Regular Events
Most Fridays – Sutta Discussion Group
with Ven Canda, 18:45 – 20:00pm UK time
Next sessions:
December 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th (GMT)
January 9th, 16, 23rd & 30th (GMT)
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.
Saturdays – Guided Metta Meditation
with Ven Canda, 9:00 – 10:00am UK time
Next sessions:
December 6th, 13th (GMT)
January 10th, 17th (GMT)
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.
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.
Pali Chanting & Blessings Group ~ Karaniya Metta Sutta
Wednesdays 17:30 - 18:00 UK Time
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.
Special Events
Sun 21st Dec 2025, 09:30 - 16:30
Online Meditation Day With Ven Canda
~ organised and hosted by Gaia House:
"Empathy and Resilience"
Recently, empathy seems to have fallen out of favour. It may be tempting to think that empathy makes us weak and vulnerable in this scary world. But empathy is our basic humanity, and recent scientific studies show it is highly correlated with resilience.
An empathetic and resilient mind creates the perfect space to develop the two wings of Buddhism — compassion and wisdom. In this day retreat, we will explore this relationship and practice balancing a soft and receptive attitude with inner strength and wisdom.
The retreat is suitable for all levels of experience and will include talks, guided meditation and an opportunity for discussion.
This retreat is organised by Gaia House. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact Gaia House direct.
Fri 2nd - Sat 3rd Jan 2026, 10:00 - 16:30
A Two-day In-person Retreat With Ven Canda
~ organised and hosted by Sheffield Insight:
"The Radiant Quality of Loving Kindness"
Welcome to a two-day silent meditation retreat devoted to the cultivation of loving kindness (mettā) ~ the boundless friendliness taught by the Buddha as one of the four divine abidings. Through Dhamma reflection, guided meditation and discussion, we will learn how to cultivate goodwill toward all beings including ourselves and discover how this simple yet profound practice can steady the mind, soften the heart and nurture joy and genuine connection.
Loving-kindness is not a secondary or sentimental practice, but a direct expression of wisdom ~ a way of seeing clearly that all beings seek happiness and freedom from pain. As the heart becomes more open and inclusive, joy arises ~ not as a fleeting emotion, but as the quiet happiness of understanding. In this way, mettā becomes both the foundation and the fruit of practice: a radiant mind grounded in wisdom and joy, able to meet the world with compassion, courage and peace.
On this retreat we will have periods of stillness and walking meditation as well as meditation instructions and reflections. There will also be opportunities for questions and discussion with the teacher.
This retreat is suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their practice.
This retreat is organised by Sheffield Insight. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact Sheffield Insight direct.
Saturday, 31st Jan 2026, 14:30 – 18:00
Anukampa Grove Afternoon Retreat
with Ven Canda
(18 people only)
Enjoy a quiet afternoon of meditation with spiritual friends in tranquil surroundings from 14:30 until 18:00pm. Please arrive and settle in quietly at 14:00, so we can start with some Dhamma teaching at 14:30pm.
The afternoon will include time for sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma reflections, some group discussion and, of course, tea 🙂
Please bring your own flask or cup, and if you wish, some chocolate, milks and teas to share.
We ask that you kindly consider your plans carefully before booking to avoid the admin that arises from cancellations.
