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Tuesday Evening Class
Buddhist Confirmation Pre-Course and Ceremony
| "Outside Asia, most people develop an interest in Buddhism by reading about
it - but Buddhism without commitment can be lacking. Converting to Buddhism takes
discipline and dedication, as many of the practices are challenging. Furthermore,
once you admit you are a Buddhist, others will think you are some kind of post-Flower
Child flake. I should know this, since I was raised in one religion and now practice
another one. But I had left my religion-of-origin and was used to being "Not
a Christian" long before I stumbled into Buddhism and realized I was home. If
"converting" means abandoning one religious path to take up another, I
never really felt that I coverted. Although my path led from Christianity to Buddhism,
it was all one path." |
What's the point of becoming a Buddhist?
Declaring yourself a Buddhist rather than simply dabbling in Buddhist practice is
to upgrade the earnestness of your spirituality while sharing the courage of your
convictions with 152,000 self-declared Buddhists in the UK. While the Dhammakaya
Centre for Buddhist Meditation opens its activities to those of all levels of commitment
to Buddhism, it recognizes the many practical advantages for those who commit to
Buddhism in an informed way. With no coercion intended, this year for the first time,
our centre is able to offer the opportunity for those so wishing to join a pre-course
and ceremony of Buddhist confirmation organized to coincide with the tenth anniversary
of the Dhammakaya institution in England.
Pre-Course Schedule
The Dhammakaya Centre for Buddhist Meditation will be organizing a weekly course,
on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. to assist and inform those who have decided
to confirm themselves as Buddhists. The course starts on 19 May 2009 and consists
of six lessons (see back of brochure for dates and details). The meditation course
will be led by Ven. Phra Nicholas Thanissaro and Phra Sarttra Thirapanyo.
Who can benefit from the course?
This course is aimed specifically at those who wish to become Buddhists or reaffirm
their previous commitment to Buddhism - although there are no restrictions on age,
gender, nationality, body weight or level of education for those wishing to make
this commitment. Out of respect for family harmony, we ask that children under the
age of sixteen have the written consent of their parents or guardians if attending.
| "giving up other spiritual practices is not necessary to become a Buddhist.
Just because you make a new friend, you don't have to give up your old ones."
However, some people make the conscious choice to become a committed Buddhist which,
is known as Taking Refuge in The Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and in so
doing experience a real sense of relief as if they have come in from the storm to
a place of warmth and comfort" |
What does it cost?
Teaching is free, however, it would be appreciated if you would make a minimum donation
of ?5.00 each time you attend a session towards upkeep and heating of the meditation
centre.
What do I need to prepare?
During the course, students will need to avail themselves of a chanting book (The
Little Book of Buddhist Chanting) and a set of white clothes - both of which are
available for purchase from the meditation centre.
How can I enroll?
To reserve your place please complete the tear-off application form on the left of
this leaflet. Complete all of the details. Mail it to the Dhammakaya Centre for Buddhist
Meditation, 2. Brushfield Way, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2TG or fax it to 01483-476161.
Alternatively you can reserve online by completing the form linked to from website:
dhammakaya.org.uk Then simply turn up at the appointed time on the first day of the
course.
Where will the course be held?
The course will be held at the Dhammakaya Centre for Buddhist Meditation, 2. Brushfield
Way, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2TG.
The Confirmation Ceremony
The ceremony takes place on Sunday 28 June 2009 (timing to be confirmed). The ceremony
will take place in the presence of twenty members of the Buddhist monastic community
and a large congregation of lay Buddhists. The ceremony involves three steps: declaring
oneself a Buddhist, taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma (the doctrines and truths
taught by the Buddha) and Sangha (the community of Buddhist practioners) and receiving
the Five Precepts. A souvenir certificate will be presented to all those completing
the pre-course and ceremony.
| "reciting the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts has given new weight to my
beliefs, giving me something to live up to. Saying it makes it so. By paying attention
to them, I can become, hopefully and in some small way, better for myself, my family
and others" |
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Session 1: 19 May 2009
- Evening Chanting & Meditation
- Workshop: The Three Refuges of Buddhism
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Session 5: 16 June 2009
- Evening Chanting & Meditation
- Workshop: Buddhist culture & etiquette
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Session 2: 26 May 2009
- Evening Chanting & Meditation
- Workshop: Cultivating Generosity
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Session 6: 23 June 2009
- Evening Chanting & Meditation
- Exam on Buddhist Theory learned
- Rehearsal of Confirmation Ceremony
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Session 3: 2 June 2009
- Evening Chanting & Meditation
- Workshop: Keeping the Precepts & Buddhist ethics
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Confirmation Ceremony: 28 June 2009
- Declaration of Buddhist faith
- Taking the Three Refuges & Five Precepts
- Presentation of Confirmation Certificates
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Session 4: 9 June 2009
- Evening Chanting & Meditation
- Workshop: Buddhist forms of mental cultivation
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It would be appreciated if you would reserve your place in advance by selecting 'Buddhist
Confirmation (19 May - 23 June 2009)' choice from the online reservation form
and we will acknowledge your reservation, sending you a reminder three days before
the course starts.
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