8-Week Buddhism for Beginners Course

An Introduction to the way of thought and Practice of Buddhism
Commencing 12th March 2026 (Thursday evening)
7 PM to 8.30 PM

March: 12th, 19th, 26th
April: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

About the Course?

This course offers a thorough introduction to the history, teachings, and practices of Theravāda Buddhism and the meditation practices covered under Vipassana, designed for both beginners and those wishing to reconnect with core principles.

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 discipline (sīla), discernment (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.

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: Discernment – Right View and Right Intention

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

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

  6. Meditation Practices – Samatha and Vipassanā

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

  8. Chanting and Rituals – Devotional practices and bringing together of the whole course

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 for in-person at the Dhamma Centre, Maldon Road, Colchester, CO3 3BL.

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.