Becoming a Buddha: Four Myths of Meditation
A five-week course | Starts Wed 16 Apr | 7.15–9.45pm | In person
Led by Maitreyabandhu and team
Buddhist Meditation is primarily concerned with seeing things as they really are. If we did see the Truth of things we would become a Buddha: endlessly energetic, wise, and compassionate.
On this new course, devised and led by Maitreyabandhu, you will explore four myths - vital ways of moving towards the Truth.
This course is open to all, whether you are new to meditation or have practiced before.
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Course Description
We can think of moving towards the Truth, or to use more traditional Buddhist language, the ‘unconditioned’, in four ways:
1. We can imagine the Buddha outside us at the end of a path: we develop towards him.
2. We can imagine the Buddha above us, so to speak, on a higher plane: we surrender to him.
3. We can imagine the Buddha as inside us: we discover him.
4. We could imagine ourselves within the Buddha: we allow him to emerge.
If we want to make progress, each myth needs to be understood and put into practice. And each has its strengths and limitations. This five-week course - based on a new book Maitreyabandhu is writing with Jnanavaca - will introduce these four underlying myths of meditation, and help us apply them in our own lives. There will be meditation, talks, and opportunities for discussion in small groups.
Structure of the Course
Overview
Week 1
Myth and Meaning
Week 2
Development: The Fundamental Myth
Week 3
Surrender: The ‘Religious’ Myth
Week 4
Discovery: The Inner Myth
Week 5
Emergence: The Mystical Myth
Is this course for me?
The course is aimed at those who are serious about dedicating themselves to meaning and value. It's especially aimed at anyone who thinks they might commit themselves to a Buddhist life, now or in the future. We have in mind people who want to understand what a Buddhist life would look like and how best to equip themselves for it.
All levels of previous meditation experience are welcome, including if you have never meditated before.
This is the first prototype for a new course based on Maitreyabandhu and Jnanavaca’s book ‘Becoming a Buddha', which explores the four myths (due out in 2026).
Led by
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get the most from the course?
Here are some top tips for taking part:
Come every week – whether you feel like it or not. If you look for motivation before you do something, you reverse your motivation; mostly you only want to do something when you’re actually doing it.
Come early – so you can lie down in the shrine room and have a nap, you probably need it and you’ll get more from the class if you do.
Do your ‘home practice’ every day – then each week you’ll be in a small group to check in about how that went.
What if I can’t make every session?
Do sign-up even if you know you can’t make every session, as you will be able to catch-up from the weekly emails.
If you are going to miss a class – email the home group leader so we know and can let others know. And do come back the following week. Don’t feel guilty for not having attended, just come back and start again.
How to take part if I bought the online element?
You will receive a welcome email with a zoom link and all the details. Part of the evening will include break-out groups – you will be with the same group of people each week.
