Introduction to Meditation
This course will give a good foundation for further meditation practice, with instructions on posture, breathing and relaxation. The focus will be on the actual mediation supported by reflection exercises. It is recommended that people follow up this course with the end of term retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity to integrate the instructions and get more experience in mediation practice.

Intermediate Meditation
Mondays 7-8:30pm
This quarter's new class builds on a basic understanding of meditation and Buddhism. Through discussion and practice we will explore the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. In our tradition, mindfulness is regarded as wisdom, and these practices are the basis of developing this wisdom.
"The problem is that we are involved in a continual struggle to survive, to maintain our position... And then we have to defend that particular fixed conception... true spirituality is cutting through our basic fixation, that clinging, that stronghold of something-or-other, which is known as ego." Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
This course is perfect for people who've completed Introduction to Meditation in the past.

Ngondro
The Ngondro group meets at 7 pm every alternative Tuesday with explanation and practice of the four Ngondro practices. These preliminary practices are very powerful ways to purify negative karma and generate merit on the path and are regarded as the foundation for our spiritual growth in the Kagyu lineage.

Wednesday evening meditation
Anyone who has been through basic meditation instruction is very welcome. This term we will continue exploring on- and off-the-cushion practices to promote a relaxed and mindful way of being in life. Most of us have relatively busy schedules, and so we need to learn to live in a way that supports our practice and promotes mindfulness during the day. Otherwise we can feel we're not getting anywhere. This is one of the challenges of Buddhism in adapting to western lifestyles. Evenings start with meditation, followed by a short talk, questions and possibly specific meditation practice, and ends with a guided Tonglen or Metta meditation

Chenrezig Practice
Whenever we are compassionate, or feel love for anyone, or for an animal or some part of the natural world, we experience a taste of our own natural connection with Chenrezig. Although we may not be as consistently compassionate as some of the great meditation masters, Tibetan Buddhists believe that we all share, in our basic nature, unconditional compassion and wisdom that is no different from what we see in Chenrezig and in these lamas.

We might have trouble believing that we are no different than Chenrezig -- but learning about the nature of compassion, and learning about Chenrezig, repeating his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and imagining that we would like to be like Chenrezig, we actually can become aware of increasing compassion in our lives, and ultimately, the lamas tell us, awaken as completely wise and compassionate buddhas.
Join us every Thursday evening 6-00pm to 7-00 pm as we practice the Chenrezig Puja. No special empowerment is needed but newcomers to this practice might like to arrange to come a little earlier in order to have instruction . All are welcome

End of the month retreats
On the last Sunday of every month the centre welcomes meditators to come and practice together for a few hours as a way of "boosting" one's daily meditation. Progress in meditation is usually very slow and these Sunday retreats are very helpful in deepening ones meditation experience.
Times: 10-00am to 3-00pm with a break for lunch, please bring a packed lunch . All are welcome.

Mahamudra
Mahamudra means 'Great Seal' or 'Great Mudra'. It is a term predominantly used in the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism to denote its deepest teachings. Mahamudra courses are generally 5 years long. They thus require a long-term commitment. The next intake will be 2010.

Pujas/Sadhanas
Various Pujas (Tibetan Buddhist practices) such as Chenrezig, Tara, Amitabha are held regularly. These practises develop compassion, remove fear and obstacles to practice. Please contact the office for prerequisites.