What we’re about
The aim of this group is to make Buddhist teachings more accessible, provide
support and encouragement to people who are new to Buddhism. The roup is also open to anyone who would like to contribute.
The purpose of this group can be described in three beautiful Sanskrit words. 1) “Simran”derived from the word Smaran meaning Remembrance. Also translates to ‘Meditation’ – The verb Simar, which is derived from Simran means meditating. 2) “Satsang”means "gathering together for the truth" or, more simply, "being with the truth." Truth is what is real, what exists. 3) “Seva” means a service which is performed without any expectation of result or award for the person performing it. See link below to a youtube video (40mins mark) of dialogue between Deepak Chopra and Andrew Cohen, where they discuss the relevance of these words to our lives today.
Buddhism sees life as a process of constant change, and its practices aim to take advantage of this fact. It means that one can change for the better, which ultimately leads to happiness. The decisive factor in changing oneself is the mind. Buddhism has developed many methods for working on the mind. Most importantly, Buddhists practice meditation, which is a way of developing more positive states of mind that are characterised by calm, concentration, awareness, and emotions such as friendliness. Using the awareness developed in meditation, it is possible to have a fuller understanding of oneself, other people, and of life itself. Buddhists do not seek ‘evangelise’ or coerce other people to adopt their
religion, but they do seek to make its teachings available to whoever
is interested, and people are free to take.
A Five Minute Introduction to Buddhism: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm
Basic Buddhist Teaching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0Q1lrxQlMU
The Positive Effects of Meditation/Mindfulness. Summarising the scientific evidence:
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-is-meditation-mindfulness-good-for/
How does Buddhism mesh with modern science? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIRmpQbebQk
Interview with Australian Buddhist nun, Robina Courtin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kr7F8AV26Y
Buddhism and Sects by Ajahn Brahm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owq_ougaikU
Oprah Winfrey talks with Thich Nhat Hanh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ9UtuWfs3U
Norman Fischer, Jack Kornfield and Sylvia Wetzel at the Garrison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGPypXyDUc
Joseph Goldstein - Buddhism The essential points:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgkBnMu_cdM
The Most Powerful Video on Spirituality and Happiness - Rare Eckhart Tolle Teaching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KopmSpe33Eg
Loving Awareness: A Conversation with Jack Kornfield & Eckhart Tolle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GAgj_xjZvY
Herbie Hancock: Buddhism and Creativity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSFMkJQKigk
Noah Levine on Buddhism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjhce63L0N4
Buddhist in America- Ryan Hayashi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej7vJasvLwg
Nueroscience Symposium - University of Zurich - with the Dalai Lama:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay82wmkvFtg&list=PLD653677C00E2D1D7
Four Noble Truths: Buddha's Psychlogy of Freedom :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJvB9xKfX1U
Buddhist Teachings: The Noble Eightfold Path :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPk-pxhyYeg
Andrew Cohen & Deepak Chopra in New York City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-COAvUh6QJ4
Gather to discuss and explore Buddhist teachings, meditation, retreats and
make new friends. The intention is for this group to be a collective community and ideas or events are welcomed.
It is our intention to keep the cost of events to a minimum. i.e. this is not a group set up to generate funds. The cost of any organised events will be shared between attendees; however we will try to keep these costs to a minimum.
If any members have ideas or events they would like us to organise then please contact Nim.
The Bodhi Tree, Inspiring Wisdom, Bookshop and Cafe has kindly offered free VIP loyalty Card to all Dharma Friends. The VIP card offers discounted pricing on all purchases as well as any paid events at The Bodhi Tree. See Discussions page for further info on how to claim your card.
Our Purpose-To provide the opportunity for people to develop wisdom and compassion.
Our Vision -To create a welcoming community in order to inspire active wisdom and compassion.
Our Values - Generosity, Refraining from causing harm to oneself and others, Patience, Tolerance, Forbearance, Acceptance, Endurance, Diligence, Find joy in what is virtuous, positive or wholesome, Enlightened quality of concentration and Enlightened quality of wisdom-awareness.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Express Meditation: PurificationLink visible for attendees
Morning guided meditation with a purification practice, the Four Opponent Powers.
Please try to join this class no later than 11:00 AM.
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For $50 a month you can attend all our events: classes, meditations, pujas, weekend intensives, Saturday workshops — everything!
Become a Member## I want to donate for this class
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- Beginning the Bodhisattva’s JourneyLink visible for attendees
This course introduces new students to the Bodhisattva ideal through the lens of the Six Perfections (pāramitās). Each session focuses on practical, real-life applications of these qualities—generosity, ethical living, patience, joyful effort, meditation, and wisdom—as a natural extension of inner clarity. Students explore how these qualities can guide their responses to relationships, work, and social challenges.
Rather than approaching Buddhism as an abstract philosophy, this course emphasizes integration into contemporary Western life. Students will learn to recognize how ancient wisdom traditions can address modern concerns, such as work-life balance, digital overwhelm, consumer culture, and social responsibility.Learning Objectives
By the end of this 5-week course, students will learn more about how to improve their skills and abilities in the following ways:
Life Skills & Personal Effectiveness
● Learn to transform everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and connection
● Develop greater resilience in high-stress situations like traffic jams, difficult conversations, and workplace conflicts
● Create sustainable approaches to helping others without burning out or losing yourself
● Make decisions that align with your deepest values, even when facing pressure or uncertainty
● Build genuine confidence that comes from inner clarity rather than external validation
Relationship & Communication Enhancement● Listen with full presence in a distracted world, dramatically improving the quality of your connections
● Respond rather than react when triggered, maintaining your integrity while staying open-hearted
● Set boundaries that protect your well-being while preserving important relationships
● Design meditation and mindfulness practices that fit your actual schedule and living situation
● Balance achievement and rest in ways that increase rather than deplete your energy over time
● Find meaning and purpose in ordinary daily activities, from commuting to household chores
● Develop inner resources for handling uncertainty, loss, and major life transitions
Optional Course Materials
No Prerequisites Required
This course is designed for complete beginners to Buddhism as well as those with some background who want to focus on the practical applications of these teachings. Students from all religious and philosophical backgrounds are welcome.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily stress, seeking more meaningful ways to contribute to your community, or simply curious about how ancient wisdom can enhance your modern life, this course offers a gentle yet engaging path forward.
Charok Lama
Join the class# Join this class
Join the class
## I am a member
## ↓
## I want to bea member
For $50 a month you can attend all our events: classes, meditations, pujas, weekend intensives, Saturday workshops — everything!
Become a Member## I want to donate for this class
## and
## I’m still exploring
Free class access
## ↓
- Express Meditation: PurificationLink visible for attendees
Morning guided meditation with a purification practice, the Four Opponent Powers.
Please try to join this class no later than 11:00 AM.
# Join this class
Join the class
## I am a member
## ↓
## I want to bea member
For $50 a month you can attend all our events: classes, meditations, pujas, weekend intensives, Saturday workshops — everything!
Become a Member## I want to donate for this class
## and
## I’m still exploring
Free class access
## ↓
