Each evening includes a mixture of meditation, teaching and discussion, with a tea break in between to socialise. Open to anyone who has completed our Intro Course.
22 SEPT, 29 SEPT, 6 OCT, 13 OCT
Exploring the mystery, meaning and transformative potential of Buddhist ritual and devotion.
Why do many Buddhists engage in ritual and devotion? What is happening when we bow, chant, make offerings, invoke figures, or take part in traditional practices - and how might these ancient forms enrich our lives today?
At first, ritual and devotion practices can seem irrational or even puzzling. But they can be mysterious, energetic, beautiful and uplifting. Ritual and devotion can open up dimensions of experience that can be difficult to put into words through engaging our subconscious, imaginative and emotional selves in ways that ordinary discussion and reflection may not.
Throughout this series we’ll explore ritual and devotion through a rich array of means to include:
- Panel conversations and interviews
- Group discussion and shared exploration
- Introducing and taking part in Triratna rituals, both traditional, and musical and poetic
- An exploration of Buddhist figures and archetypal imagery, and what they might reveal about the qualities and potential already within us
This is an invitation to look beyond the idea that ritual is simply something Buddhists do, and instead explore what happens when we engage not only our thinking mind, but our imagination, emotions and deeper sense of meaning. How might devotion become a living practice that enriches our lives?
Join Maitrijyoti, Kayamokshini, Nirajadhi, Chandranishta, Hazel and team for an experiential and open-hearted exploration of this fascinating and often mysterious dimension of Buddhist practice.
Come curious! Come questioning! Come ready to explore!
For the second evening in our series, Chandranishta will introduce and lead a Threefold Puja, which is practiced all over the world by the Triratna community, and will also share her personal devotional relationship to her yiddam, Kuan Yin, the female representation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The evening will include meditation, a personal talk, a puja and small groups at the end for shared reflections.
Says Nirajadhi, "Since my ordination in 2022, the visualisation practice of Padmasambhava has been central to my Buddhist path, alongside my love for the transformative power of shared ritual. I warmly invite you to join members of the Buddhafield Festival meditation tent team and me for a special musical puja dedicated to the Great Guru. Together, we’ll dive into an inspiring evening of devotional chanting, music, and collective aspiration. Whether you’re well-versed in the practice or completely new, come lend your voice and presence!"
A fitting finale for the four-part series.
There is no set charge for Sangha Night - we invite you to make a donation when you come, by card or cash.
The Bristol Buddhist Centre runs most of its events on a donation basis. This helps maintain a spirit of generosity and gratitude, and ensure the Dharma remains accessible to all.