The Forest Hermitage

Meditation sessions on Monday and Friday evenings 
are now available on Zoom at 8pm.
Meeting ID: 928 2943 2020
Passcode: 909442

What do we teach?

The two complementary Buddhist practices of mindfulness of breathing and loving-kindness are the principal forms of meditation taught at the Forest Hermitage. The practice of mindfulness is emphasised at all times.

Mindfulness of breathing provides us with a simple yet powerful way to tame our wandering minds. This practice leads to peace, but most importantly an ability to see things clearly.

Loving-kindness is a protection, as it protects both ourselves and others from the damage and destruction caused by anger and hatred.

When can I come to meditate?

Every Monday and Friday evening at 8pm there is meditation and a short talk on some aspect of Buddhist teaching and practice. You may attend in person or on Zoom.

Mondays and Fridays, 8 – 9 pm.

If you’re going to attend in person, please plan to arrive in good time and not later than 7.50pm.

We open the evenings with a short piece of chanting in Pali in which we pay respects to the Triple Gem. Following this a detailed meditation instruction is given. At about 8:45 pm there is a Dhamma Talk on an aspect of the Buddha’s Teachings. We conclude with a brief period of meditation in which we cultivate metta – loving-kindness – for ourselves and all beings.

When you arrive someone will welcome you and explain what happens and where to go.

There’s no charge and there’s no need to book, you’re simply invited to join us for the evening.

There’s plenty of room to park.

Please dress modestly and remove shoes, hats and headgear. Women, please avoid revealing tops and short skirts and be suitably covered.

We sit cross-legged on the floor using a cushion. Cushions are provided. You don’t need to bring anything with you.

We encourage all meditators to become familiar with sitting on the floor using a cushion or kneeling stool. People sometimes think this is beyond their ability but end up surprising themselves. We do, however, understand that because of an injury or illness you may not be able to manage without a chair, in which case we’ll be happy to provide one.