It is said that many people come to our temple out of curiosity having seen the pagoda. However, what keeps them coming are the activities that are primarily centred at the vihara itself. Some come to simply learn how to relax, whilst others are looking for a greater involvement in and understanding of Buddhism.

For many the first contact with the vihara/Buddhism is the Thursday evening meditation class, which is promoted as a beginner’s class. The evening is advertised as starting at 7.30pm but those who may arrive somewhat earlier are still greeted with a warm welcome. The evening is split informally in to three parts: discussion, meditation and further discussions but often with tea at the end as an added bonus.

The evening is usually run by Bill and Duncan who’s first priority is always directed towards any newcomers. Their main concern at this stage being that any new visitors understand the basics of how to meditate and don’t feel marginalised, as many who come on a Thursday are not Buddhist but are just looking for ways to cope with the stresses of modern living. When not looking after any newcomers, the first part of the evening may be focused on problems that people have encountered either in trying to meditate or how to apply the benefits of their meditation practice. Failing all else Bill will usually fall back on the telling of a story, Buddhist of course and with the obligatory moral ending.

Usually by 8pm the actual meditation practice will begin, however, if there is a particularly important point being discussed the actual start of the session will be delayed for a few minutes. Once the discussions are finished the lights are turned down and the meditation sessions begins, which runs for approximately 30 minutes. However, if there are any new visitors then the first part of the meditation session involves a guided talk through for them on samatha meditation; involving posture, how to relax and, finally, how to focus the mind on their breathing. The last few minutes of any session are concluded with metta meditation where the power of their meditation practice is focused on developing their own inner peace before projection thoughts of loving kindness to all beings wherever they may be.

After this many people will stay on to discuss their feelings or ideas about the evening, often over a warm drink, before finishing by 9pm.

By comparison, Monday evening’s meditation sessions are advertised as advanced but as with Thursday, other than an ability to meditate for approximately 45 minutes, no real requirements are necessary in order to participate. Also, like a Thursday evening, there can be an opportunity for informal conversations between any early birds otherwise meditation on a Monday is an invitation to join with the monks.

The evening starts at 7.30pm with chanting, led by the monks, which anyone is welcome to join in with. The chanting always starts with homage being paid to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and the request to each of them for refuge. Next is the declaration of the Five Precepts, whereby each participant vows to refrain from various unwholesome acts such as killing or taking what is not freely given. After salutations to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha the Four Noble truths are repeated reminding everyone present of the essence of the Buddha’s teaching and what we should strive to achieve in our daily activities. The chanting is finally brought to a close by recitation of the Metta Sutta (Loving Kindness Discourse) in Pali and then English. At this point the lights are turned down and the meditation session commences, which lasts for about 45 minutes. Finally, all those present are asked to relax and change to metta meditation for the last few minutes, which involves a short guided session. During this period everyone is encouraged to direct their minds to thoughts of loving kindness, firstly towards themselves and then to all beings wherever they may be.

For those who decide to stay there usually follows a Dhamma talk of approximately 30 minutes. Such talks may recount a story from the Dhammapada or be an abridged version of some suitable Sutta. Either way such talks are always well received and remind the listener that the teachings of the Buddha are as relevant today as when they were first told.

In addition to these weekly events there is an opportunity, on the 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month, to enjoy sitting and walking meditation with the lay ministers and devotees from the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (Soto Zen), which includes a period of chanting. This event takes place at 7.30pm and, as with all such events, anyone is most welcome to join in.

Finally, for those with any stamina remaining, there is a programme of meditation retreats organised at the vihara. These retreats can range from 1-day events, linked to one of the classes (see later), to 10-day residential retreats for the truly hardy. These events may sometimes be run by monks not usually residing at the vihara. For example, some previous retreats have been run by Bhikkhu Bodhidhamma drawing on classic Mahasi insight techniques. Whereas the 10-day retreat run by Dr. Ottaranyana is specifically directed towards the vipassanā method of meditation.

Within the vihara there is the library with its well stocked shelves of books and papers in English, Burmese, Pali, Sanskrit, etc. This eclectic selection is not only available for reading but, with permission, many may be borrowed. However, in addition to being a source of information and inspiration this room also serves as a teaching area.

At the moment classes are run on a Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, typically during normal college term times.

One class, run by Bhikkhu Nagasena and accredited by the City College, is run on a Saturday and repeated on a Sunday, for those who are unable to attend on one or other day. On the one hand this course is designed to give the participant a broad understanding of Buddhism by covering such topics as: “What is Buddhism?” and "A Brief History of Buddhism”. On the other hand anyone taking part in the course will achieve a good level of in-depth knowledge through such topics as: “The Four Noble Truths”, “Basic Philosophy”, “The concept of Kamma and Rebirth” and “Meditation Practice”. By the end of this course a student’s level of understanding should leave them well placed for engaging upon a course of self study, although there is usually a monk available for those times when one gets totally confused! This course also incorporates regular 1-day meditation retreats within its syllabus, allowing the student to put their theoretical knowledge in to practice. When numbers and abilities permit a more advanced syllabus may be organised incorporating such topics as elements of the Abhidhamma (sometimes described as the philosophical psychology of Buddhism).

In contrast, on a Tuesday, Dr. Ottaranyana runs a class advertised as “Scripture Studies”. As the name suggests, each week various scriptures in English are read, discussed and, when necessary, related to current events or ideas. The current class is studying The Dhammapada and covering several verses each week; in previous years various suttas from Majjhima Nikaya have been studied. Further to taking it in turns to read one of the verses the students are frequently provided with additional information from the Pali commentaries by Dr. Ottaranyana. In addition to reading the verses there is even an opportunity for the students to learn a little Pali, which is also a test of Dr.Ottaranyana’s patience in listening to the various ways a student can mispronounce a “simple” word. As with Bhikkhu Nagasena’s class, previously there has been a meditation retreat linked to this class designed to complement the teachings of the class, which is led by Dr. Ottaranyana.

In addition to running classes the vihara also hosts visits to the pagoda and vihara by various schools, colleges and faith groups throughout the region. Over the last few years interest in Buddhism has increased and the vihara has played a major part in meeting the educational needs of these various groups. More specifically Buddhism is increasingly becoming an accepted part of comparative religious studies and it is part of the vihara’s role to help in supplying the necessary information to both groups and individuals seeking such information and advice. In this respect hardly a week passes without a visit from either a school, college or indeed both. In fact it is partially due to the success of the vihara’s work in this area that the need for a Dhamma Hall has become so important.  Also in the area of education members of the vihara play an important role in various inter-faith activities, such as the recent meeting between Dr. Ottaranyana and the new Bishop of Birmingham the Rt. Rev’d David Urquhart, at a recent meeting of the Birmingham faith leaders group (photograph courtesy of the Diocese of Birmingham). Finally, the vihara will again this year participate in the Heritage Open Days event when it welcomes visitors to a tour of the meditation garden, pagoda and shrine room. Heritage Open Days is co-ordinated nationally by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage and organised in association with Birmingham City centre Churches.

Finally, the vihara’s activities also involve bhikkhu ordinations and the issuing of the relevant Certificates of Higher Ordination. So far this year four higher ordinations have been carried out:

]   Maung Saw Min Htet received Higher ordination (Upasampada) under the name U Paññā Vamsa on the date of Sasana Era 2549 (28.01.2006) in the Sima Hall of Dhammatalaka Pagoda.

]   Maung Ye Htut Kyaw received Higher ordination (Upasampada) under the name U Vimala on the date of Sasana Era 2549 (27.03.2006) in the same Sima Hall.

]   Dr. Tint Zin Oo received Higher ordination (Upasampada) under the name U Kheminda on the date of Sasana Era 2549 (09.04.2006) in the same Sima Hall. He ordained as a temporary monk for 9 days and practiced insight meditation and three dutangas*.

]   Mr. John Bosco Michael received Higher ordination (Upasampada) under the name U Tejaivanta on the date of Sasana Era 2550 (27.05.2006) in the same Sima Hall.

Ven.Dr. OttaraNyāna acted as Upajjhāya (preceptor) for each of the monk’s ordained.

The greatest credit to those who help run these events is that all are welcome and accommodated regardless of knowledge or abilities.

* Dhutanga = austere practice

1. Tecivarika = always wearing only three robes
2. Pattapindika = eating a meal only in an alms-bowl
3. Ekasanika = eating only a single meal in a single place each a day

On each full moon day there is chanting at the Pagoda. For four days in every month Asian Buddhists pay particular attention to the observation of Sila (morality), Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) practices. These observations occur in the Lunar Calendar at Full Moon, End of the Moon, Half Full Moon and End Half Moon Day. These days are significant for practising moral development, observation and purification. Lay people have the opportunity to visit their Temple for instruction, the offering of Dana, and so on. Some lay people take the opportunities to observe eight precepts, practice meditation and purification of the mind. These four days are mostly observed during the three months rain retreat from Dhammacakka day to Abhidhamma day. However, in our Temple lay people only practice one day a month, on Full Moon Days.

As well as an active programme of teaching about faith, the children spend time in workshops developing ideas artistically and through drama. They have recently worked on a number of exciting projects including making paper lotuses (origami) following a visit to the Pagoda, and flag making using Jewish, Christian and Buddhist symbols. A variety of donated materials are used including glass and plastic. According to what schools require the project tries to meet that need by finding someone to run an appropriate workshop. Those who are appointed to run workshops work as artists without a religious agenda.

The children get a good introduction to faith from people who are practising and teaching the faith that they practice. One of the less overt yet meaningful benefits is that the children pick up on the idea of different faiths working co-operatively together and in harmony. If you would like to know more you can make contact with the project through any of the three institutions involved.