We meet in central Tonbridge from 7.15 to 9.45 pm every Wednesday evening apart from one evening a month, when we go to the Rivendell Retreat Centre.

(The dates for Rivendell 2012 are: 4 January, 1 and 29 February, 4 April, 2 May, 6 June, 4 July, 1 August, 5 September, 3 October, 7 November, 5 December)

We start with a 45 minute meditation (usually either mindfulness of breathing or the metta bhavana) followed by tea, biscuits and a discussion based on a Dharma text that we are studying. We are currently reading "Buddhism: tools for living your life"  (more details are given in STUDY BOOKS AND WEBSITES below.)

There are about 30 of us in the group - but we are rarely all there at once. We are friendly and welcoming!

Our study books

"Ritual and devotion in Buddhism: an introduction" by Sangharakshita (Windhorse Publications)

Skilfully steering us through the difficulties we may encounter, Sangharakshita leads us through the sevenfold puja, a poetic sequence of devotional moods found in Tibetan and Indian forms of Buddhism. Within this he discusses the use of chanting, offerings, recitation and other activities in creating ritual space and moods. Engaging in this way can help us commit ourselves to the spiritual journey with all our heart.

"Going for refuge to the three jewels" (Free Buddhist Audio)
If you download a copy, please also make a donation to Free Buddhist Audio to support the fantastic work they with the audio and text archives of the Triratna Buddhist Community.

"The Buddha's noble eightfold path" by Sangharakshita (Windhorse Publications)
The Noble Eightfold Path is the most widely known of the Buddha’s teachings. It is ancient, extending back to the Buddha’s first discourse and is highly valued as a unique treasury of wisdom and practical guidance on how to live our lives. This introduction takes the reader deeper while always remaining practical, inspiring and accessible. Sangharakshita translates ancient teachings and makes them relevant to the way we live our lives today.

"Buddhism: tools for living your life" by Vajragupta (Windhorse Publications)
A guide for those seeking a meaningful spiritual path while living everyday lives full of families, work and friends. Our first study text.

Introductions to meditation and the Triratna Buddhist Community

"Breath" by Vessantra (Windhorse Publications)
A guide to the mindfulness of breathing as practiced by the TBC.

"Metta: the practice of loving kingness" by Nagabodhi (Windhorse Publications)
A guide to the metta bhavana meditation as practiced by the TBC.

"Introducing Buddhism" by Chris Pauling (Windhorse Publications)
Explains the essential teachings and practices that underlie most forms of Buddhism.

"The Triratna story" by Vajragupta (Windhorse Publications)
This is the story of Triratna (formerly the FWBO) from its inception in London to its growth worldwide.

Websites

Free Buddhist Audio
Over 500 audio talks on Buddhism and meditation from the archives of the FWBO. Hundreds of seminar and lecture transcripts. Free downloads, or listen and read online.

Words of the Buddha
Daily readings from the words of the Buddha

Rivendell Buddhist Retreat Centre
Teaching Buddhism, Buddhist meditation and yoga retreats, in Sussex, South-East England.

Brighton Buddhist Centre
Meditation, yogo, drop in classes, retreats.

Hastings Buddhist Centre
Meditation and dharma study in a group similar to this one.