About the Course?

Explore the foundations of Buddhism and the path to liberation in our 8-week Buddhism for Beginners course. This comprehensive course offers a thorough introduction to the history, teachings, and practices of Theravāda Buddhism, designed for both beginners and those wishing to reconnect with core principles.

You will explore the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Three Universal Truths (impermanence, suffering, and non-self). We will also cover the life of the Buddha, the role of mindfulness and meditation, and the law of cause and effect (kamma).

By the end of the course, you will have:

  • A deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of Buddhism and how they apply to daily life

  • An introduction to meditation and mindfulness to cultivate inner clarity and insight

  • A solid foundation for Vipassanā (insight) practice

  • Insight into the importance of ethics (sīla), wisdom (paññā), and concentration (samādhi)

  • A broad view of Buddhism in the modern world with further resources to explore

This course is perfect for anyone looking to gain a grounded and experiential understanding of Buddhism. Whether you are completely new or have dabbled before, you’ll come away with valuable insights and a strong foundation for your journey on the path to liberation.

8 Week Buddhism for Beginners Course

An Educational Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Buddhism

What You’ll Learn

Each week builds on the last, guiding you through a step-by-step path:

  1. Introduction to Theravāda Buddhism – History, values, and the Triple Gem

  2. The Four Noble Truths – Understanding suffering and how to be free from it

  3. The Eightfold Path: Wisdom – Right View and Right Intention

  4. The Eightfold Path: Ethics – Right Speech, Action, and Livelihood

  5. The Eightfold Path: Meditation – Right Effort, Mindfulness, and Concentration

  6. Meditation Practices – Samatha and Vipassanā

  7. Wisdom and Insight – The Three Universal Truths: Anicca, Dukkha, Anattā

  8. Chanting and Rituals – Devotional practices and the heart of the path

Course Format

  • Each session runs for 90 minutes and includes:

    • A short guided meditation or reflection

    • A structured teaching presentation with visual aids

    • Open group discussion and Q&A

    • Weekly reflection and reading suggestions

    Sessions are offered live on Zoom or in person at the Dhamma Centre, Maldon Road, Colchester, CO3 3BL.

Contribution Tiers

  • Community Access: Free / Pay What You Can — for those in need. Voluntary support through small tasks (e.g. setup, admin, gardening) is welcome.

  • Sustainer: £48 — Covers your place and supports basic course costs.

  • Supporter: £80 — Helps subsidise places for others.

  • Patron: £120 — Sustains teaching and outreach.

The Spirit of Dāna

At the Dhamma Centre, we believe in making meaningful teachings accessible to all. In keeping with the Buddhist tradition of Dāna (generosity), this course is offered on a tiered contribution model rather than a fixed commercial price.

In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are offered freely — and supported by the heartfelt generosity of those who value them. While we suggest the above rates to ensure sustainability. If you need further support, please contact us in confidence.

This approach supports financial inclusion while ensuring that the time, care, and resources that go into delivering this course are valued appropriately.

Expression of Interest

To ensure a supportive and interactive experience, the group size is limited to a maximum of 15 participants. This small-group format allows for meaningful connections with the teacher and fellow participants, with space for personal guidance and shared learning.

We are currently collecting expressions of interest and will begin scheduling the next program once we reach 10 confirmed participants.

Please fill out the form below. Once we reach the minimum group size, we’ll be in touch to confirm your availability and share the course schedule.