PROGRAMME
Usually courses of this quality would cost hundreds of pounds. However, the Buddha Dharma is not for sale, and at NBW there are no fees for any of the courses or events, and there is no membership, and all instructors and facilitators are unpaid volunteers. Here is a summary of our current activities and how they are structured. The emphasis is on practice. If you are a newcomer we only ask that you respect our community and follow our programme from the beginning, whatever your past experience. Donations are accepted, since these help to pay for hire of the venues and help those on low income to attend retreats.
1 Beginners' & Newcomers' Class A 2 or 3-hour class held every six weeks or so in Guildford or Woking (Surrey) or sometimes central London. Designed as a 'gateway' for those who are new to meditation, and those who have meditated before but would benefit from orientation in the distinctive NBW approach. It is recommended for all newcomers to NBW. Then move to....
2 Weekly Community Sessions: Those who have completed the Beginners' Class can then transfer to the Community Sessions. These are the weekly backbone of NBW's meditational activity, in Guildford on Sunday mornings and Woking on Wednesday evenings, and consists of sitting and walking meditation, followed by teaching and disussion. Everyone who has taken the Beginners' & Newcomers' Class is free to attend this whatever stage they are at. The teaching follows a course that continues for about 6 months and is then repeated in a cycle. It is supported by Books 1 and 2 of 'NewBuddha Way', which is NBW's own meditation manual, available at our sessions or from www.amazon.co.uk with the search term 'New Buddha Way' (5 pounds each).
3 Zen Course: Held at Guildford only, following the Community Session. It is designed for those who have taken the Beginners' Class, are able to sit still for at least 40 minutes, have a high degree of understanding, and have shown commitment by attending NBW Community Sessions or something equivalent for an extended period. Contact us if you are not sure. The Zen course is supported by readings from the Teachings of Master Dougen Zenji and by Book 3 of 'NewBuddha Way' (see above).
Workshops & Retreats: In addition to the four-level programme of courses there are occasional one-day workshops on a special theme and silent weekend retreats. Retreats are designed for those who wish to begin intensifying their practice. Most suitable for those who have at least completed the cycyle of teachings of the weekly Community Sessions , but open to anyone. On the weekend retreat the maximum sitting meditation period is 60 minutes unbroken, and it usually takes place at a retreat centre in the Surrey or London area.
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