Buddhist chaplaincy

Buddhism is the world's 4th biggest religion, with 360 million followers.

On

Meditation:

Meditation session Thursdays at 12.15

Our regular meditation is on Thursday lunchtimes.  It is open to all, regardless of experience, so please feel free just come along for 12.15 when you can.

We usually have a guided body awareness followed by a period of the mindfulness of breathing where we simply pay attention to the effects of breathing to achieve some calm, peace and clarity in the middle of a busy day.

The sessions are held at the gathering space in the BNBR Life Centre. It is a great space to meditate.

Buddhist Communities in Sheffield

There are a number of communities in Sheffield, representing a range of Buddhist traditions.

Please note that these listings are for to provide information only. The inclusion of any group or association within these listings does not represent an endorsement of its views or practices by the University of Sheffield.

Sheffield Samatha Meditation Group

Traditional breathing mindfulness practice.

Address: The Annexe, Ranmoor Parish Centre, 5 Ranmoor Park Road, S10 3GX
Telephone: +44 1629 814617
Website: www.samatha.org/sheffield
Contact: Ian Rose
Meditation: Every 3rd Monday of the month.

Sheffield Buddhist Centre 

Meditation and Buddhism for anyone who seeks growth.

Address: Howard Road, Walkley, S6 3RT
Telephone: + 44 114 234 9994
Website: www.sheffieldbuddhistcentre.org
Contact: Prajnahridaya (civil name Robin Allan)
Meetings: We run 12 week courses for newcomers to the Buddhist centre 3 to 5 times a year. Once somebody has completed the
                  beginner’s course, we welcome them to attend any of classes, courses and retreats that the centre runs. Everything that the
                  Buddhist centre offers is free of charge. Many people who feel they are part of our community and want to support the centre
                  set up a standing order so we can continue to offer our classes freely to everyone, and to feel that we’re all part of a shared
                  project of building spiritual community. Sheffield Buddhist Centre places a strong emphasis on friendship and community and
                  we encourage people to participate in the life of our centre, rather than seeing us as a ‘service provider’.

Soka Gakkai International - UK

Lay Buddhist organisation. Meetings are held in-person and via zoom. Activities include chanting, discussion and study. All welcome..

Address: Various lpocations in Sheffield. 
UK Headquarters - SGI-UK, Taplow Court Grand Culture Centre, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0ER
Website: www.sgi-uk.org/local-community
Meetings: Meetings are weekly including evenings and during the day over the weekends – dates and locations vary. Contact via the local community link for meeting details.

Soto Zen (Order of Buddhist Contemplatives)

Meditation instruction and practice; local retreats.

Address: Quaker Meeting House, 10 St. James Street, S1 2EW
Telephone: +44 7565 141535
Website: www.zensheffield.org
Contact: Martin Jordin
Meditation: Wednesday 19:30-21:15 (except August)


Buddhist Team

Buddhist Associate Chaplain: Vimaladasa

I am pleased to support Buddhists of all traditions and those with an interest in Buddhism.  A practicing Buddhist for nearly 20 years, I have recently been ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order.

Keen to support people who identify as Buddhists from all traditions, I would be pleased to discuss ways we can help you practice within your tradition by helping you run events, special gatherings or just connecting with like minded Buddhists. I am happy to discuss all aspects of Buddhism and Buddhist practice.

For those who are interested we are running a weekly meditation group and chanting (please email us for details). Let me know how we can help you!

As John Brazier, I have worked as a health service researcher at the School of Health and Related Research and know the University well.

E-mail: Vimaladasa@sheffield.ac.uk


Buddhist Adviser:  Katy Fox-Hodess

Pronouns: she/they
 
I have a strong interest in socially-engaged Buddhism and socially-engaged spiritualities in general. I am keen to offer individual or group support to students and staff of all faiths/ no faiths who are interested in exploring how engaged spirituality can support social change work.
 
I have practiced in the Buddhist Insight Meditation tradition since 2012 and served as a Trustee of Sheffield Insight Meditation from 2021-2023. I received a Certificate in Social Movement Chaplaincy from the Faith Matters Network in 2022.
 
As a staff member of the University, I am a Senior Lecturer in Employment Relations and Research Development Director of the Centre for Decent Work. My research examines practices of organising and solidarity in the trade union movement. As a long-time organiser and activist, I have a strong awareness of the importance of pastoral support and grounding practices to encourage sustainable movement work and welcome the opportunity to support members of the university community in these ways.

E-mail: katy.fox-hodess@sheffield.ac.uk


Relevant links

Samatha Trust - Samatha meditation trains the mind to develop inner strength

Sheffield Zen Buddhist Group - The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives

Soka Gakkai International - UK Buddhism in action for peace

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