PRACTICES
Practice is all important in NBW, at home, in daily life and at NBW sessions. Reading and discussion support the practice. Practice is not just meditation. It comprises meditational practices, ethical practices and 'wisdom' practices in one cultivation of a life change. NBW's principal meditational practices are Concentration and Insight, which we bring together in our 'anchor and buoy' method. We also do walking meditation (mindfulness of body), 'cultivation of loving-kindness', and chanting. We also study and discuss in relation to everyday life.
OTHER TRADITIONS
NBW is receptive to people of all faiths and of no faith. Since it is a practice it has no interface with people's beliefs. There is nothing at all in this meditation practice which is meant to exclude insightful teachings and practices from other traditions, religions and cultures, and philosophy and science. However, while it is open and questioning, it is the Buddha's way that is taught in NBW so it also endeavours to be deep and coherent and cannot provide for 'New Age' accessories.
MINDFULNESS WHEN ATTENDING
So that we can meditate and learn together with respect for each other, here are some guidelines.
(1) If you are new, then you are very welcome indeed. Please avoid being a 'parachutist' and follow the programme we have designed for you, so as to respect this community and the hard work that has over the years gone into designing these sessions to optimal benefit for all.
(2) Be punctual so as not to disturb the others. If you are late then please wait in the lobby until you hear the bell indicating the end of a meditation session.
(3) Remove shoes at the entrance to the meditation room; you may keep a few small valuables under your mat or near your chair.
(4) Switch off mobile phones.
(5) Be mindful at all times i.e. try your best to slow down, be sensitive, attentive and respectful when in the meditation room.
(6) Observe silence in the room.
(7) No special clothing is needed, but it's helpful to be comfortable, low key and modest.
(8) NBW has some cushions and mats, but it's best to buy your own when you can.
(9) Handle meditation things carefully and respectfully, and pass things to each other with two hands. Throwing down or rolling cushions, and the like, is not mindful.
(10) Enter and leave the room around the edge, not across the middle (where there are candles and incense).