Dates: Saturdays from 16 Jan to 3 Apr 2027 (10 sessions*, see below for exact dates)
Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: The Buddhist Library
Registration: Click here
About this Program
“In the book “Who Is My Self” by Ayya Khema, three conditions were listed for the practice of meditation to bear fruit: Firstly, to know our own dukkha, to recognise where it comes from, and how it operates in our lives; the second is to gain confidence in the Buddha’s teaching and to realize that we can take this path; and the third is to experience joy at the opportunity we have been given.”
The Meditation and Dhamma class is a recurring programme at the Buddhist Library and is one of its more popular programmes.
We will begin the class by paying homage to the Buddha, Dhamma & Saṅgha, followed by a guided meditation session. Dhamma Bites will be next, with Q&A after that, and then a second guided meditation session. The class will end with the sharing of merit.
This class is also open to new practitioners with no knowledge of meditation or dhamma. For the first 3 sessions, a separate meditation class will be held for participants who have not meditated before.
This year, we are revising Right Speech as taught by the Buddha. There will be about 20 Dhamma Bites sessions covering this topic. The first three sessions (as part of Abstinence from False Speech) will include an introduction to Right Speech, where we see :
1) the importance of Right Speech as a whole;
2) the definition of speech as it is applied today; and
3) the forces that shape unskilful speech, that make us tell lies, slander, abuse others verbally and get carried away with inane chatter and gossip.
This knowledge is important as it will help us come up with ways to contain and control our speech and improve morality or Sīla as a whole.
What are the Topics?
In the 1st run of the class from January to April 2027, we will cover Abstinence from False Speech, Divisive Speech & Idle Chatter:
Right Speech: Abstinence from False Speech (6 sessions)
- What is the definition of false speech? Does it include white lies?
- What is the level of dishonesty found in most people? And is this level of dishonesty acceptable if it is found in most people? If not, what is the acceptable
level of dishonesty (if there is one)? - To what extent do external factors determine how honest or how dishonest we become? Is a religious person more honest?
- Can the truth be used to deceive others? If yes, is it still considered a dishonest act?
- If my lie does not harm myself and others, is my act of deception still considered unwholesome?
Right Speech: Abstinence from Divisive Speech (2 sessions)
- What definition did the Buddha give for divisive speech? How do we apply it in modern context? Is divisive speech the same as slander? What are the examples of divisive speech?
- What are the motivations behind divisive speech? Is speech considered divisive if it is carried out with good intentions?
- What are the kammic effects of divisive speech?
- How do we exercise restraint over divisive speech? How do we handle situations where divisive speech appear to be unavoidable?
Right Speech: Abstinence from Idle Chatter (2 sessions)
- In our mundane lives, idle chatter is sometimes necessary for bonding with family, friends, and for other social interactions. Where do we draw the line?
- Why should we reduce idle chatter, especially if what we chat about does not harm others ?
- Are there any kammic consequences for idle chatter?
- How do we reduce idle chatter in a diplomatic way and without making any sacrifices in our family, social and business life e.g. popularity among friends, career advancement?
Who is this Program For?
- Those who have been attending previous runs of the class
- Persons looking to strengthen their understanding of Buddhism and their practice
- New practitioners who have no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation, but have a keenness to learn
About the Class Mentors
The Meditation and Dhamma class mentors are Sis Foo Siew Ee (bio here), Sis Tan Sock Hoon, Bro Tan Chau Yee (bio here) and Sis Foo Siew Fong (bio here).
The Meditation and Dhamma class mentors aim to help fulfil the conditions described by Ayya Khema (as mentioned at the onset of this webpage). And they do it by sharing the strength and beauty of the Buddha’s teachings in a simple, clear and digestible way, practising various meditation techniques as taught by the Buddha, and providing practical applications for everyday life.
Through these weekly sessions, they hope to inspire in all participants an abiding curiosity, interest, and determination to explore the Dhamma and live life in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.
Dates and Indication of Attendance
10 Saturdays*
- Jan 16, 23, 30
- Feb 13, 20, 27
- Mar 6, 20, 27
- Apr 3
*No class on 6 Feb & 13 Mar 2027.
Registration: please indicate your attendance here.
Donations
This programme is freely offered. To recoup the costs involved in running the Library and its programmes, do consider making a donation. The most expedient way to make a donation is by PayNow to UEN S81SS0026HBRS or scan below; do include the text “donation” in the Reference field. For other ways to donate, please see here.
