Dates: Saturdays from 7 Mar to 9 16 May (10 11 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 in recent years. This March’s run of the class comprises 10 11 sessions, and during each lesson the Class Mentors will lead meditation sessions as well as run through specific teachings of the Buddha. Time is also allocated for Q&A.
In this run, for the first 3 sessions, a separate meditation class will be held for participants who have not meditated before. To benefit those who are new to Buddhism and meditation, we will also give an overview of the BuddhaDhamma (what the Buddha taught) at the start of class on 7 Mar 2026.
For Dhamma Bites, it will be a year of suttas. A topic on the transference of merits to departed relatives will also be included at the time of Ching Ming on 6 Apr 2026 to explore our role as “spiritual providers” for loved ones who have moved on.
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
What are the Topics?
These are the 3 Dhamma Bites topics we are covering from March to May 2026:
Kālāma Sutta (Aṅguttara Nikāya 3.65)
- How do we build a spiritual practice that isn’t based on blind faith, but on verifiable results? What specific criteria should we use to avoid being misled by external authorities? Why is “tradition” or “scripture” not enough?
- What is the “self-verification” test that we can rely on to determine whether a practice is skilful or unskilful in our own lives?
- How do the “Three Unwholesome Roots” cloud our judgment and how do the four sublime states of goodwill, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity benefit the practitioner?
- If we are unsure about the afterlife or the laws of kamma, how can living a virtuous life today provide a “win-win” psychological safety net regardless of what happens after death?
Transference of Merit to Departed Relatives
- Can our departed relatives partake of offerings of food, drinks and other material items to them?
- How does the transference of merit to our departed relatives compare with these material offerings?
- Are we left with any merit after transference to our departed relatives?
- When is the best time to transfer merit to our departed relatives?
- In what way do our departed relatives benefit from our gift of merit?
Saṅgārava Sutta (Saṃyutta Nikaya 46.55)
- Why does the mind sometimes feel “cloudy” or “turbid”? The Buddha uses five distinct water analogies to describe the Five Hindrances (nīvaraṇa) and explains how these specific mental states act like dye, boiling water, or moss etc. in the “bowl” of our consciousness.
- How do our daily habits and mental agitations directly interfere with our ability to learn and recall complex information?
- How do we “still the waters” in our mind and achieve mental clarity and understanding? What practical steps can we take to manage the five hindrances in our busy, modern lives?
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 according to the Buddha’s teachings.
Dates and Indication of Attendance
10 11 Saturdays*
- Mar 7, 14, 21, 28
- Apr 4, 11, 18, 25
- May 2, 9, 16*
*A session on 16 May will be added if needed. The session on 16 May is now confirmed.
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.
