“THE LIBERATED MIND THAT NO LONGER CLINGS MEANS NIBBANA.” [MN 4.68]
The Buddhist tradition lays out a Path that clearly defines the route we may take to gain clarity about the nature of discontent. This route includes understanding how we create our distress, training the mind to release clinging to distress, and learning to abide liberated from distress. Within that liberation is where we can find peace and greater access to joy. We invite you to join a community of practitioners to take on this Path of dedicated study. We will explore and cultivate the trainings laid out by the Buddha through the Wisdom Practices of Nibanna and the study of Emptiness.
This 7-month study program will cover Sila (ethical practice), 4 Noble Truths, 3 Marks of Existence, Dependent Origination (ceasing the wheel of Samsara), Aggregates (what makes up our personality), and an understanding of Buddhist psychology.
We will also encompass meditative trainings in Concentration (Samatha), Heart practices (Metta) and Insight practices (Vipassana).
In this program we will balance theory and practice within a supportive community (sangha). This will include readings of books and suttas, translation of concepts into meditation practices, group discussions and real-life engagement/application. Students will be asked to take on regular meditation practice, journaling, self-reflection and engaging “Mindfulness in Action,” and meeting in small groups outside of the monthly meetings (small groups will be formed after the first meeting). Often times when we make a commitment we put energy into a relationship. As time continues we begin to gain the rewards of the energy we’ve dedicated. This is a form of “making merit.” This program is suitable for students who want to deepen their practice and increase their commitment to their personal growth in the Dharma. This program is ideal if you have a daily practice that you would like to deepen or are looking for a community to help develop a regular practice.
This 7 month program meets one Saturday of every month from 9-12pm (except for two meetings which are from 9-3pm):
- Sept 21
- Oct 12 (9-3pm)
- Nov 2 (we will meet at East Hollywood instead of Benedict Canyon on Nov 2)
- Dec 14
- Jan 11
- Feb 8 (we will meet at Santa Monica instead of Benedict Canyon on Feb 8)
- March 14 (9-3pm) (we will meet at East Hollywood instead of Benedict Canyon on March 14)
Cost:
This pricing tiers for this program cover payment for teachers and use of space:
$1080 – Sustaining rate (This allows for additional support beyond the base cost to help offer financial support to others in need.)
$810 – Base rate (This is the base cost to participate in this program which includes paying teachers and operating costs of the center.)
$675 – Subsidized rate (This rate is reserved for those in financial hardship for whom the Base Rate is not affordable.)
Pay what you can rate (This rate is reserved for People of Color, LGBTQ folks and for members of other marginalized groups who request additional support. Please slide the scale on the registration page to the amount that you can afford to pay.)
Please pay the maximum amount possible. If these payment options are not financially accessible in full, a payment plan can be arranged for you if needed.
For more information on setting up a payment plan, please email programs@insighla.org.