Ways to progress
Buddhism is about making progress towards a deeper reality. To effectively make progress you need a goal and a practical path towards that goal, in the context of a community that can support and inspire you. Just wanting to develop is not enough. You need to know what your next step is and have the courage to take it. We’re happy to have a chat and help you explore the best next step for you.
Newcomers
Sign up for a course
To get started, it can be best to take a structured approach to exploring a topic like learning to meditate or understanding the basics of what Buddhism offers. Signing up for a course allows you to rapidly build your understanding over a number of weeks, with each week building on the previous week in a systematic way.
Drop-in regularly
Joining a drop-in class can be an easy way to start exploring what the Cork Buddhist Centre has to offer. Regular meditation with others is typically an important part of establishing a strong mediation practice.
Go on retreat
A meditation retreat can be a very effective way to learn to meditate or to take your practice to the next level. By having a digital detox, being surrounded by natural beauty rather than our normal routines and practicing and living communally we are able to allow the busyness of our minds to calm down and open up to deeper absorption in meditation.
Regulars
Volunteer to help out
Our community flourishes thanks to our dedicated volunteers, who help keep our centre thriving. We always welcome new support for setting up our classes, serving at the tea break and communicating what we have on offer to the people of Cork. If you're interested in volunteering, please email or reach out using the contact details below.
Join a study group
Our study groups meet weekly to explore the breadth of the Buddhist tradition’s teachings on human potential. These sessions follow a shared curriculum used across our tradition worldwide. If you’ve completed a course with us and want to deepen your understanding, joining a study group could be a great next step. If you're interested, email us, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Become a Buddhist
For many who see our tradition as their spiritual home, becoming a mitra (Sanskrit for ‘friend’) is a meaningful step. This commitment is marked by a simple yet beautiful ceremony, in which the person formally expresses their sense of being a Buddhist, their intention to live by the five ethical Precepts, and their wish to deepen their practice within our tradition’s community.
Going Deeper
Friendships
The Buddha taught that spiritual friendship is the whole of the spiritual life. At Cork Buddhist Centre, we cultivate a warm and supportive community where friendships grow through shared practice, conversation and kindness. Whether through study groups, retreats, or simply spending time together, these connections help us deepen our practice and support one another on the path. Everyone is welcome — friendship is at the heart of what we do.
Intensify your practice
Many people feel drawn to explore Buddhism and it’s wisdom teachings more deeply. Within our tradition there are many ways to take your practice further—whether by going on longer or more advanced retreats, or even experiencing the depth of a solitary retreat. These opportunities offer space for reflection, insight, and a deeper connection to the Buddhist path. If you're interested in deepening your practice, we’re happy to guide you—just get in touch!
Become an order member
For those who feel a deep commitment to the Buddhist path, ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order may be a natural next step. This is a transformative process that unfolds over several years, offering the opportunity to deepen practice, understanding, and connection. It culminates in a longer ordination retreat, where you receive a Buddhist name as a symbol of your dedication. If you are thinking of training for ordination, we’d be happy to talk.