If you've trained as a teacher or participated in a mindfulness course, you're likely already familiar with the practical applications and psychological benefits of these practices. Exploring the deeper origins of mindfulness can enrich your understanding and deepen your personal and teaching practice.
You don’t have to be — or become — a Buddhist to explore and benefit from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. These teachings are not about adopting a belief system, but about cultivating a deeper understanding of yourself, others, and the nature of experience. They offer practical and transformative insights into the causes of suffering and the possibility of freedom. If you’re curious about where modern mindfulness practices come from, or if you feel ready to go beyond technique into wisdom, this is an invitation to explore the roots of the path.
We'll use Buddy groups to build sangha (community), and there will be an emphasis on how these teachings can support us in these turbulent times.
Dates - tbc 6.30-8.30 pm
Cost - Instead of a set fee, this course is run on Dana, which offers you the opportunity to work out what you think is a fair price to pay or what the course is worth to you. If you paid £15.00 for a two-hour session, that would work out at £120.00 for an 8 Week course. If you'd be happy to receive this amount, then pay that; if not, you might want to pay more. You might not have much money at all and be only able to pay £40.00 or £80.00. It's about trust and giving what you can without causing hardship to yourself.
What Will You Gain from the Course
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A Clear Introduction to the Buddhist Path
Gain insight into the foundational teachings that underlie mindfulness practice. -
The Four Noble Truths
Explore the Buddha’s core framework for understanding and transforming suffering. -
The Noble Eightfold Path
Discover a practical guide to living with awareness, ethics, and wisdom. - The Three Refuges
Reflect on the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community) as sources of inspiration and support on the path. -
The Three Characteristics of Existence
Deepen your understanding of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self — central insights that can bring greater freedom and clarity. -
Time and Space for Reflection and Dialogue
Engage in thoughtful discussion with like-minded participants in a supportive environment. -
A Chance to Build Community
Connect with others who share an interest in exploring the roots of mindfulness and compassionate living.
Please register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This is what some folk thought about the last course in 2025.
The course was interesting, expertly delivered and inspiring.
I liked the way the 4 noble truths were presented as symptom, diagnosis, prognosis and cure.
I am interested that I have held back from really exploring Buddhist philosophy, and I think it was a resistance to having to follow someone else’s dogma. My aim in coming on the course was to have a better structure for entering and exploring Buddhist philosophy, and I did get that, and it has left me with an appetite to explore more.
The ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ sessions helped me to get a better understanding of the origins of secular mindfulness and also the wider ethical aspects of Buddhism. I found it interesting and intriguing to explore Human Philosophy and Psychology from the Buddhist perspective.
The slides were clear and a great way to summarise the themes of the course. The learning was interactive with questions and reflections to facilitate learning. I particularly appreciated the guided meditation practices and the invitational language used – encouragingparticipants not just to accept the information provided but to ‘try it out for themselves’ and find out what works for them in their life and the environment they live in.
The time within the sessions was used efficiently, but there was also guidance on appropriate further reading and links to relevant talks on YouTube that participants could investigate after the session ended – I feel there is plenty to explore! The breakout rooms were a welcome opportunity to engage with other participants.
I enjoyed the breakout rooms and PowerPoint images, as well as some of the stories. It was useful to get an overview of the roadmap (4 noble truths, 8 fold noble path, 5 precepts, 5 hindrances). It felt like the right level for me.
I soon began to connect the framework with radical caring mindfulness training I have both completed and taught.
I would be interested in a longer course.
Having previously attended a course with you, I knew that the pace and general nature of the course were going to be a good "fit". I felt it was delivered at the correct pace.