Welcome
Beaches Sangha is a secular insight meditation (vipassana) and dharma study group based on the northern beaches of Sydney. This practice, originally developed by the Buddha 2500 years ago, has featured prominently in the establishment of serious Buddhist practice among westerners since the 1970s. Today insight meditation is a diverse tradition which offers a modern non-monastic approach to the study and practice of the Buddha's teachings, including meditation. Beaches Sangha is secular in orientation but welcomes all who are willing to honour the 'Principles for a thriving sangha' listed under 'Purpose' on this site.
Sangha simply means ‘community’ and originally referred to the spiritual community that emerged around the Buddha. The Buddha spoke of sangha as one of the three ‘refuges’ that help us on the path to awakening (and thus the release from suffering). These are:
The Buddha himself: a human being just like us, not a god or other supernatural being. His human status encourages us: we too can experience awakening, as it is a human potential.
The dharma: the Buddha’s teachings that give an understanding of how suffering arises in our lives and how to free ourselves from the optional bits in a very practical way.
The sangha: the community of people trying to live their lives in line with the dharma.
Our regular teacher is Lenorë Lambert. Lenorë is an Organisational Psychologist and has been practising the dharma for over 15 years. She has served as the President of Sydney Insight Meditators and is also an elite Masters athlete. You can read more about her here.
The dharma: the Buddha’s teachings that give an understanding of how suffering arises in our lives and how to free ourselves from the optional bits in a very practical way.
The sangha: the community of people trying to live their lives in line with the dharma.
Our regular teacher is Lenorë Lambert. Lenorë is an Organisational Psychologist and has been practising the dharma for over 15 years. She has served as the President of Sydney Insight Meditators and is also an elite Masters athlete. You can read more about her here.
Beaches Sangha meets monthly
When: First Thursday night of the month from 7pm for a 7.10pm start, finishing at around 9.30pm
Where: Oxford Falls Peace Park, cnr Wakehurst Parkway and Dreadnought Rd, Oxford Falls
What: See the Our Meetings page and 'What's On' for weekly topics
Cost: Casual attendance is $15 towards costs plus a suggested minimum of $10 “dana” (generosity) for teachers. If you'd like to attend but can't afford this please simply give what you can as we don't want cost to be a barrier to participation.
Bring: a mat or rug if you will be using a meditation cushion or stool (the floor is wooden floorboards)
Parking: there is a vacant lot opposite the Peace Park which is fine to park in as long as it’s not too wet. Otherwise, there is plenty of room along Dreadnought Rd.
Where: Oxford Falls Peace Park, cnr Wakehurst Parkway and Dreadnought Rd, Oxford Falls
What: See the Our Meetings page and 'What's On' for weekly topics
Cost: Casual attendance is $15 towards costs plus a suggested minimum of $10 “dana” (generosity) for teachers. If you'd like to attend but can't afford this please simply give what you can as we don't want cost to be a barrier to participation.
Bring: a mat or rug if you will be using a meditation cushion or stool (the floor is wooden floorboards)
Parking: there is a vacant lot opposite the Peace Park which is fine to park in as long as it’s not too wet. Otherwise, there is plenty of room along Dreadnought Rd.
New people are always welcome at Beaches Sangha. If you’d like to join in and are new to meditation or the Buddha’s teachings, or both, feel free to contact us before you attend so that we can help make sure you get the most out of it. You can contact Susanne Weress by email: kristen.alexandra3[at]gmail.com.
