Classes
"Do not believe just because wise men say so. Do not believe just because it has always been that way. Do not believe just because others may believe so. Examine - and experience yourself!"
The Buddha (Kalama Sutra)Discovering Buddhism
Awakening all limitless potential of your mind, achieving all peace and happiness
Discovering Buddhism is a basic study programme in 13 modules, devised by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. The course is intended to give a solid foundation in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice. Rather than a mere academic study, the course emphasises experience and practice. The course will comprise of discussion, meditation and exposition. Be prepared to be actively engaged.
Module 8: Bodhicitta »
Bodhicitta, the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment in order to benefit all sentient beings, is often described as the essence of all our Buddhist practice, whether we are reading, meditating or practicing the Buddhadharma in our daily lives. We all know that compassion is an important part of our practice but how do we go about actually developing our innate qualities of compassion to their fullest extent so that all our actions of body, speech and mind become causes for eventual enlightenment?
In this module we will be exploring the benefits of compassion, how it is inextricably linked with the 'wisdom' aspect of the path, and we will be looking in detail at specific practices, which can help us to realise this most precious quality of mind and bring it to bear within our daily lives.
Dates: January 11, 25; February 8, 22; March 7, 21.
Read more about Discovering Buddhism:
Foundation of Buddhist Thought discussion group
The Foundation of Buddhist Thought is a six-module course created by Geshe Tashi Tsering of Jamyang London, part of the core education programme of the FPMT, comprising:
The Four Noble Truths, The Two Truths, Buddhist Psychology, Bodhicitta, Emptiness, Tantra
Each module has a course book, MP3 recordings of Geshe Tashi's teachings, guided meditations and discussion questions, which we will use as a focus for our discussions. We ask that you have a good understanding of basic Buddhist concepts before you start and that you prepare for each class beforehand (reading, listening and meditating). The course is quite relaxed, and there will be at least one FPMT registered teacher of FBT at each session.
Besides a donation towards the hire of the hall, you will need to buy the course books and the MP3 recordings.
Phone Kay or Gordon for more details 01225 310412.
Module 1: The Four Noble Truths »
The four noble truths was the first teaching given by the Buddha after his enlightenment and the most fundamental. Within the four truths is the entire Buddhist path. We all only want happiness and to avoid suffering but before we can be free from problems, we must understand the levels of suffering we all face—the first noble truth—and the cause of it—the second noble truth. And with the last two noble truths, we see that we can eliminate even the most subtle levels of dissatisfaction and that there is a clearly defined path that leads us there.
Dates: January 18; February 1, 15, 29; March 14, 28; and continuing.
We will change to module two, The Two Truths, when we have completed the first.
Read more about the Foundation of Buddhist Thought
Both classes meet alternate Wednesdays
7.30pm (for 7.45pm) - 9.15pm
New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RA
Cost: £5 per class, or £25 per module*
*Following Buddhist traditions worldwide, the teachings are offered free of charge, but we need to cover the costs of setting up the group and renting the facilities each week.