Introduction

Telford Buddhist Priory was opened in February 1997. It is a Priory of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and follows the tradition of Serene Reflection Meditation (also known as Soto Zen Buddhism). Meditation is the cornerstone of Buddhist practice; the means through which we discover
Rev Saido Kennaway, a senior monk of the Order is in residence, and the Priory is supported by a local group of lay Buddhists from all walks of life. There are no fees for participating in meditation, Dharma talks,
retreats and spiritual counselling or any other service we offer. We are
solely supported by the kind donations of our congregation and friends.
Our aim is to support one another in our Buddhist training. By being willing to come to the Priory and train together, we help make the Priory a true refuge of the Sangha. Our programme of events is designed to meet the spiritual needs of people living an ordinary daily life in a very busy world.

Newcomers

Those who are new to Buddhist meditation are welcome to come to the Priory at any time by arrangement. A Wednesday evening group night is an especially suitable time for a first meeting. By arriving approximately three quarters of an hour before the evening begins you will be able to receive meditation instruction and have a look around. From time to time there are Introductory Meditation days. Please see separate flyer for details or phone one of the contact numbers on the cover of this leaflet.

Wednesday and Friday Group Evenings

The Group evening lasts from 7.30pm to 10.00pm and typically includes meditation, a short ceremony, tea and an oportunity to share in the training of others or simply to chat.

Weekends at Telford Buddhist Priory

Our aim is to make weekends as flexible as possible to accommodate the needs of people with a variety of demands upon their time. For this reason you are welcome to either use the building as a place of quiet meditation, relaxation and retreat (between the hours of 7 am and 9.00pm) or come to one of our scheduled Sunday meetings. If you are coming from a distance please phone in advance (see contact numbers). A typical Sunday would include meditation at 9.15 and 10am, followed by morning service, tea and a chat. On one Sunday of the month there is a festival which includes a ceremony and a Dharma talk followed by an informal buffet lunch. Please bring some vegetarian food to share.

Rest and Repair Sundays

On one Sunday each month there is the opportunity to
enjoy a very reflective morning when we can `withdraw within and reflect upon oneself'. On these mornings the emphasis is on letting go of all external demands upon our time through quiet and reflective meditation. Mornings begin at 9.15 with two periods of seated meditation and one of walking meditation. There is a break at 10.30 and you are welcome to walk in the garden or quietly read in the common room. Meditation resumes at 11.00 and ends at 11.45 followed by optional tea and biscuits and a question and answer forum. To maintain a contemplative environment we ask that people do not arrive or leave during meditation periods.

Meditation Sunday

There will be a repeating hourly schedule throughout the day so you can come for as long or short a time as you wish. The meditation day starts at 7am and and continues through to 5pm. To help this flexible schedule work please arrive during the rest breaks which start at a quarter to the hour. Please bring your own packed lunch.

Individual Contemplation Day

There are optional meditation periods from 9.15 to 10.30 and from 2.15 to 3.30. You are welcome to come and spend all or part of the day in contemplative activities that you structure according to your individual needs. (9.15 to 5.00)

Dharma Talk

There is optional meditation at 7.30, followed by a short break with a talk on some aspect of Buddhist Teaching, starting at 8pm. Tea and questions at 9pm for those who wish to stay.

Training Workshops

A morning when we can focus on a particular aspect of training through meditation and discussion groups. The discussion starts at 10.00, meditation at 09.15 as usual.

Steering Group

Anyone who regularly attends the Priory and would like to be involved in its general management is welcome to attend our monthly steering group. See programme for dates.

Day Retreat

The day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. Tea, hot drinks etc will be available here as usual but please bring your own packed lunch, There will be a standard schedule which includes meditation periods , short morning service, midday service and a talk.

Introduction to the Priory and Buddhist meditation and practice.

A two hour introduction to the Buddhist meditation and practices of the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition. This includes meditation instruction and an opportunity to try this simple practice. The morning session starts at 10.00 finishing at 12.00 or if you prefer the afternoon, the session begins at 2.00pm and finishes at 4.00.