About the HBS Theravada Group
Announcement: From January 2022 the Theravada group will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month online by Zoom at 1930. If you would like to join us please contact us for details on hampshirebuddhistsociety+T@gmail.com
Additionally, we have an in person silent retreat in Romsey on the second Saturday of every month. 0900/1300 at https://www.wisdomhouseromsey.org.uk/
The retreat comprises alternating walking and sitting meditation. It is suitable for anyone with a mindfulness or meditation practice who would like a period of sustained meditation to deepen their practice. The retreat follows a simple format, alternating between periods of silent sitting and walking meditation. The retreat is not led by a teacher and no meditation guidance is given, so it would suit participants who are comfortable with a basic meditation practice; in support of your own and the group’s meditation. Although our practice is Buddhist, we welcome participants from other traditions and spiritual backgrounds to join with us in silent practice. Tea/coffee are provided. There is no fixed charge for this retreat, but there will be a bowl available for contributions towards the cost of the retreat. The hire charge is £47. At present, we are allowed a maximum of 12 attendees due to Covid restrictions although capacity is usually 25 so we are able to socially distance.
Please let us know asap if you would like to attend to reserve your place or be added to our retreat mailing list. We take bookings shortly after the retreat each month for the next month. Contact us on ; hbs-day-retreats@gmx.co.uk. More detailed joining instructions are sent nearer the event.
'Theravada' means the 'Doctrine of the Elders'. The 'elders' in question were the senior monks who preserved this particular tradition of Buddhism. Theravada reached Sri Lanka from India around 250 BC. Over the next two centuries it diffused into the areas now known as Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The scriptures of Theravada were originally passed down by word of mouth by the Buddha’s followers in a language called Pali, which is an ancient derivative of Sanskrit, but later these were written down and translated into other languages.
The routine of the session is roughly as follows: first there is a short chant and then a silent meditation which usually lasts about 30 minutes. Then there may be a reading from Buddhist literature or a recorded Buddhist or appropriate spiritual themed talk by a monk, nun or other authoritative person, rounded off by a discussion and questions.
Chithurst Monastery, or Cittaviveka, was established in 1978 under the guidance of a much revered Thai monk Ajahn Chah, when a benefactor made a gift of one hundred and eight acres of Sussex forest land to the English Sangha Trust, based in Hemel Hempstead. A building known as Chithurst House was purchased for the residence of Western monks and then, later on, another property was bought for a group of women who also sought ordination. Today, Chithurst is part of a flourishing Buddhist community which practises in the tradition of the Thai Forest Monastics, with centres in other parts of England and also abroad.
A former Abbot of Chithurst writes, "When you keep your personal achievements at the level of putting one foot in front of the other and being mindful, you listen to what the world has to say. In that ‘listening’, the mind is fresh and alert to the mystery of life and being unable to express that mystery only purifies the aspiration to live in harmony with it. You listen and live close to the heart of life, and the only refuge from the rawness of our nature is to do good and be mindful. Sometimes that seems to leave you completely alone with nothing to hold on to, but the path evokes a compassion in us that fills the heart, and a respect for our way of life that gives us many friends." (Ajahn Sucitto, 18th April 2001)
Announcement: From January 2022 the Theravada group will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month online by Zoom at 1930. If you would like to join us please contact us for details on hampshirebuddhistsociety+T@gmail.com
Additionally, we have an in person silent retreat in Romsey on the second Saturday of every month. 0900/1300 at https://www.wisdomhouseromsey.org.uk/
The retreat comprises alternating walking and sitting meditation. It is suitable for anyone with a mindfulness or meditation practice who would like a period of sustained meditation to deepen their practice. The retreat follows a simple format, alternating between periods of silent sitting and walking meditation. The retreat is not led by a teacher and no meditation guidance is given, so it would suit participants who are comfortable with a basic meditation practice; in support of your own and the group’s meditation. Although our practice is Buddhist, we welcome participants from other traditions and spiritual backgrounds to join with us in silent practice. Tea/coffee are provided. There is no fixed charge for this retreat, but there will be a bowl available for contributions towards the cost of the retreat. The hire charge is £47. At present, we are allowed a maximum of 12 attendees due to Covid restrictions although capacity is usually 25 so we are able to socially distance.
Please let us know asap if you would like to attend to reserve your place or be added to our retreat mailing list. We take bookings shortly after the retreat each month for the next month. Contact us on ; hbs-day-retreats@gmx.co.uk. More detailed joining instructions are sent nearer the event.
'Theravada' means the 'Doctrine of the Elders'. The 'elders' in question were the senior monks who preserved this particular tradition of Buddhism. Theravada reached Sri Lanka from India around 250 BC. Over the next two centuries it diffused into the areas now known as Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The scriptures of Theravada were originally passed down by word of mouth by the Buddha’s followers in a language called Pali, which is an ancient derivative of Sanskrit, but later these were written down and translated into other languages.
The routine of the session is roughly as follows: first there is a short chant and then a silent meditation which usually lasts about 30 minutes. Then there may be a reading from Buddhist literature or a recorded Buddhist or appropriate spiritual themed talk by a monk, nun or other authoritative person, rounded off by a discussion and questions.
Chithurst Monastery, or Cittaviveka, was established in 1978 under the guidance of a much revered Thai monk Ajahn Chah, when a benefactor made a gift of one hundred and eight acres of Sussex forest land to the English Sangha Trust, based in Hemel Hempstead. A building known as Chithurst House was purchased for the residence of Western monks and then, later on, another property was bought for a group of women who also sought ordination. Today, Chithurst is part of a flourishing Buddhist community which practises in the tradition of the Thai Forest Monastics, with centres in other parts of England and also abroad.
A former Abbot of Chithurst writes, "When you keep your personal achievements at the level of putting one foot in front of the other and being mindful, you listen to what the world has to say. In that ‘listening’, the mind is fresh and alert to the mystery of life and being unable to express that mystery only purifies the aspiration to live in harmony with it. You listen and live close to the heart of life, and the only refuge from the rawness of our nature is to do good and be mindful. Sometimes that seems to leave you completely alone with nothing to hold on to, but the path evokes a compassion in us that fills the heart, and a respect for our way of life that gives us many friends." (Ajahn Sucitto, 18th April 2001)
Main image copyright Roberta Mansell. Text copyright Hampshire Buddhist Society unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.