Why Meditate?

Meditation brings calm and relaxation as well as an increased ability to deal with stress and anxiety. Over time, this settles the mind, providing a base for developing knowledge of one's deeper self and a greater capacity to enjoy life. Intensive meditation can help the meditator see how the mind works on a minute level, increasing wisdom. Although many people usually feel benefits soon after they start meditation, the results build up slowly after a period of regular practice--rather like physical exercise. The results depend upon how much effort you put into the practice.

Why Buddhist Meditation?

Buddhist groups can offer the experience that comes from a long, evolved tradition--originating with the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. With specific and time-proven methods of meditation, the differing traditions each present slightly different techniques, while holding to common ethical frameworks You don't have to be a Buddhist, or even particularly interested in Buddhism to attend a Buddhist meditation class and most groups are not interested in converting those who wish to learn meditation. (In some traditions, monks are only allowed to teach when asked to do so).

Choosing a group

There are many kinds of meditation and just as many different groups for you to sample. Don't be shy about experimenting with the different groups until one seems right for you. Follow your common sense about the groups and what they offer. Are you comfortable with the teacher (if there is one), the group, and the tradition? Trust your own instincts about whether this is the best method for you. Is there openness, honesty, respect for other groups and traditions?

We are grateful to the Cambridge University Buddhist Society for the information on this page

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Groups

The Nezang Group is led by the Tibetan Lama Ato Rinpoche.
It meets on the third Saturday of each month at 2pm at the Morley Memorial School, Blinco Grove (off Hills Road). Meetings start with a talk by Ato Rinpoche, followed by prayer chanting and a short period of silent meditation. Meetings last about 2 hours altogether.
For more information please contact Jane Sandeman (246461).  Ato Rinpoche

The Samatha Trust teaches within the Theravada Buddhist tradition (generally found in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Burma), and is a lay group which in Cambridge dates back to 1963. It teaches a traditional Thai samatha-vipassana (calm and insight) breathing meditation as the core practice. The class meets weekly, 8.30pm, on Mondays at the Friends' Meeting House, Jesus Lane. There is also a University class which meets on Thursdays during term at 7.30pm in the Godwin Room, Old Court, Clare College.
The meditation technique is taught systematically over a period of some months, together with some basic theory about meditation. The classes are open to all and people are welcome to join at any time. There is no charge, but donations towards expenses are always welcome.
Please bring a cushion.

Contact: aab25@supanet.com, Tel. 315171, or rmh1001@cam.ac.uk about the University class. Web site:- www.samatha.org.

Cambridge Serene Reflection (Zen) Meditation Group. The Cambridge Serene Reflection Meditation Group  www.shorttext.com/cambsrm is affiliated to the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives which follows Soto Zen. The meditation group's primary purpose is to support members in their practice of Serene Reflection Meditation and the Buddhist Precepts. We welcome people from other Buddhist or non-Buddhist traditions, or people who have no religious affiliation, as long as they are comfortable with following the forms and practices of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives as closely as is appropriate and look to the senior monks for spiritual teaching and guidance. The group has regular visits from Buddhist priests of the Order and meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the evening for about two hours. The meetings usually include the recitation of Buddhist scriptures and both seated and walking meditation. From time to time other activities, such as listening to a taped talk, might be included. The evening finishes with the opportunity to meet informally. If you are interested phone Richard Potter (Lay Minister) on Cambridge (01223) 411018 (evenings and weekends), or e-mail:   potterrichardm@googlemail.com   to check dates and make any arrangements for meditation instruction.

Cambridge Chan (Zen) Group. Chan is the Chinese term for what became known in Japan as Zen. Chan meditation is a profound yet ultimately simple practice that encourages the practitioner to directly encounter his or her "original nature". It emphasises an alert stillness, an "Illuminating Silence", which encourages clarity and openness, which in turn leads to the development of wisdom and deep compassion. The Cambridge Chan Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. at The Friends Meeting House,91-93 Hartington Grove, Cambridge (off Hills Road). Meditation instruction is available from an authorised instructor. For more information or enquiries about the Cambridge Chan Group:cambridge@westernchanfellowship.org or tel: David Brown on 07766 686 345. Web site:-  http://westernchanfellowship.org/cambridge

The Community of Interbeing meditation group meets on Wednesday evenings, and also holds a day of mindfulness once of month (the 3rd Sunday). Following the teachings of the Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, the group practises sitting and walking meditation (20 min each sitting, walking, sitting) usually followed by a reading. The session follows the Zen tradition, with bells to signal the start and finish of meditation and bowing to each other and the Buddha. Twice a month there are discussions on the Buddha's teaching and people share with each other how their practice is going. There is no formal teaching in the group, but beginners are welcome and can find teaching in Thich Nhat Hanh's books, or by going on retreat with him in Plum Village in France. For details about the time and place of meditations, contact Jane (842941) or Pam (892755 or pam.hinds@virgin.net).
Web-sites:- Community of Interbeing in UK   Plum Village

The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order have a centre in Cambridge at 36-38 Newmarket Road where they hold a number of meditation classes. On Tuesdays at 12:50pm and Thursdays at 7:30pm they hold drop-in classes where beginners can learn meditation, and those with more experience can meet and meditate together. These sessions are free and cushions are provided. The centre runs regular courses on Meditation and Buddhism. There is also a weekly students' group which is advertised in Varsity. Other activities at the centre include a Puja on Fridays.
For more details about any of these activities, contact the centre on 577553 or email: info@cambridgebuddhistcentre.com
 www.cambridgebuddhistcentre.com

Ely Meditation Group offers 6-week courses for beginners at the Cathedral Centre (the old library). Instruction will be given on insight and awareness meditation. This can be helpful for people who are seeking solutions for anxiety, depression,insomnia, the pain of grief/loss, and tension. It requires commitment and perseverance to obtain the best results. Suggested donation of £2.50 per session.
The next such course in 2009 will be advertised here or for further details please contact Carole on 01353 610614, or Dick on 01353 659082 or richard6601 at gmail dot com  

Alternatively, experienced meditators and people who prefer unguided meditation can join our regular meetings, also at the Cathedral Centre, on alternate Weds at 8 pm. Please telephone or email above for confirmation.

Cambridge Amaravati Group grew from a few local Buddhists, who were interested in the teachings from Amaravati Buddhist monastery near Hemel Hempstead.
They meet fortnightly on Sunday evenings in the members homes to meditate together for about one hour, with a brief Buddhist ceremony beforehand and tea and a chat afterwards. The type of meditation practiced is vipassana or insight meditation. The group functions as a way for meditators to come together, rather than as a taught class, and is open and sociable. Over the years people have joined who are interested in different forms of vipassana meditation, or in different Buddhist traditions altogether. The group also acts as a contact point for people interested in visiting Amaravati, to find out more directly about this sort of meditation and Buddhist way of life.
Contact: Dan Jones:  danjones@supanet.com   or web-site for Amaravati monastery-  Amaravati

Cambridge University Buddhist Society organises talks covering all aspects of Buddhism, with speakers from all Buddhist traditions and schools. The University Buddhist Society frequently organises talks in conjunction with the Cambridge Buddhist Society (sometimes referred to as the Town Buddhist Society). For more information about the University Society visit their web page at:-
 www.buddhistsociety.org.uk

Cambridge Gaia House Meditation Groups have two groups for people who wish to practice meditation and mindful living in everyday life. They practice meditation techniques derived from the Buddhist tradition, but do not necessarily consider themselves Buddhists. Most practice insight meditation, although the groups aim to provide an environment in which a variety of practices, beliefs and approaches can be aired and shared. Group members need to be self reliant enough in their practice to meditate for forty five minutes without guidance.
Contact: Steve Briant (tel 327165); John and Jackie Teasdale (01223 460966; j@jdteasdale.plus.com).

Marpa House Buddhist retreat and meditation centre in the village of Ashdon near Saffron Walden is dedicated to the advancement of Tibetan Buddhism. Established in 1973 by the Venerable Lama Chime Rinpoche, the centre is now run by the Dharma Trust. Here is the opportunity to learn and practice, in rural surroundings, the oral transmissions of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. e-mail:   mail@marpahouse.org.uk, or call   01799 584415. Web page:-  www.marpahouse.org.uk

Diamond Way meditation group http://www.dwbuk.org/centres/cambridge/

The Cambridge Buddhist Institute is a focus for those interested in Buddhist studies in Cambridge, both in the University of Cambridge and in the region. Its page is:-   Cambridge Resources gives a useful overview of libraries, library catalogues, museums, institutes, and other resources. It publishes the   Cambridge Buddhist Institute Series with the publisher Hardinge Simpole.
Whether you are in Cambridge long term or for a short visit make your Buddhist interests known to the Institute by e-mailing cbi@edlis.org. Website at  www.edlis.org/cbi