Newcomers Night
This class has finished for the year and will restart on 14th January 2021
Format
- Welcome
- Presentation of an aspect of Buddhism
- Discussion
- Tea Break
- Led Meditation
- Discussion
- Good Night
Please follow our alert level 1 guidelines.
Presentations
We introduce traditional teachings of the Buddha in a way that is accessible and practical to everyday life in the modern world.
Usually the format is a talk, with an opportunity for questions and discussion.
We have a set series of topics that we cycle through, covering Buddhist ethics, meditation theory and Buddhist wisdom.
You can start coming at any point in the cycle as every night will stand alone, so there is no need for any previous knowledge.
Diagram outlining Buddhism can be found here.
Meditation
We teach two Buddhist meditation practices:
- Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind;
- Development of Loving Kindness (Mettā Bhāvanā), for developing kindness to ourselves and others
No need for any previous meditation experience. We will help you to set up in good posture and lead you fully through the practice
Resources
Links to guided meditations, videos, talks and books be found here.
Free eBook on Meditation
In the best-selling Change Your Mind: A Practical Guide to Buddhist Meditation Paramananda teaches us how to exchange stress and anxiety for calm and clarity of mind. To take up meditation is to introduce a powerful force for change into our lives. Click here.
Any Questions?
Please email us at: newcomers@wellingtonbuddhistcentre.org
Suggested Donation: $15 / $10 / $5 Donate here.
Programme
A Crash Course in Meditation
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 14 January | The Body |
| 21 January | The Breath |
| 28 January | The Heart |
Basic Buddhism and Meditation
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 4 February | The Buddha and the birth of Buddhism. |
| 11 February | The Four Noble Truths |
| 18 February | The Law of Karma |
| 25 February | Ethics: Buddhist ethics are about expressing our freely chosen values |
| 4 March | Ethics: the principle of generosity and developing contentment. |
| 11 March | Ethics: The principle of truthfulness and developing awareness. |
| 18 March | Meditation: Awareness; Mindfulness of Breathing. |
| 25 March | Meditation: Positive emotion; Development of loving-kindness. |
| 1 April | Meditation: Getting the most from meditation. |
| 8 April | Wisdom: How the universe works; the bottom line in Buddhism. |
| 15 April | Wisdom: The unavoidable truth of Reality |
| 22 April | Ritual and Devotion. Engaging our emotions in our spiritual life |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I get there?
We start fairly promptly 7pm. You’re welcome to arrive any time from 6:45pm, but please try to not arrive before then as the team may still be setting up. If you arrive late, feel free to slip in quietly and place your coat and shoes in the cloakroom on the left.
Do I need to book?
No – just turn up!
Do I need to be a Buddhist?
The class is especially suited for people who are completely new to meditation and Buddhism, and suitable for everyone, regardless of your religious beliefs.
What should I wear?
There are no special requirements, just whatever is comfortable to sit in.
How much does the class cost?
We don’t charge for our classes, we simply ask that those who are able to do so make a donation to the centre to help us cover our running costs.
The suggested amount, is $5 to $15. Everyone is equally welcome, even if you cannot give anything at all.
We can take donations by card or cash.
The Team
Where to Find Us
We're upstairs at 6-8 Broomhedge St, just off Adelaide Rd. There is plenty of parking outside the centre (you can ignore the private parking signs as the other tenants only use the spaces during work hours).