Our meditation classes begin with a simple guided breathing meditation to reduce stress, tension and distractions. This is followed by a talk on how to incorporate meditation and the practical wisdom of Buddhist teachings into daily life. This includes topics such as improving relationships, developing confidence, gaining peace of mind, coping with stress and dealing with anger as well as deeper topics to enable you to understand your mind and find greater peace and meaning in life.
There is a second guided meditation at the end of the class to help you gain deeper experience of the topic discussed in the class. The class concludes with the opportunity for discussion or questions over tea in the cafe.
Ongoing Practice:
You will be encouraged continue to train in meditation practices at home and in your daily life. If you put these methods into practice you will experience your mind gradually becoming more peaceful, your problems diminishing, and your relationships improving.
Although the classes are taught as short series on different topics, each class is self-contained, so feel free to attend any one. We also offer regular short courses and retreats for beginners. Our teachers will often reference to a particular section of a book which gives the opportunity to deepen your familiarity with the topic by engaging in follow-up study.
FAQ:
Q: Do I need to be Buddhist to come to a weekly class?
A: No, we try to present Buddha’s teachings in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious affiliation is required.
Q: Do I need to have experience of meditation or Buddhism to attend a weekly class?
A: No, everyone is welcome, including beginners.
Q: Are the classes suitable for someone with some experience of meditation?
A: Yes, as our teachings are designed to be simple yet profound, so that every class provides something for everyone.
Q: Will I be asked to say anything, or speak in front of a group of people?
A: No, but you can ask questions if you would like to.
Q: Is there any physical exercise involved, such as yoga?
A: No, our courses focus on meditation alone and you can sit either in a chair on on a mat on the floor. Most people sit in chairs.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: You do not need to bring anything in particular. However, some people find it useful to bring a notepad and pen. Blankets are provided at our centre in Aberdeen, at other venues you might find it helpful to bring a blanket as sometimes we can feel more chilly when we are sitting in meditation.
Q: How should I dress?
A: There are no special requirements, but you may wish to wear comfortable clothing.
Q: If I want to attend a weekly class, do I need to wait for the next course of classes to begin?
A: No. Each class is self-contained. You can drop in whenever you can, and start whenever you like.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: All our classes, except the lunch time meditations and chanted prayers, can be booked online in advance, which speeds up registration and helps keep things contactless, but you can also turn up and pay on the day. Card payments are accepted. All proceeds go to running the charity and concessions are available for those that need them.
