Discovering Buddhism: Getting to Nirvana
with Emily Hsu
Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm January 6 – February 10, 2015 no class February 3 (5 classes) Practice Day: Sunday, February 22, 10:00am - 1:00pm In this Discovering Buddhism class, we will explore the natures of samsara and nirvana, investigate the source of our problems and dissatisfaction, and learn how to move toward attaining a lasting state of peace and happiness.
The terms samsara and nirvana describe how life is, and how it could be.
We are all stuck in samsara — our lives seem to be an endless cycle of ups and downs, hope, fear, pleasure, pain, achievement and disappointment, where we are perpetually wanting something else and our happiness and satisfaction don't last for very long. But things don't necessarily have to be this way. The Buddha taught that it is possible to completely transform our lives and experience a state of lasting happiness, freedom and joy. This is nirvana — a state of everlasting peace and well-being. In this module of Discovering Buddhism, we will explore the profound teachings that clearly outline the mechanisms of cause and effect. These teachings show us how we create our own difficulties, as well as how we can break free of the cycles that keep us locked in to unhappiness and suffering. We will investigate how we can empower ourselves with practical tools that will give us the confidence, commitment and energy for spiritual transformation. Everyone is welcome!
Although it is part of the Discovering Buddhism program, anyone is welcome to attend — you do not have to have attended previous modules. |
In the Tibetan Buddhist world view, the six realms of existence (gods, demigods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell-beings) are all held in the grasp of the Lord of Death. In the center of the wheel are the three root poisons of desire, hatred, and ignorance symbolized by the cock, snake, and pig, and on the outer rim are the twelve links of dependent origination by which all causes and effects are determined. The ultimate goal, shown by the monks in the left inner circle and the Buddha in the upper right, is to follow a path that frees one from these cycles.
Srid pa'I khor lo (Wheel of Life). Painting on cloth, twentieth century. Tibetan Collection, Asian Division, Library of Congress |
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Registration at the Door: $15 per class or $65 for the entire course (five classes) if paid in full on the first day of class. Members of a certain level get courses for free (see the membership program for details).
Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Please contact us to make arrangements.
Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Please contact us to make arrangements.