Dharma Sessions
The Dharma Sessions are a programme of communal study based around a book we have chosen.
We meet online over eight Sunday evenings, for one hour each time. On the ninth Sunday, we gather for a three hour mini retreat, bringing the essence of the text we have been studying into our meditation.
For the study sessions, we begin with ten minutes of meditation followed by a chance to check in with each other. Then, during the main part of the call, we discuss together the chapter that we’ve read that week.
It’s a beautiful way of looking at Buddhist teachings as a collective. Participants are encouraged to speak honestly and not be afraid to discuss things that they didn’t like about the text. The atmosphere is warm and supportive with gentle space given to those who are a bit shyer to speak.
Upcoming sessions for 2024 into 2025 are advertised on the poster below. Further down you can see the previous books that we’ve explored.
The Dhammapada
Teachings of the Buddha
Our fifth study group ran from January to March 2024.
The Dhammapada is a collection of beautiful and wise verses that date back thousands of years to the time of the historical Buddha.
We discussed together topics as broad as: The Mind, Old Age, Corruption, and The Path.
Everyday Zen
Charlotte Joko Beck
Our fourth study group ran from September 2023 until December 2023 and was focused on this magnificent book by the beloved Zen teacher Joko Beck.
Joko Beck teaches in her inimitable style covering a wide range of topics including feelings, relationships, service and boundaries.
The Places That Scare You
Pema Chodron
Our third study group began in January 2023 and was based around one of Pema Chodron’s most loved books.
Themes we looked at included the Buddhist concept of bodhichitta or awakened heart, and the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity.
The Path of Individual Liberation
Chogyam Trungpa
Our second book group, running from May until September 2022, focused on selected chapters from the first of the Profound Treasuries by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
We discussed and debated core Buddhist concepts such as impermanance, the construction of ego, and the meditation practice of shamatha and vipashyana
The Lojong Slogans
Various Authors
Our first book group ran alongside the traditional three month Yarne retreat at Gampo Abbey between December and March 2022. We studied the Lojong Slogans, an ancient set of Buddhist aphorisms.
We used texts by a variety of Buddhist authors to focus in on particular slogans including ‘Regard all Dharmas as Dreams’ and ‘Don’t Expect Applause’.