Buddhist Practice Gains Popularity at Cambridge University

Ziggy | 19 Oct, 2015 05:43PM | Leave a comment
University of Cambridge, with its 806-year old history, is a place for the best minds from all over the world. Lying at the banks of River Cam with 31 affiliated colleges, the University produced world's most renowned scientists from Isaac Newton to Stephen Hawking.
Although Cambridge is most famous for its scientific discoveries, many members of the university have long realized the importance of Buddhism in understanding the world in its true nature. As a result, the university houses the second oldest Buddhist organization in the UK: The Cambridge University Buddhist Society. This is a student-run association for the study and practice of Buddhism. Since its start in 1952, the society has been organizing Buddhist lectures, meditation sessions and discussion groups.
In July 2015, Cambridge University Buddhist Society introduced 'Dhamma Evenings', a series of monthly events to encourage comprehensive practice of the Buddhist teaching. These sessions, presided by Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero from Letchworth Buddhist Temple, are increasingly popular among students, researchers and lecturers of the university, as well as members of the public. Also with the participation of Venerable Buddhist monks from Wat Buddha Metta and Buddhist Centre for Thai Monks in Cambridge, the Dhamma Evenings enables the community to get guidance from the Maha Sangha: the ordained followers of the Buddha.
Each Dhamma evening starts with offering of flowers, 'Gilanpasa', lamps and incense to the Buddha, followed by a guided meditation session that brings calmness into the busy minds. Then a talk providing detailed knowledge in Dhamma (the teachings of the Buddha) is delivered by Venerable Kusala Thero. This is followed by a Dhamma Discussion where the participants can ask questions about Buddhism from the monks. The proceedings end with a short chanting to bless the community. The Dhamma Evenings are a great opportunity to learn about Buddhism and take part in Buddhist practice, which welcomes everyone from and outside the university.
This month's Dhamma Evening, held on the 11th of October featured a Dhamma Talk on "The Buddhist Concept of Kamma and Rebirth" by Venerable Kusala Thero. Luang Phor Maha Kanit and Phra Kovido from Wat Buddha Metta, and Phra Maha Somchith and Phra Maha Napan from Buddhist Centre for Thai Monks also joined for the Dhamma Discussion in the event, which enabled the participants to understand two fundamental teachings of Buddhism with the help of learned Buddhist monks.
Cambridge University Buddhist Society will continue organizing the Dhamma Evenings in addition to lectures and discussion groups. Event information will be posted on the Facebook page of the society (facebook.com/CambridgeBuddhist). The events are attended by not only practicing Buddhists, but also others who are interested in learning about Buddhism. Cambridge University Buddhist Society invites everyone to participate in these activities which are free and open to the public.