Buddhist Teachings

“When we understand our disposition is created by our perceptions, we’re on the path to freedom. By listening deeply, being present and open, we teach our hearts how to receive the moment fully, and perceive what’s actually true.” -Trudy Goodman

The Buddha’s Path Program is a structured and deep exploration of mental cultivation (bhavana) practices.  Topics include:

• developing concentration (samadhi),
• cultivating mindfulness (vipassana, or insight),
• the divine abodes (brahma viharas), the practices of lovingkindness (metta), compassion (karuna), appreciative joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha)
• ethical behavior (silla)
• the Buddha’s wisdom teachings (panna), as described in the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.  

The program is designed to familiarize you with the essential Buddhist teachings that not only support your practice, but enable us to lead wise, peaceful, and harmonious lives.  Our emphasis is on the practical nature of these teachings, and we offer them in a way that is accessible to everyone who seeks a more authentic and compassionate connection to themselves and their community.  

The Buddha’s Path program provides participants with the tools necessary to embody healthy living and universal human values.  Our classes emphasize how we can live, and enjoy the benefits of these teachings in our everyday lives.

Even if your primary interest is secular, relational mindfulness will allow for a better understanding of some elemental Buddhist teachings. Like all great spiritual traditions, the teachings emphasize generosity, courage, and our connection to each other and the world around us.  The lessons may be drawn from an ancient lineage but through the years, as Buddhist thought came into contact with different cultures, the teachings were adapted for contemporary audiences.

HOW IT WORKS:

The Buddha’s Path program includes both class series and drop-in options.  Classes are offered on weekday mornings and evenings, and run from 4-8 weeks per session.  Check the schedule for the most current listing of classes. Participants can start any time a new class series begins and move from class to class at their own speed.  Students have been known to repeat classes because our understanding deepens as our practice progresses over time.

The curriculum for the Buddha’s Path Program is based on the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the Buddha’s teaching on meditation, mindfulness, concentration, ethics, wisdom, and compassion. Each class meeting includes:

• time to meditate together with guidance and in silence,
• a teaching,
• group discussion and support.

You will receive:

• detailed instructions and answers to questions about your meditation practice,
• recommended readings
• suggestions for practice at home.

Classes are taught as a mix of study and practice so students can will gain an overview of the Buddha’s teachings while developing experience with Buddhist practices and meditation. We emphasize the importance of cultivating an embodied awareness, moment to moment.