Join a small group of students and a facilitator as we journey together through different Buddhist books – reflecting on the teachings and applying them in our ordinary lives. Register by emailing study@brightearth.org with the book you want to study & we’ll send you more information.
When?
Groups are usually a maximum of eight and will be held either at the temple in Malvern or on Zoom. Join our newsletter to be informed when the next dates become available.
If you are interested in joining a future group please have a read of the following and then let Kaspa/Satya know at study@brightearth.org or keep an eye on this webpage/our newsletter.
Why?
These groups offer students an opportunity to engage more deeply with the Dharma, the precious teachings of the Buddha. As we encounter various teachings from different schools of Buddhism, listen to others and put teachings into practice in our ordinary lives, we trust that we will start living with more freedom, confidence, insight and joy.
What?
Each week you will be asked to read a specified number of pages and these will be discussed in the weekly meetings. Once or twice a course you will also be asked to write a ‘Dharma Glimpse’ (read about these here).
We don’t aim for an academic study of the book but more a finding wisdom and inspiration and applying it to your own life. You will also be encouraged to ask questions, share the things you don’t like etc.
What is the expectation?
Completion requirements: You will write a Dharma Glimpse at least every six weeks during the course (depending on the number of participants), and come to at least three out of every four of the in person or online book groups. If it isn’t possible for you to commit to the majority of the dates then do put your name down for a future course instead – group size is limited and so we prefer people to commit to attending the whole course. The time commitment will vary but we’d expect it to be around one hour for the weekly meeting plus one hour per week to do the reading and Dharma Glimpses.
What if I have some anxiety about joining?
We want these courses to be accessible to everyone and we certainly don’t want people to feel excluded because they don’t feel they’re ‘good at writing’, that they know ‘enough’ about Buddhism, or that they might look stupid when they discuss things in the group. The beauty of these groups is that everyone learns from each other (even if we can’t imagine what anyone might learn from us!). We encourage you to just have an experience of or an opinion on the teachings – sharing what you feel stuck with etc. and even more importantly listening to others in your group. We are learning all of the time. Please do write to Satya & Kaspa at study@brightearth.org with any questions or worries you have.
How much is it?
We would like these book groups to be as accessible as possible. We suggest a donation of between £4 & £10 for each class but if you can only afford less, that is also fine.
How do I register?
Write to Satya & Kaspa study@brightearth.org and let us know which book you’d like to study and any dates you know you won’t be able to make. We will let you know if there are spaces on the course and send you further instructions. Once you’ve read these you can decide whether or not you’d like to go ahead. You will be expected to buy your own course book at least a week before the course starts (so you can write your first report) – if you need financial assistance with this, let us know.