Part of a 5-week series • Wednesdays, Oct 2 to Oct 30 • 7:00-8:00 pm
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 1260 18th St., Santa Monica CA
Everything is empty of existing in a fixed way.
Buddha taught that our mind misperceives the true nature of people, places, and things, thinking they exist in a way that they do not. To help us correct this misunderstanding, the source of our mental pain, Buddha gave clear instructions explaining how to meditate on the true nature of things. As we gradually perceive reality more clearly and accurately, our mental pain starts to reduce, and we will begin to feel a sense of lightness and freedom in our mind.
More on this topic can be found in the book Modern Buddhism. Written by the Buddhist master and scholar Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Modern Buddhism is available for everyone to download as a free e-book at this link: Modern Buddhism free e-book
Everyone is welcome to drop in to any or all of the classes in this series. No experience necessary.
Remaining topics in this series:
October 16 How Do Things Exist?
October 23 How Are Things a Manifestation of Their Emptiness?
October 30 Practicing Emptiness in Daily Life
General Program (GP) classes are suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The classes are designed to help those looking for Buddhist wisdom to help with stress relief and relaxation, as well as those interested in exploring the nature of the mind, and pursuing the Buddhist path.
Classes explore the basic framework of Buddhist teachings and meditation and explain how to use Buddha’s advice in our daily lives to solve our problems. All General Program classes are based on commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
A typical class consists of a guided relaxation meditation, a teaching based on the meditation topic, and final contemplative meditation. Although classes are given in a series around one specific theme, they are drop-in in nature and can be taken individually, as each class topic is self-contained.
Branch classes last approximately 1 to 1.25 hrs. Chairs are provided. No special clothing is required, and there is no physical exercise, yoga, or stretching involved.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of belief; you do not need to be Buddhist to attend.