The Path to Happiness
Introduction to Buddhist
Meditation
Four Week Course with
Grahame white
Tuesdays:
09th - 30th March; Time 7.00 - 9.00PM BY
DONATION
The aim of this course is
for its participants to learn Vipassana (insight)
meditation techniques that develop the mind and gain
some understanding of basic theoretical principles
that support the meditation practice.
Meditation can help us to develop the ability to identify
the negative tendencies and misconceptions of the
mind, such as greed and anger. Meditation can also
enhance concentration and attention skills and reduce
mental agitation leading to a quietening of the mind.
Long term benefits of meditation include early identification
of negative patterns of mind and increased ability
to access and utilise meditation skills and apply
them to any aspect of daily life. Greater awareness
and balance of mind supports the emergence of positive
states of the mind, such as wisdom, loving kindness
and compassion.
The participants will acquire the skill and confidence
to practise meditation in daily life. Each week will
discuss topics such as the difference between concentration
and mindfulness meditation, why we are motivated to
practise meditation and how to practise successfully.
Week One
What is Vipassana (Insight) meditation and how is
it practised?
In this session, the meaning of Vipassana meditation
will be explained and beginning instruction including
skilful attitude towards practice will be given.
Week Two
Concentration and Mindfulness Meditation
In week two the difference, similarities and purpose
of concentration and mindfulness will be discussed
and practised.
Week Three
Why should we bother?
The Buddha pointed out the Four Noble Truths as the
facts of life. In week three the first three of these
Truths will be discussed so we can have an appreciation
of why we should bother to meditate.
The Path to Happiness -
the Noble Eight Fold Path
The Buddha gave a complete guide to happiness: the
Eight Fold Path. In this session, the practical aspects
of the Eight Fold Path will be discussed and skilful
ways of utilising the eight steps will be explained.
Week Four
How to practise successfully? As practice unfolds
certain obstacles may appear to the meditator. Skilful
ways of overcoming obstacles to practise will also
be discussed. The cycle of conditioning will also
be explained to clarify how we get caught in the cycle
and how we can get out of it.
Living meditation We will discuss what to expect
in our meditation and learn different techniques to
ensure that mindfulness is applied "on the cushion"
as well as "off the cushion".
About the Teacher
Grahame has been involved in Dhamma practice for
thirty years. He has led meditation retreats at Blue
Mountains Insight Meditation Centre as well as introductory
meditation courses and daylong retreats at the Buddhist
Library. Over the past eight years has been co-teaching
Vipassana retreats in Burma, USA and New Zealand.
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