Welcome to Aryaloka!

Aryaloka is a place dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhism. We are part of the Triratna Buddhist Community - an international network of public centers, communities and projects. Our mission is to create the best possible conditions in which to explore and practice the Buddhist path. We study and practice meditation and Buddhadharma in a spiritual community based on the ideals of compassion, generosity, and awareness.

Below you'll find information about featured and upcoming events, retreats, and news from our center. Hope to see you soon!

Vajra Bell – Winter 2012

Vajra Bell – Winter 2012

In this issue:

  • “Getting Unblocked: Working with the Five Hindrances in Meditation” by Saddhamala
  • Reflections on 2011 from the Aryaloka Buddhist Center Council
  • “Releasing the Butterfly: Living with Impermanence” by Ashley Davis Bush
  • Movie Review: “Travelers and Musicians,” by Daniel Bush
  • Tom Gaillard shows that the year’s finances end on a positive note
  • Online Insight: The Best Buddhist Blogs
  • New additions at Buddhaworks, the Aryaloka bookstore
  • Men’s sangha spends a d... Read more

Series 1: Death & Dying, the Buddhist Way

Series 1: Death & Dying, the Buddhist Way

Dates: January 8, March 17, April 28, 2012
Times: 9 am. to 1 p.m.


In these three workshops we will be focusing on Death and Dying from a Buddhist perspective and within a Buddhist context. Each workshop will explore a different aspect of death and dying, ranging from the philosophical to the very practical. The format of the days will involve a mixture of talks, meditation, reflection and personal sharing. Participants may register for one, two, or all three of the workshops in this series.

These workshops will be led by Karuna... Read more

Introduction to Meditation and Buddhism – Winter Series

Introduction to Meditation and Buddhism – Winter Series

Start Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
End Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Register for this Event


On these six Wednesday evenings we will learn traditional Buddhist meditations and also explore basic Buddhist teachings. Meditations taug... Read more

Poetry Group – January

Poetry Group – January

Date: January 22, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully others, pleasure (niram... Read more

Stupa: Instrument of Enlightenment Retreat

Stupa: Instrument of Enlightenment Retreat

Start Date: Friday, January 27, 2012
End Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Register for this Event


CANCELED – CANCELED – The traditional form of a stupa has many layers of meaning and purpose in the Buddhist tradition, all pointing us to... Read more

Let Your Words Come Out and Play: A Writing Workshop for Women

Let Your Words Come Out and Play: A Writing Workshop for Women

Start Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
End Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Register for this Event


Join Barbara Steiner for a one-day workshop designed to help you explore and nurture your writer˙s voice. In a spirit of support... Read more

“Going Deeper” Series

“Going Deeper” Series

Dates: February 5 & June 3, 2012
Times: 9 am. to 1 p.m.


The Going Deeper series of workshops allow for a greater depth of practice and study than is possible at an evening class. They are intended to provide support and guidance for the newer members the Aryaloka community, although everyone is welcome to attend. Led by Arjava, these workshops explore topics through meditation, short presentations, and discussion, all in an atmosphere that encourages the deepening of friendship among participants. For the months of February and Ju... Read more

Men's Practice Day – February

Men's Practice Day – February

Start Date: Sunday, February 5, 2012
End Date: Sunday, February 5, 2012

Register for this Event


This month’s men’s day will be focused on meditation practice. There will be three sits starting on the hour. The day will begin at 9 AM and t... Read more

Mindfulness of Poem-Making

Mindfulness of Poem-Making

Start Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
End Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Register for this Event


Once again, we welcome Seacoast writer Lin Illingworth, as well as our own Dh. Viriyagita and Joan Rochette, who will share seated and written meditations. Expl... Read more

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Loving-kindness (Feb.)

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Loving-kindness (Feb.)

Start Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
End Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Register for this Event


These Saturday or Sunday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic ... Read more

Parinirvana Day

Parinirvana Day

Date: February 12, 2012
Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.


One of the great – and difficult – truths of existence is that of impermanence. All conditioned things are impermanent and what has come into existence will change and one day will cease to exist. Death is one of the things about life that we can depend on. Even the Buddha, enlightened and in complete harmony with Reality, died. On Parinirvana Day we wil... Read more

Living With Mindfulness Introductory Retreat

Living With Mindfulness Introductory Retreat

Start Date: Friday, February 24, 2012
End Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012

Register for this Event


What does it means to live mindfully? How do we bring more calm and inner clarity into our daily lives? How ... Read more

Poetry Group – February

Poetry Group – February

Date: February 26, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully others, pleasure (... Read more

Intermediate Meditation Course

Intermediate Meditation Course

Start Date: Wednesday, February 29, 2012
End Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Register for this Event


Learn to change your mind! There’s a lot more to meditation than just the bare techniques of the mindfulness of breathing and loving-kindness practices. On this e... Read more

Order Weekend

Order Weekend

Start Date: Friday, March 2, 2012
End Date: Sunday, March 4, 2012

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North American Order Convener Ashokashri invites us to come together as Order members away from all our other roles and create a living sense of the Triratna Order. On this weekend she will guide ... Read more

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – March

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – March

Start Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012
End Date: Sunday, March 11, 2012

Register for this Event



Embrace your authentic self in a supportive and transformational environment through the practice of Kripalu yoga, th... Read more

Two-Day Basic Non-Violent Communication Training

Two-Day Basic Non-Violent Communication Training

Start Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
End Date: Friday, March 16, 2012

Register for this Event



Do you want to communicate compassionately? This workshop is for you if yo... Read more

Two-Day Deepening+Empathy NVC Training (Intermediate)

Two-Day Deepening+Empathy NVC Training (Intermediate)

Start Date: Friday, March 16, 2012
End Date: Sunday, March 18, 2012

Register for this Event


These trainings are designed for practicing skills learned in your Basic Training, PLU... Read more

Poetry Group – March

Poetry Group – March

Date: March 18, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully others, pleasur... Read more

A Mindfulness Practice – Yoga and Buddhism (Mar.)

A Mindfulness Practice – Yoga and Buddhism (Mar.)

Start Date: Friday, March 23, 2012
End Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012

Register for this Event


Yoga and Buddhism may be described as complex spiritual traditions, each teaching us about ourselves and our way in the world. Both traditions, while drawing upon mi... Read more

Men’s Practice Day – March

Men’s Practice Day – March

Start Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012
End Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012

Register for this Event


Aryaloka Men’s Practice Days are an opportunity for men in the sangha to spend time together in meditation and discussion around aspects of the Dharma. One of t... Read more

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Mindfulness of Breathing (Mar.)

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Mindfulness of Breathing (Mar.)

Start Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012
End Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012

Register for this Event


These Saturday or Sunday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic w... Read more

Becoming a Spiritual Rebel

Becoming a Spiritual Rebel

Start Date: Friday, March 30, 2012
End Date: Sunday, April 1, 2012

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What are we looking for? What gives our lives a sense of meaning? How can we find a sense of confidence in a world marked by change? In the Noble Quest sutta from the Middl... Read more

Women’s Practice Day – March

Women’s Practice Day – March

Start Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012
End Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012

Register for this Event


This day will be led by Saricitta. Women’s practice days are an opportunity for women in the sangha to spend time together in meditation and discussion around asp... Read more

An Integrated Practice: Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness

An Integrated Practice: Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness

Start Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
End Date: Sunday, April 15, 2012

Register for this Event


Utilizing all three vehicles – yoga, meditation, and mindfulness – as a means of deepening awareness, this retreat creates an opport... Read more

Series 2 – Death and Dying, the Buddhist Way

Series 2 – Death and Dying, the Buddhist Way

Dates: April 14, May 5, June 9, 2012
Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.


This series is a repeat of our popular offering from earlier this year (Jan. 8, Mar. 17, and April 8). In these three workshops we will be focusing on Death and Dying from a Buddhist perspective and within a Buddhist context. Each workshop will explore a different aspect of death and dying, ranging from the philosophical to the very practical. The format o... Read more

Spiritual Spa Day

Spiritual Spa Day

Start Date: Sunday, April 15, 2012
End Date: Sunday, April 15, 2012

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Give yourself the gift of a day spent just being…nothing to do, nowhere to be, enjoying exquisite silence, and punctuated with meditation,... Read more

An Introduction to Noble Silence

An Introduction to Noble Silence

Start Date: Friday, April 20, 2012
End Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012

Register for this Event


On this weekend retreat we will be exploring the practice of Noble Silence – stillness of body, speech, and mind – and learnin... Read more

Men's Practice Day – April

Men's Practice Day – April

Start Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
End Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012

Register for this Event


Aryaloka Men’s Practice Days are an opportunity for men in the sangha to spend time together in meditation and discussion around aspects of the Dharma.... Read more

Poetry Group – April

Poetry Group – April

Date: April 22, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully others, pl... Read more

Shodo: The Way of the Brush – Arts Day

Shodo: The Way of the Brush – Arts Day

Start Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
End Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012

Register for this Event


For those of you who missed our wonderful ink day last July and for those who want more time with brush, ink, and paper, do come. Dh. Kiranada will lead us... Read more

Introduction to Buddhism – Day Class

Introduction to Buddhism – Day Class

Start Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012
End Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012

Register for this Event


In this daylong workshop we will explore several fundamental teachings of the Buddhist tradition. We’ll cover such topics as Who was the Buddha? What is the goal of ... Read more

Introduction to Meditation and Buddhism – Late Spring Series

Introduction to Meditation and Buddhism – Late Spring Series

Start Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2012
End Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Register for this Event


On these six Wednesday evenings we will learn traditional Buddhist meditations and also explore basic Buddhist teachings. Meditations taught wi... Read more

Men’s Practice Day – May

Men’s Practice Day – May

Start Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012
End Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012

Register for this Event


Aryaloka Men’s Practice Days are an opportunity for men in the sangha to spend time together in meditation and discussion around aspects of the Dharma. One of the day... Read more

Poetry Group – May

Poetry Group – May

Date: May 27, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully others, ... Read more

Kado: The Way of Flowers – Arts Day

Kado: The Way of Flowers – Arts Day

Start Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012
End Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012

Register for this Event


Masako Yatsuhashi, Master Ikenobu Ikebana (flower arranging) teacher will be joined by Dh. Kiranada to explore this art form that was developed as a meditative di... Read more

Men’s Practice Day – June

Men’s Practice Day – June

Start Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012
End Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012

Register for this Event


Aryaloka Men’s Practice Days are an opportunity for men in the sangha to spend time together in meditation and discussion around aspects of the Dharma. One of the ... Read more

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Loving-kindness (June)

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Loving-kindness (June)

Start Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012
End Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012

Register for this Event


These Saturday or Sunday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic ways to set ... Read more

Poetry Group – June

Poetry Group – June

Date: June 17, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully o... Read more

Intensive Noble Silence Retreat – Summer 2012

Intensive Noble Silence Retreat – Summer 2012

Start Date: Friday, June 22, 2012
End Date: Monday, July 2, 2012

Register for this Event


The intention of this intensive retreat is to create an atmosphere conducive to extended meditation with the... Read more

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – July

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – July

Start Date: Thursday, July 26, 2012
End Date: Sunday, July 29, 2012

Register for this Event


Embrace your authentic self in a supportive and transformational environment through the practice of Kripalu yoga, the Metta Bhavana (development of... Read more

A Mindfulness Practice – Yoga and Buddhism (Sept.)

A Mindfulness Practice – Yoga and Buddhism (Sept.)

Start Date: Friday, September 21, 2012
End Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012

Register for this Event


Yoga and Buddhism may be described as complex spiritual traditions, each teaching us about ourselves and our way in the world. Both traditions, while drawing... Read more

The Four Brahma Viharas

The Four Brahma Viharas

Start Date: Friday, September 28, 2012
End Date: Sunday, September 30, 2012

Register for this Event


On this retreat you will learn and practice the four Brahma Viharas, or ‘sublime abodes,’ of metta, karuna (compassion), mudita (sypathetic joy), and uppeksha (equa... Read more

Anapanasati Retreat for Men

Anapanasati Retreat for Men

Start Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012
End Date: Saturday, October 20, 2012

Register for this Event


The Anapanasati Sutta, one of the most detailed meditation instructions in the Pali Canon, takes us step by step from a simple awareness of the breath and body, through aware... Read more

Intensive Noble Silence Retreat – Fall 2012

Intensive Noble Silence Retreat – Fall 2012

Start Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012
End Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Register for this Event


The intention of this intensive retreat is to create an atmosphere conducive to extended meditation... Read more

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – November

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – November

Start Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012
End Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012

Register for this Event


Embrace your authentic self in a supportive and transformational environment through the practice of Kripalu yoga, the Metta Bhavana (dev... Read more

The Wisdom of the Body

The Wisdom of the Body

Start Date: Friday, December 7, 2012
End Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012

Register for this Event


In meditation, the body and posture are not mere preliminaries. Mindfulness is all about opening up our awareness. And how else would... Read more