Which Event is for me?
Four kinds of events happen at Jamyang: Buddhist, Community; Holistic Health; and Spirit of Enquiry.
When you are thinking of coming along to the Centre there is a lot of choice. As this can be confusing for some, here is a short guide. Research carried out at the Centre has consistently shown that the majority of people who attend the Kennington Jamyang London site do not self identify as Buddhists so we start with programmes that cater for the majority of our visitors first.
The Spirit of Enquiry programme looks at modern day issues in a nonreligious context. Of course some of the course presenters may be Buddhists and some of the courses may bring in some Buddhist ideas but the main aim is not to learn Buddhism but to explore issues related to personal and spiritual growth in a supportive nonjudgmental context. Examples of the kinds of events in this programme are those in the Essential Education series, the Working With Emotions series, the Working With Behaviours series, and the "Heresy Friday" series.
The Holistic Health programme offers a range of physical trainings that were either born in or are very supportive of spiritual growth, but which are not specifically Buddhist. We often lock the stresses and strains of daily life into our body and the very fabric of our being. The aim of each of the trainings and exercises offered in this programme by our guest teachers is not to learn Buddhism but to help people unblock their energies, release their potential and to learn how to live with the body and mind more in harmony with their environment. Examples of the events in this programme are the Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Meditation and Relaxation, and Bodywork classes.
The Community programme offers a range of events where people who are connected with the Centre can get to know each other better through shared activities in informal settings. Again the main aim of these activities is not to learn Buddhism but to give an opportunity to socialise, make and deepen friendships with like-minded people. Examples of these kinds of events are the annual Community Day, Family days, Friends events, Film Nights, and the Jamyang walks.
Last but not least is the Buddhist Programme. This is the part of the programme that does aim to enable people learn about Buddhist theory and practise and its ultimate goal of freedom from difficulty for all beings. Unsurprisingly this accounts for most of the events that happen at the Kennington site. The events in the Buddhist programme fall into three broad overlapping subprograms: events for those new to and new in Tibetan Buddhism and the Geluk style of practise; events for those settled in Tibetan Buddhism but not necessarily the Geluk way; and events for those settled and specialising in Tibetan Buddhism and one or more of the Buddhist study and practise systems found in the Geluk, though often within study of the broader setting.
Examples of events for those New to and New in Buddhism are Geshe Tashi's Wednesday classes, his weekend classes and retreats and his longer retreats and courses (unless they are advertised as restricted in some way). Also included are the silent meditation sessions on Thursdays, the Core Practises of Buddhist Meditation on Mondays, the occasional introductions to meditation on a Monday night and the FPMT introductory courses, Buddhism in a Nutshell, Buddhist Meditation 101 and Discovering Buddhism. All classes by visiting teachers are suitable for both newcomers and those settled in Buddhism unless advertised as with a restriction. Many students in the New to and New in Buddhism category attend on a drop in, as and when basis.
Events for those Settled in Tibetan Buddhism are things like Geshe Tashi’s Tuesday classes and his weekend and other courses and retreats, as well as most classes by visiting teachers and some events presented by the on-site presentation team. Most students in this category try to attend whole courses so as to catch the full flavour of what is being presented.
Events aimed at those Specializing in Tibetan Buddhism and one or other aspect of it are usually advertised as closed courses or practise groups. For example these may require having a preliminary interview with the teacher and committing to complete the whole course, or having done another course before like the Foundation of Buddhist Thought. The Tantra practise groups connected with Jamyang are other examples of these kinds of events.
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