This course is offered to any student wishing to dive a little deeper into Buddhism’s basic teachings. The 16-week Monday evening class has been divided into 4 units. This talk is under the first unit titled “The Buddha’s Enlightenment and the 4 Noble Truths: Buddha’s life story exploring the first teaching after his enlightenment."

The Buddha’s teaching of the three jewels offers a way to radiate beauty in your life and in your community. The three jewels of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha are also referred to as refuges, as they offer us protection from the dangers of the world. These three interrelated jewels help orient us to live in harmony with each other and support us on the path to liberation. Practicing with these jewels, will sparkle and radiate goodwill and kindheartedness in all directions. This day of practice will include periods of meditation, chanting, dhamma reflections, small group discussions, and Q&A. All are welcome!

Beginning with the body and breath, opening to sounds, then thoughts, then emotions

Continuing with mindfulness of the mind, a short intro about practicing with emotions

Starting with scanning through the body and awakening the senses, we then rest in presence, with the breath as a home base. The meditation invites an openness to whatever arises, and a gentle kind attention if we encounter physical or emotional pain. We end with a prayer that includes our own being and all beings (from the 2017 archives).

As individuals and societies, we are pulled by both the insecurity of our evolutionary past, and by our awake heart, our capacity for mindfulness and compassion. This talk explores the ways we can listen to and respond to the call of our awake heart, by training ourselves to open to vulnerability (our own and others) and widen the circles of compassion (a favorite from the 2017 archives).