Events

Regular Events

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Zoomi Bhikkhuni:

Most Fridays – Sutta Discussion Group

with Ven Canda, 18:45 – 20:00pm UK time 

 

Next sessions:

Feb 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

March 14th, 21st, 28th (no session on 7th March due to Ven Canda's Finland retreat)

April tbc...

 

Whether you are a beginner to sutta study, or well acquainted with the Buddha's teachings found in the Early Buddhist texts (EBT's), this ongoing sutta discussion group provides a unique opportunity to explore the profound and timeless wisdom of the Buddha, together with Ven Canda (and occasional monastic guests).

Whilst Ven Canda will offer reflections on some of her favourite teachings, informed by her decades of sutta study and meditation practice, the main aim is to provide you an opportunity to discuss ways in which the teachings might apply to your contemporary lives, in order to inspire, guide and deepen your own practice.

In the Buddha's day, bhikkhunis, bhikkhus, lay men and lay women became enlightened after hearing just one sutta! So, you are welcome to drop in as you choose. Regular attendance will give you a deeper appreciation of the Buddha's teachings as a whole, that may transform your lives for the better!

JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.

N.B You will need to be signed in to your personal zoom account to access all meetings. Please refer to our easy guidelines here: Joining Zoomi Bhikkhuni.

Ven Canda

Zoomi Bhikkhuni:

Saturdays (at least twice monthly) – Guided Metta Meditation

with Ven Canda, 9:00 – 10:00am UK time

 

Next sessions:

Feb 8th, 22nd

March 1st, 15th, 22nd

 

Start the weekend resourced by cultivating a soft and spacious heart, through the powerful practice of loving kindness. Regular practice helps undermine the sticky hindrance of ill will that can manifest in numerous ways - such as fault-finding, fear, depression or lethargy -  and that zaps our vitality and joy. As we grow in loving kindness, our relationships with ourselves and others improve, our happiness increases and deep meditation becomes easier. What's not to love?!

JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.

N.B You will need to be signed in to your personal zoom account to access all meetings. Please refer to our easy guidelines here: Joining Zoomi Bhikkhuni.

Buddha drawings

Zoomi Bhikkhuni:

 

Tuesday & Thursday Silent Sitting Group

Every Tuesday and Thursday 19:15 - 20:00 UK Time via Zoom - peer hosted by Matthias.

 

"Since December 2021 we have had a regular group of about 20 people coming to meditate in silence together, and people have said that they find it very supportive in developing and strengthening a regular practice. It never fails to amaze me how strongly connected we can be from afar, without even uttering a word - especially when we unite in wholesome (non) action!" ~ Ven Canda

 

Please be aware that this is NOT a guided meditation session but is intended for those who are looking for a virtual community with whom to sit silently in meditation together.

 

Please join early so Matthias can let you in before he starts meditating! 

JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.

N.B You will need to be signed in to your personal zoom account to access all meetings. Please refer to our easy guidelines here: Joining Zoomi Bhikkhuni.

Ven Canda

Zoomi Bhikkhuni:

 

Pali Chanting & Blessings Group ~ Karaniya Metta Sutta

Wednesdays 17:30 - 18:00 UK Time 

*Every week (except 5th Feb).

 

Join us to chant or just listen to the Karaniya Metta Sutta in Pali, the closest language to that which the Buddha spoke. Every week we offer an opportunity for you to dedicate loving kindness, compassion, and blessings to those who may be in need of support – be they family, friends or those suffering through war and famine. Ven Canda will usually be available and on the rare occasion she is not, a senior Anukampa volunteer will lead the chanting.

JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.

N.B You will need to be signed in to your personal zoom account to access all meetings. Please refer to our easy guidelines here: Joining Zoomi Bhikkhuni.

Special Events

Ajahn Brahm with signed 50th Anniversary book for a lucky someone!
Ajahn Brahm with signed 50th Anniversary book for a lucky someone!

Saturday, 15th Feb 2025, 09:00 – 10:00 UK Time

Ajahn Brahm Joins Us Online!

 

Ajahn Brahm has kindly agreed to host a Dhamma session for everyone involved with Anukampa, between his teaching trips overseas : -)

 

Join us to meditate, hear some inspiring words about Dhamma practice and talk about Anukampa's latest projects and ways to be involved. There will be space to ask questions to both Ajahn and Ven Canda and forward any ideas you may have for continuing to build this beautiful community.

 

There will also be chance to participate a fun auction with some signed items that Ven Canda has brought back from Australia, including a T-shirt and bag, books, bookmarks and paintings.

 

Attendance is by registration and although there is no cost for the session, we invite your kind donations to help support the ongoing running costs of Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery, the Sangha's requisite needs and future projects.

 

N.B. As space is limited to 100, please cancel your place if you are no longer able to attend, using the cancel button at the bottom of your confirmation email, so that someone else may join instead.

Ven Canda

Fri 7th - Sun 9th March 2025

Kindfulness - A Metta Retreat in Finland

with Ven Canda

in Kruusila, Finland

 

Mindfulness alone is not enough. But what about Kindfulness?

On this weekend retreat Venerable Canda will explore one of the fundamental themes in Buddhism: loving kindness or loving friendliness (mettā in Pāli).

All of the teachings will be given in English. The schedule is flexible and everything on the retreat is voluntary. All participants can listen to their own needs, while we do offer a general schedule to follow.

On the retreat we will try to uphold silent atmosphere and it is recommended to keep the eight Buddhist precepts during the weekend.

 

This retreat is organised by Dhamma ry ~ Dhamma Society of Finland. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact Dhamma Society of Finland directly.

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Saturday, 15th March 2025, 14:30 – 18:00

Anukampa Grove Afternoon Retreat

with Ven Canda

(15 people only)

 

Join us for a quiet afternoon of meditation to build up a good practice atmosphere in the tranquil surrounds of Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery, 5 miles from Oxford, from 14:30 until 18:00pm. Please arrive and settle in quietly at 14:00, so we can start with some Dhamma teaching at 14:30.

The afternoon will include time for sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma reflections, some group discussion and (of course) tea : -)

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Saturday, 29th Mar 2025, 10:00 – 17:00

Day Retreat With Ven Canda, for London Insight Meditation:

 

“Liberating Perspectives on Death & Dying”

 

In-person retreat in London. 

 

Perhaps you are caring for someone who is dying, have lost a loved one or have received a diagnosis you are grappling with? Or perhaps you are healthy and imagine that death is far away – and that is the way you’d like it to stay!

The Buddha recommended meditation on death for everyone, as a way of bringing a sense of immediacy to practice. Although it may initially sound unappealing, by gently turning toward the universal reality of death, we can learn tools for living a life full of gratitude and love.

This retreat will invite us to contemplate and discuss the universal experience of death and dying, taking inspiration from Buddhist teachings as well as modern scientific research on near-death experiences, to help us find greater acceptance, wisdom and peace.

The retreat is suitable for everyone and will include Dhamma reflections, guided meditations and an opportunity for sharing questions and responses.

 

This retreat is organised by London Insight Meditation. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact London Insight Meditation directly.

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Saturday, 12th Apr 2025, 10:00 – 17:00

A day of practice with Ven Canda,

for Oxford Insight Meditation:

 

"Abandon Hope; Cultivate Joy!"

 

At Littlemore Village Hall, Oxford (and online)

 

The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, meditation instructions, dharma reflections and some time for questions. There will be a lunch break of about 1 hour. The day will mainly be in silence.

The retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with experience of meditation practice. We ask that you commit to staying for the full day.

 

This event is organised by Oxford Insight Meditation. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact Oxford Insight direct.

Sayadaw U Jagara & Ven Canda

July 2025

A Rare Month-Long Silent Retreat in the US led by Sayadaw U Jagara and Ven Canda

 

"Wise Perspectives, Loving Attitudes"

 

in Barre, Massachusetts

 

Registration is now open at Insight Meditation Society, Forest Refuge!

 

Sayadaw U Jagara is Ven Canda’s long-term friend and mentor and he has invited her to assist him in teaching his annual month-long retreat at the Forest Refuge in Barre, Massachusetts. Ordained in 1979, and having lived and practiced in Sri Lanka and Burma for decades, Sayadaw has a rich understanding and practice of Buddhist teachings ~  he is a gem of wisdom in these modern times.

To understand and live life fully, wise perspectives are key. Equally important are our attitudes, which can be shaped to allow for more integration and creativity in practice. Skilful attitudes, intentions and ways of relating to life include care, respect and patience; qualities that define a benevolent mind capable of bringing profound benefit to all. 

This powerful combination of wise perspective and loving attitude is the foundation of the Noble Eightfold Path - there framed as samma ditthi and samma sankappa. Through strengthening these factors we empower our meditation and the bodhipakkhiya dhammas (wings of awakening) naturally come to fulfilment.

Emphasising wisdom and loving kindness, this retreat intends to touch on all aspects of the path, to help bring about a paradigm shift in the way we position ourselves to life.

 

This retreat is organised by Insight Meditation Society, Forest Refuge. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact IMS Forest Refuge directly.

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