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TUESDAYS 7.30 - 9.30PM
TUESDAYS 7.30 - 9.30PM
Our regular get-together for members of the Bristol sangha.
Our regular get-together for members of the Bristol sangha.
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.
Spiritual Friendship
Spiritual Friendship
27 OCT, 3 NOV, 10 NOV, 17 NOV
27 OCT - INTRODUCTION
27 OCT - INTRODUCTION
"Venerable sir", said Ananda, "this is half of the holy life; that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship."
"Not so", replied the Blessed One (the Buddha). "This is the entire holy life, Ananda; that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship. When a bhikkhu has a good friend, a good companion, a good comrade, it is to be expected that he will develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path."
For the Buddha, spiritual friendship or Kalyana Mitrata, was an essential, indeed the essential, condition for making progress in the spiritual life, supporting us as we progress along the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of practice leading to the end of suffering. It is for this reason that spiritual friendship is particularly emphasised within the Triratna Movement. We need the support of friends, both our peers in the spiritual life and those who are more advanced along the Path than us.
In this series we will be exploring what friendship, and in particular, spiritual friendship means to us, at whatever stage we are in our lives as Buddhists. In this introductory evening Ratnadhya will explore the idea of 'horizontal' and 'vertical' spiritual friendship within the Sangha and we'll also be watching a short film on becoming a mitra - a 'friend' - within the Triratna community.
3 Nov - Make & Meditate
3 Nov - Make & Meditate
A group of Mitras from the Make & Meditate team will host an evening with a craft activity giving a taster of these popular Sunday morning sessions. They will share their experience of running these events over a number of years, which has an emphasis on friendship and sangha-building.
10 Nov - PLAYFUL MINDFULNESS AS A PATH TO DEEPENING SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP
10 Nov - PLAYFUL MINDFULNESS AS A PATH TO DEEPENING SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP
We may value spiritual friendship but sometimes find it difficult. Mindfulness, including awareness of the body, can help us overcome hidden fears and resistances to our practice of friendship. Viryanaya, who works and teaches as part of the Buddhafield community, will lead an evening including meditation, discussion and playful mindfulness.
17 Nov - Spiritual friendship in Triratna
17 Nov - Spiritual friendship in Triratna
Kulamitra will be looking at the practical implications of the special emphasis on spiritual friendship within Triratna. What has supported spiritual friendship in the Triratna Sangha in the past? How can we develop spiritual friendship in the present context of our Bristol Sangha?
COST
COST
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.
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