The Dharma Sessions
A relaxed and thoughtful space where we engage with Buddhist teachings as a collective.
We meet online over eight Sunday evenings to explore a chosen text. Sessions begin with a short meditation and a check-in, followed by an open discussion on that week’s chapter. On the ninth week, we bring everything together in a heartfelt three-hour mini retreat, integrating the book’s essence into our meditation practice.
The atmosphere is warm, open, and encouraging – perfect for deepening your understanding in good company. Curiosity and honest reflection are what make our discussions meaningful; shyer voices are always welcome, and every perspective adds to the richness of our shared exploration.
Our 2025-2026 programme includes Feeding Your Demons by Tsultrim Allione (May-June), How to Live in a Chaotic Climate by LaUra Smidt (Sep-Oct), and The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva (Jan-Feb).
Previous Dharma Sessions
The Tao Te Ching
Lao Tzu, translated by Ursula K. Le Guin
In January and February 2025, for our eighth study group, we immersed ourselves in the Tao Te Ching as brought to life by Ursula K. Le Guin’s poetic and insightful translation.
We explored the deep wisdom of Taoism – especially the art of wu wei, or effortless action – while appreciating Le Guin’s modern perspective. Discussions touched on the Taoist reverence for the feminine, pacifism and power dynamics, and how the teachings of the Tao Te Ching offer fresh insights on simplifying life and allowing relaxation to happen.
Pleasure Activism
adrenne maree brown
In September and October 2024 our seventh study group took an exciting turn with Pleasure Activism, adrienne maree brown’s groundbreaking book on joy, liberation, and embodied wisdom.
We discussed how pleasure and healing intersect with social change, touching on desire, resilience, and finding liberation in everyday life.
Never Turn Away
Rigdzin Shikpo
From May to June 2024, our sixth study group explored Never Turn Away, a profound yet accessible guide to openness and awareness by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Rigdzin Shikpo. We reflected on themes of direct experience, meditation, and meeting life’s challenges with spaciousness, deepening our practice both on and off the cushion.
The Dhammapada
Teachings of the Buddha
Our fifth study group ran from January to March 2024.
The Dhammapada is a collection of beautiful and wise verses that date back thousands of years to the time of the historical Buddha. We discussed together topics as broad as: The Mind, Old Age, Corruption, and The Path.
Everyday Zen
Charlotte Joko Beck
Our fourth study group ran from September 2023 until December 2023 and was focused on this magnificent book by the beloved Zen teacher Joko Beck.
Joko Beck teaches in her inimitable style covering a wide range of topics including feelings, relationships, service and boundaries.
The Places That Scare You
Pema Chodron
Our third study group began in January 2023 and was based around one of Pema Chodron’s most loved books.
Themes we looked at included the Buddhist concept of bodhichitta or awakened heart, and the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity.
The Path of Individual Liberation
Chogyam Trungpa
Our second book group, running from May until September 2022, focused on selected chapters from the first of the Profound Treasuries by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
We discussed and debated core Buddhist concepts such as impermanance, the construction of ego, and the meditation practice of shamatha and vipashyana
The Lojong Slogans
Various Authors
Our first book group ran alongside the traditional three month Yarne retreat at Gampo Abbey between December and March 2022. We studied the Lojong Slogans, an ancient set of Buddhist aphorisms.
We used texts by a variety of Buddhist authors to focus in on particular slogans including ‘Regard all Dharmas as Dreams’ and ‘Don’t Expect Applause’.