Cambridge University Buddhist Society

Why Meditate?

Meditation brings calm and relaxation as well as an increased ability to deal with stress and anxiety. Over time, this settles the mind, providing a base for developing knowledge of one's deeper self and a greater capacity to enjoy life. Intensive meditation can help the meditator see how the mind works on a minute level, increasing wisdom. Although many people usually feel benefits soon after they start meditation, the results build up slowly after a period of regular practice--rather like physical exercise. The results depend upon how much effort you put into the practice.

Why Buddhist Meditation?

Buddhist groups can offer the experience that comes from a long, evolved tradition--originating with the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. With specific and time-proven methods of meditation, the differing traditions each present slightly different techniques, while holding to common ethical frameworks You don't have to be a Buddhist, or even particularly interested in Buddhism to attend a Buddhist meditation class and most groups are not interested in converting those who wish to learn meditation. (In some traditions, monks are only allowed to teach when asked to do so).

Choosing a group

There are many kinds of meditation and just as many different groups for you to sample. Don't be shy about experimenting with the different groups until one seems right for you. Follow your common sense about the groups and what they offer. Are you comfortable with the teacher (if there is one), the group, and the tradition? Trust your own instincts about whether this is the best method for you. Is there openness, honesty, respect for other groups and traditions?

If you're looking at trying meditation for the first time, or if you would just like some advice on choosing a meditation group in Cambridge, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Groups

The Nezang Group is led by the Tibetan Lama Ato Rinpoche. It meets on the third Saturday of each month at 2pm at the Morley Memorial School, Blinco Grove (off Hills Road). Meetings start with a talk by Ato Rinpoche, followed by prayer chanting and a short period of silent meditation. Meetings last about 2 hours altogether.

The Buddha Metta Society is currently setting up a Thai Buddhist temple in Cambridge, for people of all backgrounds and Buddhist traditions. The abbot is Luang Poh Sudhiro, a Thai monk with very good English and a lot of experience of teaching Westerners Buddhism and meditation. He is very open, very happy just to chat, and does not expect all Western visitors to be Buddhist. Until December or perhaps January, the temple is at 34 Akeman Street, off Histon Road and you can just go along for evening puja (chanting and meditation) at 7pm every day or for lunch around 11am, particularly at weekends.

The Buddha Metta Society was formed by Buddhists in the UK in 2009. It was set up by individuals who have a connection with Ajahn Sudhiro and the Thai forest tradition of Theravada Buddhism. Members now include ordained and lay people. Their aim is to develop and share the practice of living in Dhamma by providing opportunities for people to experience it first-hand. They hope to have a central centre for monastic training and lay retreats as well as regional ‘societies’ to keep the link strong between the communities around the UK.

The Samatha Trust teaches within the Theravada Buddhist tradition (generally found in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Burma), and is a lay group which in Cambridge dates back to 1963. It teaches a traditional Thai samatha-vipassana (calm and insight) breathing meditation as the core practice. The class meets weekly, 8.30pm, on Mondays at the Friends' Meeting House, Jesus Lane, but has a Summer break.

There is also a University class which meets at 7.30pm on Thursdays in Clare College; during term in the Godwin Room, Old Court, and out of term in room O5, Memorial Court.

The meditation technique is taught systematically over a period of some months, together with some basic theory about meditation. The classes are open to all and people are welcome to join at any time. There is no charge, but donations towards expenses are always welcome. Please bring a cushion.

The Cambridge Serene Reflection (Zen) Meditation Group is affiliated to the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives which follows Soto Zen. The meditation group's primary purpose is to support members in their practice of Serene Reflection Meditation and the Buddhist Precepts. We welcome people from other Buddhist or non-Buddhist traditions, or people who have no religious affiliation, as long as they are comfortable with following the forms and practices of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives as closely as is appropriate and look to the senior monks for spiritual teaching and guidance.

The group has regular visits from Buddhist priests of the Order and meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the evening for about two hours. The meetings usually include the recitation of Buddhist scriptures and both seated and walking meditation. From time to time other activities, such as listening to a taped talk, might be included. The evening finishes with the opportunity to meet informally.

The Community of Interbeing meditation group meets on Wednesday evenings, and also holds a day of mindfulness once of month (the 3rd Sunday). Following the teachings of the Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, the group practises sitting and walking meditation (20 min each sitting, walking, sitting) usually followed by a reading. The session follows the Zen tradition, with bells to signal the start and finish of meditation and bowing to each other and the Buddha. Twice a month there are discussions on the Buddha's teaching and people share with each other how their practice is going. There is no formal teaching in the group, but beginners are welcome and can find teaching in Thich Nhat Hanh's books, or by going on retreat with him in Plum Village in France.

The Triratna Buddhist Community (formally the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) have a centre in Cambridge at 36-38 Newmarket Road where they hold a number of meditation classes. On Tuesdays at 12:50pm and Thursdays at 7:30pm they hold drop-in classes where beginners can learn meditation, and those with more experience can meet and meditate together. These sessions are free and cushions are provided. The centre runs regular courses on Meditation and Buddhism. There is also a weekly students' group which is advertised in Varsity. Other activities at the centre include a Puja on Fridays.

The Diamond Way meditation group meets once a week for a guided meditation on the 16th Karmapa. These meditation classes are suitable for all who wish to learn to meditate. They also have a small library with Buddhist books and magazines. For newcomers there is always a short introduction to Buddhism and brief instructions on how to meditate.

The Cambridge Amaravati Group (email) grew from a few local Buddhists, who were interested in the teachings from Amaravati Buddhist monastery near Hemel Hempstead. They meet fortnightly on Sunday evenings in the members homes to meditate together for about one hour, with a brief Buddhist ceremony beforehand and tea and a chat afterwards. The type of meditation practiced is vipassana or insight meditation. The group functions as a way for meditators to come together, rather than as a taught class, and is open and sociable. Over the years people have joined who are interested in different forms of vipassana meditation, or in different Buddhist traditions altogether. The group also acts as a contact point for people interested in visiting Amaravati, to find out more directly about this sort of meditation and Buddhist way of life.

The Cambridge Gaia House Meditation Groups (email) are three groups for people who wish to practice meditation and mindful living in everyday life. They practice meditation techniques derived from the Buddhist tradition, but do not necessarily consider themselves Buddhists. Most practice insight meditation, although the groups aim to provide an environment in which a variety of practices, beliefs and approaches can be aired and shared. Group members need to be self reliant enough in their practice to meditate for forty five minutes without guidance.

The Cambridge Buddhist Institute is a focus for those interested in Buddhist studies in Cambridge, both in the University of Cambridge and in the region.