the London Buddhist Centre and The Buddhist Centre Online supportive alongside our Bristol classes:

London Buddhist Centre Sundays 4 – 5.30pm via zoom

Welcoming Liberation – Last Saturday of the month

Watch/listen to Advayamati’s reflections on Black Lives Matter:

‘I’m Black, I’m White, I’m Jewish, I’m Buddhist” –

Learn to Meditate

The object of meditation is to transform oneself, not to have good meditations – Sangharakshita

The Buddha’s reputation is as an exemplar of peace and kindness. The Buddha addressed his teaching towards each person according to their needs and this is what the Triratna Buddhist Community continues to do.

Our main practices include the Mindfulness of Breathing, the Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness) and just sitting. These practices focus on developing calmness, integration, positive emotion, and insight into human potential.

Join our Wednesday evening ‘Meditation for Beginners’ class (7:30 – 8:30pm). Book an in person space on our website through the ‘events’ page, or join us online.

FAQs

How much does it cost?
We invite you to give what you can to support us to keep providing classes for others – Donate here

Do I need any previous experience of meditation?
No, these sessions are suitable for complete beginners.

Do I need to be a Buddhist?
No, meditation is helpful for many people – just bring curiosity!

What should I wear?
You don’t need any special clothes for meditation, just wear comfortable trousers or a loose skirt so you can bend your knees. You can sit on a chair if you don’t want to try sitting on cushions or a stool.

How can I learn more about meditation?
You can read a little about meditation on our Buddhism & Meditation page, but there’s no substitute for coming along to try it out for yourself.

Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NT

info@bristol-buddhist-centre.org

Triratna Buddhist Community in Bristol is a Registered Charity in England (900165).

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Our aim is to inspire a culture of generosity in the way we share Buddhist teachings. Therefore all our meditation and Buddhism activities are offered on a generosity basis – what you contribute is left to your generosity. You don't have to give anything if you don't want to or can't afford to, but we hope you'll be able to contribute appropriately so more people can benefit. To learn more see donate