Manchester announces 1st meditation course

The newly refurbished Dhammakaya Centre in Manchester has announced its first 'Meditation for Beginners' course to be held from 13 October-22 December on Wednesday evenings at the centre in Stockport. The course will be led by Phra Nicholas Thanissaro who has taken up Rains Retreat residence at the the centre. Those wishing to sign up for the course can do so via the centre's website at dhammakaya.co.uk (limited places available).

150 Singaporeans Join 'Meditation for Beginners' in English

After running meditation courses in Chinese for almost ten years, the Middle Way Meditation Centre, or Singapore Kalyanamitta Centre, opened its doors to English speaker with an overwhelming response for a 8-session 'Meditation for Beginners' course organized twice weekly over the course of a month. The meditation course led by Phra Nicholas Thanissaro, and assisted by a capable team of local mentors runs from 23 July - 16 August 2010 and attracted 150 students - the largest number of English speakers to join a Dhammakaya meditation course in history? Europe beat that!

Upcoming UK Retreat: Surrey 2-5 July 2010

Good news for meditators in the SE of England is an upcoming Middle Way meditation retreat to be organized from 2-5 July 2010 at Ladywell Retreat Centre, Godalming. The large retreat centre is a large one situated in pleasant surroundings with its own extensive and well kept gardens. There are lovely country walks within the vicinity. Situated in the beautiful Surrey countryside close to Guildford, the peaceful surroundings make this is an ideal venue for a rejuvenating weekend away. There is a sliding scale of retreat costs (breakfast+lunch+lodging for the four days) of £220 (sponsoring) or £185 (standard) or £150 (concessions). The retreat will be led by monks from the Middle Way team in Thailand, Phra Burin Thitakusalo and Phra Sander Khemadhammo, with the support of the centre in Woking. A brochure containing details is available from the Dhammakaya Centre for Buddhist Meditation in Woking.

Greenland standing room only!

Allan Chemnitz and Pakamas from Nuuk in Greenland reported on 18 March 2010 that all is going quite well with their meditation group. Sixteen meditators attended - if more attend, the group may need to split and have two separate sessions unless a larger venue can be found. If you are in Greenland and want to join the meditation group or would like to offer a larger venue in Nuuk please contact Allan at Qiterlia 1B-3, 3905 Nuussuaq (Mobil +299 586482, Homephone +299 3262111)

Beaver Scouts visit Buddhist Temple

On 29 September 2009 approximately thirty Beaver Scouts from Knaphill enjoyed a visit to the Dhammakaya Temple in Knaphill to learn more about Buddhism towards their Faith Badge. Phra Nicholas Thanissaro explained about life as a Buddhist monk and answered extensive questions from the youngsters. They learnt about ceremonies and festivals and the five precepts which all Buddhists follow. They all tried meditation which was a new experience for many and Beavers enjoyed discussing similarities and differences between the temple and other churches they have visited.

Heritage Open Day Response

The Dhammakaya Centre for Buddhist Meditation, Woking participated for the first time this 13 September 2009 in the nationwide Heritage Open Day with a group of over twenty newcomers joining a guided tour of the temple, overview of Buddhism and a sample of meditation. Many expressed interest in joining the upcoming weekly courses at the temple which will start on 13 and 17 October.

Ground-breaking for Woking temple extension

After inauguration of a combined Kathina fund on 4 September for the 'Khun Yay Chandra Khonnokyoong Centenary building' in Thailand and the forthcoming 10th Anniversary 'multipurpose' building in Woking, building work for the latter has already begun. Ground breaking took place on 10 September 2009 for the foundations of an amenity which will soon solve the Dhammakaya Centre for Buddhist Meditation's needs for storage, classroom and creche space.