Beyond calm: A deeper reason to meditate
Introduction to Buddhism: Path of Great Scope – 1.30 pm Sundays
In this term’s Introduction to Buddhism series with Nick Sleeman, we’re exploring what’s known as the “Path of Great Scope” — the part of the path focused on caring for others.
We’ll be looking at the Mahayana tradition (sometimes called the “Great Vehicle”), one of the major streams of Buddhism, and its central idea: bodhicitta. In simple terms, this is the wish to become the best possible version of yourself so you can genuinely help free others from suffering — not just yourself.
We’ll also talk about bodhisattva actions — everyday ways of acting that benefit others and, over time, transform the mind. Nothing complicated, just practical ways of living with more kindness and less self-focus.
There’ll be plenty of time for guided meditation, questions, and a cuppa afterwards. Everyone’s welcome — no background in Buddhism needed.
You are welcome to join one, two classes or more classes or the full is six week series.
Bodhichitta: The essence of enlightenment
Path to Enlightenment series: 4 – 5.30 pm from Sunday 11 October
Through the ages lots of people have pondered what is the meaning of life?
Maitreya put it in a nutshell “Bodhichitta means for the sake of others, wishing to attain complete perfect enlightenment”. It sounds so simple but unfortunately is not so easy, as our ordinary habits get in the way.
The mind of enlightenment is the beating heart of the Buddha’s teachings, and even the slightest glimpse of what it means makes everything else pale in its significance.
The benefits of finding an inner refuge in Bodhichitta, by progressively bringing it into our lives, are extraordinary and everlasting. It can transform a limited life of self-concern into something beyond wonderful. It can melt away all unhappiness and suffering and imbue us with an unshakeable ’true north’ on the spiritual path.
Therefore, to acquaint ourselves deeply with this awakening mind, for the next block of classes we will explore that section of Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden’s masterwork ‘Path to Enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism‘.
Throughout the course, with Tim McKibben, we will meditate on multiple tried and tested methods for developing the mind of enlightenment. These have been passed down from Lord Buddha to Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden through both the profound and the extensive lineages of masters.
Please check the centre’s calendar for specific dates
Meditations on the Path to Enlightenment
Tuesdays from 11am-12 noon – term 4 from Tuesday 13 October
Join guided meditation sessions, ‘Meditations on the Path’, on Tuesdays from 11 am to 12 noon.
The sessions, led by Paul Sokolich, introduce insightful meditations, drawing on meditations in the extraordinary text, ‘Meditations on the Path to Enlightenment’, by Geshe Loden. Enter from the back of the temple. The session is followed by a cuppa and chat.
About the classes
You can join the classes in the magnificent traditional Tibetan temple. Classes are suitable for one-off or more.
The temple is a wonderful and serene space, featuring a 12-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Cushions for those who like to meditate cross-legged, and chairs to suit others’ comfort. Delicious refreshments and opportunity to chat after each session.
All teachers are long term students of the teachings of the Society’s founder, Venerable Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden.
Sunday classes comprise a guided meditation, a talk, Q&A. $10 facility charge. Proceeds support upkeep of the temple and gardens.
Learn more about Sunday classes and other events via Latest News at tibetanbuddhistsociety.org. Queries: events@tushita.org
