Buddhist Meditation Classes in Bristol

UPDATE:

Following the introduction of the current lockdown in January 21, our Saturday Discover Buddhism sessions will only take place on Zoom. Details of the session are below; to book, please email us at bristol@dechen.org  to obtain the link.

The Sakya Buddhist Centre and its activities are reliant on donations, if you would like to make a donation for attending an online class or course, you can do so here: https://www.sakyabristol.org/donations/
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Discover Buddhism: Tuesday 8pm-9pm (online only) and Saturday 10:30am-11:30am (in person and online)

These classes offer an introduction to meditation and Buddhism. Sessions last for one hour and are led by experienced students of Lama Jampa Thaye. Each starts with a simple meditation practiced for 20 minutes, followed by a concise talk about a particular aspect of Buddhism. Questions are encouraged and there’s time to chat over tea and coffee afterwards. All are welcome and we are able to accommodate all levels of experience.

Saturdays currently host a rolling 20-week course on Buddhist meditation and philosophy. Tuesdays’ content changes regularly with updates published on Facebook.

Mind Training (Lojong): Mondays 8-9pm

On Monday evenings at 8.00pm there will be a practice session for Lojong, or Mind Training. Mind training is a practice which is accessible to all practitioners whether new or experienced. It is a method to undermine our habitual selfishness and start to prioritise others, we can use it right now as all it needs is our self-clinging and disturbing emotions. The sessions will be the actual Lojong practice from taking refuge, guru yoga, generating loving kindness and compassion, exchanging oneself with others and conclusion. It is not a study or discussion group. Explanation of the practice will be given. To attend the session please email lesley.whittaker80@gmail.com for the Zoom link and also the lineage prayer and structure of the practice.

To help anyone who has been attending classes or who would like to find out more about buddhism here are some videos by our Buddhist teacher, Lama Jampa Thaye. These videos illustrate a series of twenty topics, which we follow at some of our classes.

These classes are open to everyone.

Day

Time

Class/Course

Suggested donation/concession
Mondays 8pm – 9pm Mind Training (Lojong) £5/3
Tuesdays 8pm – 9pm Discover Buddhism £5/3
Saturdays 10.30am – 11.30am Discover Buddhism £5/3
You may also like to visit one of our other groups in: Bath | Barnstaple | Clifton | Exeter

Middle Way Courses

These short courses are based on individual  Buddhist texts and take place over 4 – 6 weeks. The Middle Way courses are ideal for those who have been attending the introductory classes and wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the dharma.  For details of our latest courses, please contact bristol@dechen.org or view forthcoming events

Tibetan Language Classes

The Centre runs classical Tibetan language classes for those wishing to be able to read and understand Tibetan Buddhist texts. These classes are intended for those who are new to the Tibetan language and who wish to master the fundamental skills of the alphabet and pronunciation. This is also an opportunity to learn some vocabulary including basic dharma terms. You can apply to join these classes by emailing the Centre: bristol@dechen.org.

Study Groups

Study groups provide the opportunity to explore and discuss texts taught by Lama Jampa Thaye and other visiting lamas, going into more detail on topics covered in the Introduction to Buddhism classes. 

For further info on any of our classes, contact us at bristol@dechen.org or visit the calendar