The catalyst for the start of the Stirling Buddhist Centre occurred in 1997.
Following an introductory course on meditation and Buddhism,
taught by Vimalavajra and supported by Smritiratna of the Western Buddhist Order,
a small group of people continued
to meet informally and support each other's evolving meditation and Buddhist
practice.
From these small beginnings a community of people has grown with a common interest
in Buddhism or meditation, now known as Forth Valley Buddhist Friends. This
common interest has led to an openness of communication and empathy for each
other that
is also
passed on
to people new to meditation or exploring Buddhism for themselves.
Forth Valley Buddhist Friends have an affiliation with the Friends of the Western
Buddhist Order (FWBO), a worldwide
movement that aims to make Buddhist teachings and practices available in a
form appropriate
and accessible to the modern world.
Our current programme is a reflection of the different
interests that we have as a centre. Over the past few years this programme has
been well supported by members of the Western Buddhist Order who have come from
as far afield as Glasgow, Balquhidder and Forres, to give teachings on meditation
and Buddhism.
We also take an interest in other traditions - practitioners from the Kagyu
Tibetan, the Community of Interbeing and the Nichiren school of Buddhism have
also come
along to share
their experience.
Forth Valley Buddhist Friends are here to support your individual meditation
practice with various 'sangha' or community activities. Our main regular event
is a
weekly get-together on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.45pm,
at 13 Pitt Terrace, Stirling (ASC Alcohol Support & Counselling
Service).
The costs of running the centre are met by donation. Our suggested
donation for a Thursday evening is £2 to £4 or whatever
you can afford.
The first Thursday of every month now includes guided meditation for beginners,
although beginners are welcome any Thursday evening. There is also a small
library of books, tapes and CDs about meditation and Buddhism.
Visit to Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre
Thursday evenings usually run along the following lines:
7.00pm: Centre opens
7.45pm: Welcome and introduction to the evening followed by Meditation
8.30pm: Tea and biscuits
8.45pm: Activity or theme for the evening as per the programme
9.45pm: Evening closes
The meditation sessions are normally based around the following:
Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation:
This meditation helps to develop your awareness and powers of concentration, and promotes calmness and peace of mind.
7.00pm: Centre opens