Tag: Course

  • Free Bodhi talk – Learn to Meditate: Dealing with Stress

    Free Bodhi talk – Learn to Meditate: Dealing with Stress

    🧘🏻‍♀️ Type:

    FREE, in-person

    📆 Date:

    Saturday, 7 February 2026

    ⏱️ Time:

    10.30am – 12.30pm

    📍 Addr.:

    London Centre, 330 Caledonian Road, London N1 1BB

    Introduction: Working with Stress & Anxiety using Buddhist wisdom tools

    Life is stressful.

    Money, family, children, work, the environment. No matter where we turn, we find another reason to stress out.

    We can choose so many different ways to cope with stress: taking time off, going on vacation, exercising, getting a massage, or just being distracted.

    Many of these methods, while wonderful and useful, tend to deal with the outermost manifestations of stress and may not offer a lasting solution.

    At bodhi, we explore a different way of dealing with stress; one that can have a more lasting and transformative effect on your life. We start by asking ourselves: what really is the root of our stress? What role does our own mind play in the stress we are experiencing?

    FREE to join

    Teachers

    Dragana Alvarez

    Dragana Alvarez has been practising and studying Buddhist Teachings since the early 90s. She taught in higher and further education and also worked as a translator. Her work experience has provided her with an invaluable understanding of the importance of creating a warm environment for clear communication and exchange. She has been an instructor on a range of courses in the London Rigpa Centre for over fifteen years.

    Will Mansfield

    Will Mansfield has been practising Buddhism for over 25 years and has been instructing on courses in the London Rigpa Centre for over 15 years. He finds it rewarding to see the benefits that meditation and Buddhist teachings can bring to people’s lives and how these two work together to help them deepen their sense of self-discovery.

    Vinciane Rycroft

    Vinciane Rycroft is passionate about social connection, sustainability and how we can live together well on the earth. She has undertaken a number of projects over the years, including award-winning environmental education programmes, a charity to introduce mindfulness and compassion into schools, as well as conferences on compassion in society. She is a first generation Western Buddhist, who started meditating when she was 18.

    Rosey Hastings

    Rosey Hastings has been studying and practising Buddhism since the 1980s. She was a schoolteacher for 30 years, teaching children and young adults with learning difficulties and in particular dyslexia. She is passionate about making Buddhism accessible and meaningful to anyone who has the interest and curiosity whatever their background, education, and preferred style of learning. Rosey supports and teaches on the public and sangha programme in the UK.

    David Rycroft

    David Rycroft is an educator, fine artist and co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity training teachers and students in sustainable wellbeing, emotional health and social connection. Since 1994 he has studied and practiced consistently within the Rigpa sangha, receiving extensive teachings on mindfulness and mind from a host of illustrious teachers. During this time he raised a family, and taught art in a north London secondary school for ten years. David recently set up and continues to direct Teach-Peace, a secular education project of the European Buddhist Union.

    Educated at Eton College and Edinburgh University, David also has an MA (distinction) in Buddhist Studies from Sunderland University. David specialises in teaching meditation in both Buddhist and secular settings. He brings a spirit of experiential enquiry and playful creativity to his role as a teacher. His paintings, celebrating natural vitality and inviting us to appreciate the wonders of nature, are exhibited internationally, including an exhibition at UNESCO, Paris

    Carol

    Carol has been studying the Buddhist teachings for over 30 years and an instructor at the London Centre for 25 years, specialising in the meditation courses. Previously she worked in I.T . and as a project manager for a major corporation, leading multi cultural teams and enjoying the interaction with others. Having experienced the remarkable benefits of these teachings and practices, it’s her greatest wish to share these with others and enable everyone to integrate them into their own lives.

  • Free Bodhi talk – Learn to Meditate: Dealing with Stress

    Free Bodhi talk – Learn to Meditate: Dealing with Stress

    🧘🏻‍♀️ Type:

    FREE, in-person

    📆 Date:

    Thursday, 5 February 2026

    ⏱️ Time:

    7.00pm – 9.00pm

    📍 Addr.:

    London Centre, 330 Caledonian Road, London N1 1BB

    Introduction: Working with Stress & Anxiety using Buddhist wisdom tools

    Life is stressful.

    Money, family, children, work, the environment. No matter where we turn, we find another reason to stress out.

    We can choose so many different ways to cope with stress: taking time off, going on vacation, exercising, getting a massage, or just being distracted.

    Many of these methods, while wonderful and useful, tend to deal with the outermost manifestations of stress and may not offer a lasting solution.

    At bodhi, we explore a different way of dealing with stress; one that can have a more lasting and transformative effect on your life. We start by asking ourselves: what really is the root of our stress? What role does our own mind play in the stress we are experiencing?

    FREE to join

    Teachers

    Dragana Alvarez

    Dragana Alvarez has been practising and studying Buddhist Teachings since the early 90s. She taught in higher and further education and also worked as a translator. Her work experience has provided her with an invaluable understanding of the importance of creating a warm environment for clear communication and exchange. She has been an instructor on a range of courses in the London Rigpa Centre for over fifteen years.

    Will Mansfield

    Will Mansfield has been practising Buddhism for over 25 years and has been instructing on courses in the London Rigpa Centre for over 15 years. He finds it rewarding to see the benefits that meditation and Buddhist teachings can bring to people’s lives and how these two work together to help them deepen their sense of self-discovery.

    Vinciane Rycroft

    Vinciane Rycroft is passionate about social connection, sustainability and how we can live together well on the earth. She has undertaken a number of projects over the years, including award-winning environmental education programmes, a charity to introduce mindfulness and compassion into schools, as well as conferences on compassion in society. She is a first generation Western Buddhist, who started meditating when she was 18.

    Rosey Hastings

    Rosey Hastings has been studying and practising Buddhism since the 1980s. She was a schoolteacher for 30 years, teaching children and young adults with learning difficulties and in particular dyslexia. She is passionate about making Buddhism accessible and meaningful to anyone who has the interest and curiosity whatever their background, education, and preferred style of learning. Rosey supports and teaches on the public and sangha programme in the UK.

    David Rycroft

    David Rycroft is an educator, fine artist and co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity training teachers and students in sustainable wellbeing, emotional health and social connection. Since 1994 he has studied and practiced consistently within the Rigpa sangha, receiving extensive teachings on mindfulness and mind from a host of illustrious teachers. During this time he raised a family, and taught art in a north London secondary school for ten years. David recently set up and continues to direct Teach-Peace, a secular education project of the European Buddhist Union.

    Educated at Eton College and Edinburgh University, David also has an MA (distinction) in Buddhist Studies from Sunderland University. David specialises in teaching meditation in both Buddhist and secular settings. He brings a spirit of experiential enquiry and playful creativity to his role as a teacher. His paintings, celebrating natural vitality and inviting us to appreciate the wonders of nature, are exhibited internationally, including an exhibition at UNESCO, Paris

    Carol

    Carol has been studying the Buddhist teachings for over 30 years and an instructor at the London Centre for 25 years, specialising in the meditation courses. Previously she worked in I.T . and as a project manager for a major corporation, leading multi cultural teams and enjoying the interaction with others. Having experienced the remarkable benefits of these teachings and practices, it’s her greatest wish to share these with others and enable everyone to integrate them into their own lives.

  • Clear Mind Meditation Course

    Clear Mind Meditation Course

    🧘🏻‍♀️ Type:

    in-person + course

    📆 Date:

    Thursdays, 19 February – 26 March 2026

    ⏱️ Time:

    6.30pm – 8.15pm

    📍 Addr.:

    London Centre, 330 Caledonian Road, London N1 1BB

    💰 Fee:

    £60 suggested donation for six weeks

    In person once a week on a Thursday evening.

    Bodhi Courses

    We might search for ways to bring ourselves to a clear and peaceful mind, but often, our thoughts and emotions feel just too busy to be ignored!

    The busier we get, the more thinking we do. Perhaps our emotions go wild, or we are left in a state of stress and overwhelm.

    Journey with us as we explore how the ancient art of meditation can help us become more calm, clear, confident, and connected with ourselves and with others.Learn how to meditate and establish your own meditation practice during this six-week course, alongside our team of friendly and experienced meditation teachers.What you’ll receive:

    // Weekly classes with expert teachers

    // Access to weekly recordings of guided meditations// A weekly reflection exercise

    // Community support through a WhatsApp group// A regular meditation practice schedule made to fit your lifestyle// Weekly in-person and online meditation practise sessions at Rigpa

    Event summary

    Category : Learn to Meditate six-week course
    Starts : 19 Feb 2026
    Schedule : Thursdays 6.30pm – 8.15pm
    Format : In-person

    Suggested Contribution l  £60 (£10/session)

    *Dharma teachings are always offered free of charge. We do not turn anyone away on financial grounds. Your financial contribution is used towards centre running costs, staff salaries, laptops etc. Thank you for your support.

    **Rigpa UK has a policy of not turning anyone away on financial grounds. Please do contact us at [email protected] if you are unable to make a donation at this time so we can register you.

    Teachers

    Dragana Alvarez

    Dragana Alvarez has been practising and studying Buddhist Teachings since the early 90s. She taught in higher and further education and also worked as a translator. Her work experience has provided her with an invaluable understanding of the importance of creating a warm environment for clear communication and exchange. She has been an instructor on a range of courses in the London Rigpa Centre for over fifteen years.

    Will Mansfield

    Will Mansfield has been practising Buddhism for over 25 years and has been instructing on courses in the London Rigpa Centre for over 15 years. He finds it rewarding to see the benefits that meditation and Buddhist teachings can bring to people’s lives and how these two work together to help them deepen their sense of self-discovery.

    Vinciane Rycroft

    Vinciane Rycroft is passionate about social connection, sustainability and how we can live together well on the earth. She has undertaken a number of projects over the years, including award-winning environmental education programmes, a charity to introduce mindfulness and compassion into schools, as well as conferences on compassion in society. She is a first generation Western Buddhist, who started meditating when she was 18.

    Rosey Hastings

    Rosey Hastings has been studying and practising Buddhism since the 1980s. She was a schoolteacher for 30 years, teaching children and young adults with learning difficulties and in particular dyslexia. She is passionate about making Buddhism accessible and meaningful to anyone who has the interest and curiosity whatever their background, education, and preferred style of learning. Rosey supports and teaches on the public and sangha programme in the UK.

    David Rycroft

    David Rycroft is an educator, fine artist and co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity training teachers and students in sustainable wellbeing, emotional health and social connection. Since 1994 he has studied and practiced consistently within the Rigpa sangha, receiving extensive teachings on mindfulness and mind from a host of illustrious teachers. During this time he raised a family, and taught art in a north London secondary school for ten years. David recently set up and continues to direct Teach-Peace, a secular education project of the European Buddhist Union.

    Educated at Eton College and Edinburgh University, David also has an MA (distinction) in Buddhist Studies from Sunderland University. David specialises in teaching meditation in both Buddhist and secular settings. He brings a spirit of experiential enquiry and playful creativity to his role as a teacher. His paintings, celebrating natural vitality and inviting us to appreciate the wonders of nature, are exhibited internationally, including an exhibition at UNESCO, Paris

    Carol

    Carol has been studying the Buddhist teachings for over 30 years and an instructor at the London Centre for 25 years, specialising in the meditation courses. Previously she worked in I.T . and as a project manager for a major corporation, leading multi cultural teams and enjoying the interaction with others. Having experienced the remarkable benefits of these teachings and practices, it’s her greatest wish to share these with others and enable everyone to integrate them into their own lives.

  • Making Friends with Change

    Making Friends with Change

    🧘🏻‍♀️ Type:

    In-person, Course

    📆 Date:

    Fridays, 13 February – 30 March 2026

    ⏱️ Time:

    7.30pm – 9pm

    📍 Addr.:

    The Open Door, Church Twitten (next to 32 High Street), Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2LU

    💰 Fee:

    £60 suggested donation for six weeks

    This short course explores meditation as a support to face change with new perspective—finding new possibilities for release, renewal, and even joy—in every moment.

    We all experience change. Often it’s in small ways; sometimes change turns our lives upside down.

    How can we navigate the constant changes of life without losing our sense of perspective and presence?

    How can we use and harness the changes life throws at us to help ourselves and others?

    Buddhist teachings say that understanding change can help us in many ways. As well as heightening our sense of what is important to us in our lives, reflecting on the changing nature of life helps us to approach ourselves, others, and our world with greater ease, clarity and appreciation. Ultimately, reflecting on change can guide us to discover – paradoxically – what, if anything, lies beyond it. The fear that impermanence awakens in us, that everything changes, can be a springboard to finding a deeper freedom within.

    During these 6 weeks, you’ll explore simple yet powerful meditation methods—drawn from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition—that help us in settling our minds, opening our hearts, and making friends with change.

    In addition to presentation, discussion and meditation practice, these popular Friday evening courses are also a great way to meet others and to benefit from a shared journey of learning and discovery!

    “Excellent courses, designed not just to teach meditation but a new relationship to oneself, life, and others. Thoughtful, loving and nurturing.”

    “It’s been a treat to be immersed in so much peace on a weekly basis while learning some solid foundations for a meditative practice.”

    “Easily the best part of my week and unquestionably one of the most important things I have discovered in my life to date.”

    “A very stimulating and thought-provoking programme.”


    What’s in this course?

    • practices and reflections guided by meditation teachers with many years of experience
    • practical suggestions to bring our practice and insights into everyday life
    • guided meditations to support our practice at home
    • and much more

    Open to all 18+ . Younger adults are welcome if attended by a responsible adult.

    No experience needed.

    Suggested donation l £60

    Financial hardship: if the above suggested amount is not feasible for you, please donate an amount that is affordable. All donations are gratefully received as they enable us to continue to run events.

    Places limited. Booking is required.

    Dates and times: Six sessions, running weekly on Friday evenings from 13th February to 20th March, from 7.30pm to 9pm including tea break.

    Venue: The Open Door, Church Twitten (next to 32 High Street), Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2LU

    Click here for directions to The Open Door.

    Sorry, there is no disabled access at this venue.

    This course is an in-person only event, and will not be accessible online.

    Run by Rigpa South Downs, part of Rigpa UK.

    The course is also part of our ongoing programme exploring fundamental understandings and practices of the Buddhist path. For more details on our local Dharma programme, see our online events calendar here.