stillpoint

Noticeboard for specialist projects & upcoming events

Running a group? Heard about a retreat of interest to those with experiences around health problems? Please let us know: email sujatin{at}gmail{dot}com

1.  Chronic illness & Pain management

Breathworks

There was a young fellow of Deale
Who said, "Although pain isn't real,
When I sit on a pin and it punctures my skin,
I dislike what I think that I feel."

Explore Breathworks

The site includes courses, books, CD etc. Breathworks ‘explores a multi-facetted approach to pain management'. This means in time we learn to manage our response to the pain we experience, a Buddhist approach to pain. Set up by Vidyamala who has written about her own experience of chronic pain. In Vidyamala’s experience no single method of coping is very successful on its own. A variety of strategies however creates a tool kit of resources that we can then apply in our lives. In order to achieve this we orient the whole course around the principle of MINDFULNESS.’

N London Meditation class (ME)

Taught by Amisha from Inner Space, an organisation associated with Brahma Kumaris.

The meditation can be done while lying down but it is recommended that people keep their eyes open (mainly to stop themselves from falling asleep!) The lesson format will include 2 meditations/visualisations and a talk by Amisha, who will also make time for questions.

2. Issues for Carers

Jamyang Buddhist Centre For future courses please check jamyang website.

3. Disability

Dharma Access Project

Brailed copies of Dharma teachings are being made available for the first time in history at the US based Dharma Access Project.

Online discussion group

Open to contributions on the subject of Buddhism and disability. Go to: Buddhability

4. Retirement & Aging

The Golden Buddha Centre

This project began in 1998 to help the growing number of Buddhists who are looking for somewhere to live a Buddhist way of life in retirement. Zeal Cottage in Devon rests in about 12 acres of land adjoining Dartmoor National Park and is edged by a flowing stream. The aim is to turn it into an active Buddhist centre. It will be a base for spiritual practice for all and will not favour one particular teaching, school of Buddhism, guru or teacher. Contact: Golden Buddha Centre, Zeal Cottage, South Brent, TQ10 9ED, UK. Tel 01364 73711. Email: [email protected]

5. Death and Dying 

Buddhist Hospice Trust

Aims to provide compassionate care and companionship for the living, the dying and the bereaved. The Trust is non-sectarian and is open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Informal support and information to people who want to understand Buddhist approaches to living and dying, or need advice over an urgent or worrying situation. Arranges regular events that are open to the public. ‘The Trust is not a "bricks-and-mortar" set-up. There is no hospice building or medical team, no paid office-holders, no formal hierarchy and no central office. Strictly speaking there are no "members" either, only Trust "supporters". Supporters rely on each other's willingness to be proactive, to network in their own localities, and to keep in touch with each other by whatever means they can, and choose to employ.’ Buddhist Hospice Trust.

Raft - Journal

See sample articles of the raft journal; Former Editor, the late Ray Wills: "raft provides openness for the expression of accounts of direct dharmic experience for the potential benefit of others on the way. It is not produced for a mainly passive readership...(but) for people on their way, seeking information and understanding, willing to offer help and guidance to others as they are able. Don't just be a reader - why not become a contributor?" Contact (current editor): Dennis Sibley, 1 Laurel House, Trafalgar Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1QN, UK. Tel: 01983 526945 email: [email protected].

6. Resources and links

"Handicapped" Buddhism
‘IMAGINE: A religion created to deal with crooked limbs and crutches, sickness, aging . . . and even death. Could there be a more perfect religion for those of us who have disabilities?’ Examines the main principles of Buddhist philosophy and how it deals with the experience of being disabled. Written by Dr Richard Bruno, Buddhist and leading US specialist on Post Polio syndrome (PPS, a condition linked by some to ME).

‘A Buddhist approach to patient healthcare’

by Kusala Bhikshu: "Good health is simply the slowest way a human being can die."

Healthcare for Buddhists

A large collection of articles and resources collected by members of Amida Trust during courses on care for the ill and dying from many Buddhist schools and ethnicities and used by Sujatin for education of healthcare professionals.

Disclaimer:Stillpoints cannot provide any guarantees regarding events or organisations listed, we offer this service for information only.

Patient Meditation Groups

Find out what's available in your area

Meditation instruction specifically tailored to the needs of those with chronic illness or pain are sometimes run by charity/voluntary sector organisations or NHS patient groups. In some cases, joint ventures between both sectors lead to local initiatives bringing meditation instruction to patients (see below). If you want to investigate whether such an initiative has been carried out (or is being considered) locally, try the appropriate self help groups and outpatient clinic for your health condition(s). Try to ensure someone logs your request, even if the answer is ‘no’, and state that you hope it would help you manage your health condition: in this way the growing interest in meditation is more likely to be taken into account by decision makers who develop services. Other useful sources of information include disability forums, local health centres and your local library.

Setting up a group - a case study

Simon Ounsley, a former committee member of the Leeds ME self help group, told us about a successful meditation class he helped to set up for their members. “Funding can be obtained in some cases from the Local Authority or Health Trust via a Joint Community fund”, he advised, adding, “probably the best way to find out is to contact the local umbrella organisation for voluntary groups, who can usually provide information on sources of funding.” As for the teacher, Ounsley made an arrangement with the local branch of the FWBO (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) to be the group’s instructor. Some individuals prefer this to learning how to meditate at a mainstream course or retreat, as a class can be tailored and allows the instructor to focus on specific physical or mental difficulties related to symptoms, eg posture, concentration etc. It can be embarrassing to always be the only one in a group who’s ill or can’t sit for long periods due to pain. “You feel less self conscious when everyone in the room knows what its like to have mobility problems or pain,” says one participant of such a group. At the time of the Leeds course, Simon found that their teacher had ‘no problem with people lying down to meditate if they find sitting difficult, and problems with meditation were discussed at our last session.' Simon wants to make it clear that projects such as his are rare. Doing the organising yourself requires considerable energy for form filling, locating a venue, organising publicity; added to which you may need the back up of a willing committee or fellow members some personal interest in meditation.

What about those too ill to attend?

If you are too ill to attend a group, you could try an audio guided meditation -

see reviews of guided meditation tapes and CDs

3. Correspondence courses on Buddhism

Note that you may need email & regular internet use to get the best out of some courses listed. Courses of this kind vary widely in approach and content, but can be relatively demanding on the grey matter! If you’re unsure whether you can commit due to energy or concentration levels, disability or other factors, its worth discussing this with the organizers, who may offer flexible study module options or send a sample of course content.

The Buddhist Society

An affordable introduction to the fundamentals of the Buddha’s teachings. For £25 (UK), £30 (Europe) you are sent a series booklets in instalments and offered written contact with a volunteer teacher (please note there may be a delay before you are assigned a tutor as there is a waiting list). Alternatively, similar information is available on cassette (4) for £15.60 inc p&p , and CD (4) £20 inc p&p, without a teacher. Contact: The Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PH, UK. Tel 0207 834 5858.

The Awakened Heart Sangha correspondence course

Up to 2 years during which students have contact and personal guidance from Shenpen Hookham and regular discussions with a senior student. Students work at their own pace, requesting the next book when they need it. ‘Not an academic course’ but ‘comprehensive training in Buddhist study, reflection and meditation - a sound basis for a lifetime of deep spiritual practice... the teachers are Westerners who have studied for many years under distinguished Tibetan teachers in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions and who have been authorised by them to teach the heart of Buddhism in fresh ways that respond directly to the needs of Western students.’ Costs £295 if paying in lump sum, or £25 per month for a year. Bursaries are also available by applying to the address below and explaining your circumstances. Contact: Awakened Heart Sangha, Bwthun Plas Bry Hir, Lon Ednyfed, Criccieth, Gwynedd, LL 52 OAR, UK. Tel:01766 523 110. Email.

Jamyang The Foundation of Buddhist Thought

A 2 year, 6 module course. Cost covers Course books, daily meditations, readings, homework, electronic info, CDs or MP3s of over 80 hours of teachings on the topics, an interactive tutor group with online tutor. Although the cost is about £420 per year, discounts available to Stillpoint members and Jamyang will attempt to tailor the course to member’s needs. Contact: Gordon McDougall telephone 0207 820 8787, email, or write to Gordon at The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, 43, Renfrew Road, London SE11 4NA, UK. See also the  Jamyang Buddhist Centre. 

The Sharpham Trust

Distance learning courses via written material or online download with access to a tutor by phone and/or email plus the opportunity for online discusssions. Courses start April 2005 with a Foundation Course in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism (one module, 14 weekly units) and 3 courses/modules in October 2005 Introduction to Buddhist Psychology, Tibetan Buddhism and Indian Civilisation. From 2006 the Foundation Course will consist of two modules. Cost per module is £165. Contact Steve Palmer tel: 01803 732 708, email or write to Sharpham Trust, Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes, TQ9 7UT, UK.

2. Buddhist Book, Magazine & Audio suppliers

What follows is a necessarily selective list of publishers of books, audio and magazines on Buddhism. Priority has been given to a) contacts offering ordering by mail and phone and b) non affiliated organizations & suppliers. In the case of publishers linked to a particular Dharma tradition, as material will prioritise their own teachers & practice we give information about the parent organization and have attempted to represent the range of traditions found in the UK today.

Suppliers of general Buddhist material

Wisdom Books

Largest mail order supplier of books, audio material and videos on Buddhism in the UK. Unaffiliated business, stocks titles relating to all Buddhist traditions - Theravada, Tibetan, Zen/ Ch’an, Mahayana; also Tao and other schools. Catalogue includes short reviews for each title. Some print catalogues available but they advise use of the web site if possible due to stock changes. Contact: Wisdom Books, 25 Stanley Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1RW, UK. Tel: 0208 553 5020, email

Also provide the following non-affiliated Buddhist magazines:

• Tricycle is a quality Buddhist Journal published in the US with in depth, topical contributions from many of the best writers on Buddhism today. Published quarterly - approx. £6.50 per issue.
• Buddhadharma ‘the practitioners quarterly’ - quality magazine focussing on Dharma discussion and teachings. £6.25 per issue.

Buddhist Publishing Group

Independent publisher of a range of CDs, Dharma talks and books from different Buddhist traditions; also Buddhist magazine Buddhism now; organize the annual Buddhist summer school and are also connected to the Golden Buddha project (see communities). Contact (subscriptions & orders): Buddhist Publishing Group, Orchard House, 9 Kerswill Road, Exeter, EX4 1NY, UK. Tel: 01392 679002. Fax: 01803 732037.  To join the mailing list, send this email.

• Buddhism Now journal covers the teachings of all schools of Buddhism: it is independent of any one tradition, organisation or teacher. Buddhism now ‘deals directly with living a Buddhist way of life, offering practical help for ordinary people.’ Email.

Gaia House

Centre for Meditation, Inquiry and Compassion, non-affiliated. Offers Insight (Vipassana) and Zen Retreats.

Available from bookshop: Insight Tapes (approx £5 each), based on lectures by resident and visiting teachers at Gaia House can be ordered online or write to Insight Tapes, Gaia House, West Ogwell, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ12 6EN. Brochure of their talks available on request.  Gaia House, West Ogwell, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6EN, UK. Tel: 01626 333613. Email.

Suppliers linked to specific traditions

Community of Interbeing (COI)

UK organisation that supports the practice of Mindfulness as taught by Vietnamese Zen master and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh. ‘These teachings are based on conscious breathing and being fully aware of the present moment. Through the practice of meditation in everyday life and by showing compassion to all living beings, peace becomes possible within ourselves and extends to everyone we touch.’

• Bookshop supplies CDs, tapes and videos of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, and all of his books available in English. To obtain list of titles, send s.a.e. to: Teri West, Sloo Cottage, Horns Cross, Bideford, Devon EX39 5EA. Tel: 01237 451588. Publications will also be appearing on their web site soon, online ordering available second half of 2005.  See also Parallax Press(US); Community of Interbeing website; Plum Village retreat centre.
• The Mindfulness Bell Journal (3 issues a year), US published, “a journal of the Art of Mindful Living, including essays, stories, teachings, photos and artwork”. To subscribe in the UK write enclosing a cheque payable to Community of Interbeing, to: Community of Interbeing, 18a Hove Park Villas, Hove, BN3 6HG, UK. £12 /£10 (low income) per annum/ £4 for a sample issue.
• Free online manual for developing the practice of Mindfulness.

Friends of the Triratna Buddhist Order (FTBO), formerlyWestern Buddhist Order (FWBO)

Founded in 1967 by Sangarakshita, an Englishman who lived in India for 20 years where he was ordained into the three main traditions of Buddhism. The Sangha has 38 centres with several thousand members in the UK plus in many other countries. Centres often run beginners and drop- in classes in meditation. Contact: London Buddhist centre, 51 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 0QN. Tel: 020 8981 0091  FWBO

• Windhorse Publications - an extensive range of books, brochure sent out on request. Contact: Windhorse Publications, 11 Park Road, Mosely, Birmingham B13 8AB, UK. Tel: 0121 449 9191
• Dharmachakra audio publications - catalogue of lectures, talks and meditation courses.  Tel: 01223 868 625. Email, or write to PO Box 50, Cambridge, CB1 3BG

Soto Zen Tradition

Throssel Hole Abbey  is a training monastery and retreat centre in the Serene Reflection meditation or Soto Zen tradition. Men and women monastics have equal status and are ordained within the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. Bookshop offers a selection of books, taped talks by Senior monks at the Abbey and videos including Serene Reflection Meditation for beginners. Contact: Throssel Hole Buddhist Bookshop, Carrshield, nr Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 8AL, UK. Tel: 01434 345204. A catalogue of books is on the web site but for those who are unable to access web due to illness or disability, a printout will be posted - email

Theravada Tradition

Amaravati is ‘a monastery in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and a centre of teaching and practice. Its heart is a resident community of monksandnuns, whose life of meditation and work is open for visitors to share, as a living example of the Buddhist path. Amaravati Publications have many books which have been sponsored for free distribution (except postage cost). To obtain please send SAE to "Books", c/o Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. ‘The weight and minimum size of envelope for each book is given as a guide for your requests. You may send one envelope with extra stamps for requests of more than one book.’ Forest Sangha Newsletter (also available free if postage costs covered) provides list of regional centres. For retreat information send SAE to Retreat Manager.

Contact: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 3BZ.

Tel: 01442 842455.  See also  forestSANGHA, download talks at Amaravati

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism’s spread in the West has been inextricably linked to efforts to preserve what remains of Tibetan religion and culture since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, which destroyed many temples and monastic communities. There are five distinct lineages in Tibetan Buddhism. Beginners are advised to note that practitioners are expected to commit to one lineage.

• FPMT (Foundation for the preservation of the Mahayana tradition) set up by Lama Thubten Yeshe. Publications include Discovering Buddhism series DVD & videos from £50. UK centre Jamyang Buddhist Centre - see under courses. Publishes Mandala Magazine 6 issues a year. £2.70, back issues available  Contact: FPMT, PO Box 46744, London SW17 7WR UK, email (also available from Wisdom Books).
• RIGPA UK 330 Caledonian Road, London N1 1BB. For regional groups tel: 020 7700 0185, email. Run classes based on Sogyal Rinpoche’s teachings, found in the classic Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. RIPGA’s audio visual publisher is ZAM. Print brochure from RIGPA UK, or direct tel (France): 0033 4 6788 4632.
• Awakened Heart Sangha - see courses.

Mail order Mind Body suppliers 

Cygnus PO Box 15, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6YX, UK. Tel: 01550 777701 for bargain prices for current New Age titles as well as writers on Buddhism and meditation. Those on the mailing list receive a popular free inspirational magazine with reviews, listings and articles.

The following also sell high quality remaindered material (new age, holistic, meditation, Buddhist) at low prices:

• The Speaking Tree Bookshop, 5 High St. Glastonbury, BA6 9DP.  Tel: 01458 835974, email.
• Greensleeves family-run business also selling secondhand titles. PO Box 156 Chipping Norton DO, Oxford, OX7 3XT, UK. tel 01608 676140, Greensleeves.  email
• Tao of Books Tel 0845 3456222 - includes audio music range.
• The Inner Bookshop, 111 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RQ UK tel 01865 245301, have a huge selection of mind body material including both new and used books (including a Buddhism  section) as well as audio available online or by mail order (email or call for the catalogue).

Lending Libraries 

Some tips

• Your own local authority library may run a housebound delivery service, in which case you can specifically ask for books on Buddhism, meditation or related themes to be brought to you at home. Services vary from area to area - call your local library (in the phone book under the local council departments) for details. 
• Regional Buddhist groups & centres may have a collection of books and tapes to loan out to their members. If you’re not well enough to attend meetings, it’s worth telephoning and explaining your circumstances - they might post material out to you. Larger centres are more likely to offer a mailing service for library material

Contacts

• The Buddhist society operates a postal lending library. For details of membership and costs send SAE. Contact: Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PH, UK. Tel 0207 834 5858 (afternoons). 
• Jamyang video library - extensive collection of material on Tibetan Buddhism including videos featuring HH Dalai Lama, available to borrow by post. Mention you're a Stillpoint user & ask for Gordon tel: 0207 820 8787