Manchester Buddhist Centre
Introductory Classes and Courses in Meditation and Buddhism 2008

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A Taste of Meditation

These classes provide an opportunity to explore what meditation may do for you and give you an introduction to the Centre and its activities.

  • Tuesdays 6pm - 7pm
  • Thursdays 1pm - 2pm
There is no need to book for taster classes but there is a suggested donation of  £7 / £5 / £3 (waged / low waged / benefits, full time students, pensioners)

Six Week Courses

Introducing Buddhism and Meditation

These popular foundation courses cover two main topics: a meditation practice that helps us cultivate clearer and calmer states of mind and a practical introduction to the main principles of Buddhism. Looking at life from the Buddhist perspective, we can learn to develop greater awareness and understanding of ourselves and others; we can also develop ethical sensitivity. The principles are explored through discussion of the practical implications of a Buddhist way of life. The introductory courses are followed by a Buddhism 2 course for those who wish to continue their exploration.

Next six week course start dates

  • Tuesday 2nd September, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks
  • Tuesday 21st October, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks

Introducing Meditation

This course provides a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of meditation, allowing you to meditate effectively and to explore the benefits of regular meditation. On this course you will be taught two practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, which helps cultivate calmer and clearer states of mind, and Metta Bhavana - the “cultivation of loving kindness” - which helps us develop emotional positivity.

Next six week course start dates

  • Wednesday  3rd September, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks
  • Wednesday  22nd October, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks

Taking it Further

Buddhism 2 Course

For those who have completed one of our Introductory Buddhism and meditation courses.

Next six week course start dates

  • Tuesday 2nd September, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks
  • Tuesday 21st October, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks

Going Deeper - Continuing Support with Meditation

These courses run in six-week blocks and offer support to people who have learnt both the  Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditations.

Next six week course start dates

  • Wednesday  3rd September, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks
  • Wednesday  22nd October, 7.15 - 9.45pm, 6 weeks

Buddhism 3 Course

For those who have completed our Buddhism 2 course.

Next six week course start dates

  • Tuesday 21st October, 7.15 - 9.45 pm (to be confirmed)

Introductory Day Courses

If you cannot commit to a week course but are keen to attend an introductory event to learn more, then these introductory day courses are for you. The material covered will introduce you to the basics of  meditation or Buddhism in an informal and practical way, through discussion, input and exploring how to apply it to our daily lives. 

At lunch time there is the option of joining others on the course in bringing some vegetarian food to share or eating at one of the local cafes.

Meditation

  • Sunday 27th July 10.30 - 4.30pm
  • Saturday 18th October 10.30 - 4.30pm

Meditation and Buddhism

  • Saturday 27th September 10.30 - 4.30pm
  • Sunday 23rd November 10.30 - 4.30pm

Prices and how to book

  • All introductory courses and days have fixed charges, payable at the time of booking.
  • You can book by phone or in person using your credit or debit card, or by post (cheques payable to FWBO Manchester).

Three payment levels

We have three levels for payment: waged / low waged / concession (benefits, full time students, pensioners)

  • Six week course in Meditation £65 / £45 / £30
  • Going Deeper - For those who have already completed the courses previously known as Meditation 1 & 2 or the new Introducing Meditation course and a six - week Going Deeper course. You can drop in week by week and pay at reception. Suggested donation £11 / £7.50 / £5
  • Six week course in Buddhism and Meditation £65 / £45 / £30
  • Introductory day in Meditation or Buddhism and Meditation £35 / £30 / £20

Cancellations and refunds

  • Full refunds are given for cancellations made more than seven days in advance.
  • Refunds are given for cancellations made less than seven days before the event, with the following deductions for administration costs:
    • Introductory courses and day events: refund minus £10 admin costs.
    • Weekend events held at Manchester Buddhist Centre: refund minus £20 admin costs.
  • Bookings cannot be transferred to another event.
  • Please contact reception to enquire about a refund, on 0161 834 9232.

What do you need to bring?

  • You can wear your normal clothes to meditate in but people sometimes find they need some warm socks as we take our shoes off in the meditation halls. We provide cushions, mats, chairs and shawls for meditation.
  • On day and weekend events you will be asked if you want to bring some vegetarian food to contribute to a share lunch, but this is optional as you may want to go to Earth cafe or one of the other local cafes!

How do I take things further? 

If you have attended an introductory course, attending a level 2 course is an excellent way to take it deeper. They follow on from the introductory courses and are usually in a smaller group.

  • In Going Deeper you will get a chance to deepen your practice and understanding of meditation.
  • The Buddhism 2 course explores a range of Buddhist themes with opportunity for discussion and more time to meditate
  • The Buddhism 3 course is new and is an opportunity to go into Buddhism in more depth, following on from Buddhism 2

We also offer further opportunities to deepen your meditation practice and your understanding of Buddhism through day and weekend events, study groups and retreats in the countryside.

To get more involved in the community of those for whom the Centre is their spiritual focus, there is Sangha Night on Mondays, going into more depth on particular topics with a rolling programme of talks and discussion groups, as well as meditation practice evenings.

Manchester Buddhist Centre 
16 - 20 Turner Street 
Manchester M4 1DZ 
United Kingdom 
t 0161 834 9232 
f 0870 134 7356 
e info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk 
 Charity reg. no. 514937