“In his Dharma teachings, Buddha advises us not to seek happiness outside ourself, but to establish it within our mind.” – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Introduction to Buddhism
What makes Buddhist meditation Buddhist? There are many things that are unique to Buddhist meditation in particular, one of the most important being the Buddhist understanding of the mind. Buddhist meditation is all for the purpose of solving the basic problem of human suffering. Through understanding the mind, and understanding karma, solutions can be found that are not possible otherwise. In these classes, our Resident Teacher, Gen Norbu, will introduce the basic foundations of the Buddhist way of life, including teachings on karma, the mind, reincarnation, and of course meditation. Start at the beginning of the series if you can, but if you miss the beginning then start when you are able.
Recommended reading: Introduction to Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Download here
July 29 – Learning from an Enlightened Example: Who was Buddha?
August 5 – How to Solve Our Human Problems: Understanding the Mind
August 12 – Reincarnation Explained: Past and Future Lives
August 19 – How to Change What’s Happening to Us: What is Karma?
August 26 – Appreciating our Spiritual Opportunity: Our Precious Human Life
September 2 – Special Class: What is Meditation?
September 9 – Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: Meditation on Death
September 16 – Real Protection from Suffering: The Buddhist Way of Life
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation: The Path to Liberation
Meditation classes with teachings by modern Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Norbu
Thursdays, 7:00-8:15pm, September 23 – October 7
Vegetarian potluck after class, bring snacks to share if you wish
Cost: $12/person, members free
“Samsara promises much but can never deliver real satisfaction. It is not possible for impure, transient objects to provide the lasting joy we seek. This can be attained only by thoroughly purifying our mind.”
– Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Introduction to Buddhism
How much of our suffering and problems are caused by our own anger and worldly desires? Can we ever be free from all pain and dissatisfaction, or find real happiness, while such unpeaceful states of mind remain in our heart? How can we maintain a peaceful, balanced mind when good things happen to us, and also when unpleasant things happen to us? These classes will introduce the basic Buddhist teachings and meditations on the path to liberation – the permanent inner peace that can be attained only by reducing and eventually abandoning our anger, uncontrolled desire, and ignorance.
Recommended reading: Introduction to Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Download here
September 23 – Anger and the Four Noble Truths: What Is Liberation?
September 30 – Desire, Samsara, and Non-attachment: Developing Renunciation
October 7 – The Path of Discipline, Meditation, and Wisdom: The Three Higher Trainings
