Courses and Classes at the TBC

Introducing Buddhism

This course is an introduction to “Basic Buddhism”

It is for people who want to know or inform themselves about Buddhism. The original, core teachings of the Buddha (the Buddha Dharma) underpin and are found in all schools. They are known as “Basic Buddhism” in the West and contain the classic formulae of the Buddha’s teaching – the Law of Conditioned Co-production, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the Three Characteristics of Conditioned Existence. They are the necessary starting points for any serious study/discussion of Buddhism. There is an information explosion on Buddhism currently in the West, which can lead to confusion, so the course is also designed to clarify the teaching.

The fresh, open approach of the emerging Western Buddhism, adapting itself to Western culture, is emphasised. The practical use of the teachings to address the myriad of contemporary issues in society, such as, social ones (‘Engaged’ Buddhism’), the Environment (‘Green’ Buddhism’), Skilful Living, Sexuality and Relationships, Work and Money, Reason and Emotion, Knowledge and Wisdom, are discussed where relevant in the course. Courses in Buddhist Meditation are available to prepare for, support, or follow on from this course.

WEEK 1
Aims of the course
History and Central Characteristics
Life of the Buddha

WEEK 2
Buddhism in the West
Human consciousness
The origins of craving

WEEK 3
The Law of Conditionality
The Three Characteristics of Conditioned Existence
Non-self

WEEK 4
The Four Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path
Strategies of Action to end Suffering

WEEK 5
The Eightfold Path in detail
A Holistic Formula
The condensed Threefold Path

WEEK 6
Ethics in Buddhism
Skilful Speech
Skilful Action
Skilful Livelihood

WEEK 7
Buddhist Meditation
Complete Effort
Complete Mindfulness
Complete Samadhi (Concentration & Integration)

WEEK 8
Insight & Wisdom in Buddhism
Perfect Vision (Wisdom)
Perfect Emotion (Compassion)

Introduction to Traditional Buddhist Meditation

This course is an Introduction to Traditional Buddhist Approaches to Meditation & Mindfulness

The Buddha stressed two meditation practices during his lifetime – the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana (Development of Loving-kindness). He also stressed the cultivation of Mindfulness in daily activity. This course explores all three of these practices and how they mutually support each other. The first practice develops calmness, tranquillity and mental clarity; the second helps cultivate positive emotion towards self and others; whilst the third carries this over into everyday activity. They have been found, within the Western Buddhist tradition, to be particularly appropriate for Western people. We initially aim through these practices to become more fulfilled and thereby healthier, happier and saner, human beings (also true individuals). The course uses a series of exercises, as well as the meditation practices themselves, to help understand the workings of the mind. Traditional Buddhist formulae are also used to illustrate how negative, unskilful mental states can be transformed into positive, skilful ones. Another aim is to meet others interested in meditation in order to discuss and process our understanding of meditation and mindfulness.

WEEK 1
Introduction to Meditation – Meditation Posture Guidelines.
What is meditation and why do it?
Practice: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness/Body
Meditation

WEEK 2
Setting up the Right Conditions for practice – lifestyle -
direct & indirect methods of raising one’s level of
consciousness
Practice: Mindfulness of Breathing I (annapanna sati)

WEEK 3
The Nature of Mindfulness Practice:
Cultivation of Loving-Kindness I (Metta Bhavana)

WEEK 4
A brief introduction to the Dhyanas – higher states of
consciousness
Practice: Mindfulness of Breathing II

WEEK 5
The Five Mental Hindrances (and their antidotes)
Transforming mind
Practice: Metta Bhavana II

WEEK 6
The Importance of Ethics
Happiness & concentration
Practice: Just Sitting

WEEK 7
Insight and other Practices
Practice: Mindfulness of Walking

WEEK 8
Conclusion - Working in Meditation
Practice: Introduction to Devotional Practices

T'ai Chi Ch'uan

T'ai Chi Ch'uan  classes are authentic, classical Yang style - this is the authentic art as taught within the family by Roger who studied it for 10 years under the official no. 3 disciple of the Yang family in a period of training in tai chi in London some 15 years (information package available). 

If you are interested in any of these classes please ring (07) 46358 498 (tel/ans 11am - 4pm)) and book up in advance.