The Essence of Dharma:
step-by-step meditations to perfect happiness
Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am
with Gen Kelsang Suma
.
‘Lamrim’ meditation – literally, ‘the stages of the path to enlightenment’ – is the bedrock of the Buddhist spiritual path. It consists of a series of meditations that reveal the key mindsets we need to cultivate if we wish to improve our happiness and attain liberation and enlightenment. The course is ideal for anyone wanting to gain an overview of the Buddhist spiritual path, as well as for those looking to deepen their daily practice.
Classes will be taught in more depth than some of our other general program classes. Each will begin with a short recitation of chanted Buddhist prayers and a guided breathing meditation, to help settle our mind. We’ll then listen to a teaching on one of the Lamrim topics. Finally, we will engage in a guided contemplative meditation focused on the content explored in the teaching. There will be a chance to ask questions at the end of the class.
Everyone is welcome. These are drop-in classes so come anytime. Cost: $ 10 per class (free for members)
The happiness of living meaningfully – a spiritual life
Sept 5 Our precious human life: awakening to our potential
Sept 12 What does our death mean?
Sept 19 Lower rebirth: could this happen to me?
Sept 26 Refuge practice: finding safe harbour
Oct 3 Actions and their effects: shifting the winds of our karma
The happiness of perfect inner freedom – liberation
Oct 10 What we should know: the sufferings of samsara
Oct 17 What we should abandon: the real causes of our suffering
Oct 24 What we should practice: a reliable route to lasting freedom
Oct 31 What we should attain: the risks of complacency
The pure happiness of benefiting others – enlightenment
Nov 7 Cherishing others: may everyone be happy
Nov 14 Universal compassion: may everyone be free
Nov 21 Bodhichitta: the supreme good heart
Nov 28 The Bodhisattva’s way of life
Dec 5 Emptiness: ultimate truth, reality
Dec 12 Relying upon a spiritual guide: the root of the path
Dec 19 A complete path