- The Buddhist Society
- Patron: H.H. The Dalai Lama
- Founded 1924
- HomeOPENING TIMES The Society’s premises are open between 2.00 and 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 2.00 – 5.00 p.m. Saturday. CALENDAR 2012 Term Dates – there are four terms a year The Autumn term starts on Monday 10th September 2012 recess: last class of Autumn term Friday 14th December 2012 Xmas/New Year break starts 24th December and we resume 2nd January 2013 Please note that the Society is shut for this period.
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- About usThe Buddhist Society was founded in 1924, with the object “to publish and make known the principles of Buddhism and to encourage the study and practice of those principles.” It is guided by an elected Council. The Society provides a range of classes and courses in the Buddha’s teachings, as well as instruction in Buddhist meditation and daily life practice. Courses start with the popular Introduction to basic Buddhism and interested members can then progress to our First Steps in Buddhist Practice, First Turning of the Wheel and Great Way Courses. There are regular classes in the major Buddhist traditions—Zen, Theravada, Pure Land and Tibetan… (more) For those unable to attend the Introducing Buddhism course in London, the Society offers a Correspondence Course in basic Buddhism, with tutors recruited from members who have studied and practiced Buddhism for many years. This course is offered free of charge to people serving a prison sentence and donated books are also freely available on request. The Buddhist Society maintains an important London base, close to Victoria Station, where visitors from across the Buddhist world regularly come to visit. The premises include three shrine rooms, a meetings room, a general office and a…
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- Talks & Events
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- Courses
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- ClassesTheravada Buddhism Those attending are encouraged to arrive shortly after 6.00pm to meet with the teacher and ask questions, etc. The class is led by senior nuns from Amaravati Monastic Community. The main focus of the classes will be an exploration of the Theravada teachings with particular emphasis on their application in daily life. There will be opportunities for formal meditation (with instruction), determining the Five Precepts, and a short talk and/or questions and discussion.The class usually meets on a Monday evening at 6.30pm. All members of the Society are welcome to attend. Basic Meditation Class Based on the practice of mindfulness as taught by the Buddha, this class meets every Thursday evening. The class usually has a good balance of experienced meditators and complete beginners. There are no entry requirements other than an open mind. However some prior knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings can help clarify whatever one may experience in meditation. Also the focus of the class is very much on meditation as an integral part of the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path. The best way to find out about meditation is not by reading books but by direct, first-hand experience. The class is led by Colin Ash with…
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- About Buddhism
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- ResourcesResources
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- Library & PublicationsThe Society has possessed a library since the earliest days; the first accessions records date from 1926. The size of the Library is limited by the space presently available to about 4,000 volumes on the Ground Floor plus approximately 1,000 more elsewhere in the building. The core of the collection is material supporting the belief and practice of present-day Buddhists in the UK, although peripheral subjects are covered as well. Most of the books are available for loan to members resident in the U.K. Non-members may consult books during the hours when the Society is open to the public. As part of the reorganization referred to above a computer database has been developed to replace the card catalogue. Thanks to the generosity of one of our members, this database is now available for searching online. Opening Times The library is open to members and non-members 2-6 p.m Monday to Friday and 2-5 p.m. on Saturday. Services Postal Service – The library runs a Postal Service for members – for further details see the online catalogue page. Book Renewal – Library books may be renewed by email - email the librarian.
