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In the Buddhist tradition there are two types of meditation, resting meditation (shamatha) and analytical meditation. If we look at these two aspects of meditation practice, we see that analytical meditation is the principle one. Shamatha is a method for us to engage in analytical meditation. Through the practice of analytical meditation, one's awareness and inner wisdom are developed. When these two methods are applied together, they strengthen and benefit each other. In this course we will discus the benefits of analytical meditation.

Precious Human Birth

This precious human birth, so favourable for the practice of the Dharma, is hard to obtain and easily lost. A human birth allows liberation to arise. Now that we find ourselves in a human life with all the right conditions to achieve realization we need to let go of non-virtuous actions and put virtuous actions into practice. We have all the right conditions. We have this rare potential and opportunity as human beings to benefit others, to create the ground of happiness rather than the ground of suffering. This class will cover the significance and preciousness of a favourable human birth.

Impermanence

The face of impermanence is the nature of all things. Whatever is arising is at the same time ceasing. Each moment continuously slips into the next. This is the characteristic of all composite form - endless, continual change. Like waves moving across the face of the ocean all things are in motion, constantly changing. It is essential to thoroughly understand the nature of impermanence. Doing so will help us understand the nature of our experiences and to better deal with the ups and downs and inevitable losses that occur in our lives. By not understanding the truth of the impermanence of all phenomena we create an endless circle of suffering for ourselves. Perpetuating the myth of permanence brings us grief. This class will deal with the nature and consequences of impermanence.

Suffering of Samsara

The Buddha described suffering as being universal and inherent in the very process of Samsara. This suffering pervades our lives. Understanding the nature of suffering gives us both the motivation and the information we need to find our way out of this situation. Liberation from suffering is possible. To discover the path to liberation we must first have a deep knowledge of where our suffering comes from and why it persists. This class will explore the nature and causes of suffering.

Karma - Cause and Result

One of the most important Buddhist beliefs is that each thing manifests because of its own specific cause. Our experiences of pain or pleasure are a direct result of our actions. Through the understanding of Karma or causality, the relationship between cause and effect in our actions, we remedy our involvement with Samsara. If we can choose our actions wisely the result will be happiness and ultimately Enlightenment for ourselves and others. This class will cover the various aspects of how Karma works.

12 Links of Interdependent Origination (first half)

12 Links of Interdependent Origination (second half)

These two classes will offer insights into the causes and conditions of the phenomena of both the outer and inner worlds. Who am I? Why am I here in this life and what will my final destination be? Where do the outer world of the four elements and inner world of body speech and mind come from? We instinctively seek to begin to understand our apparent confusion about ourselves and the phenomena of our world.

One day Retreat - Conclusion of Course

There will be traditional one-day retreat for students at the end of the course. The retreat day will feature a summary of the four weeks of teachings, and will include practice of the different styles of meditation that were taught. There will be walking meditation, discussion, and an opportunity for private interviews with Lama Phuntsok.