The Essence of the Three Yanas is the second module of the This Life course. It presents the key teachings and insights from the Buddha via the Three Vehicles: Peace, Compassion & Wisdom. Through this nine week course, we will explore how the treasure of this ancient wisdom may help us navigate the challenges in our modern society and learn to live a contented and meaningful life.
The course is aimed at people who have some experience of meditation and buddhist studies.
This course explores the Buddhist path to awakening through reflecting on the example of the Buddha, understanding the fundamental message of his teachings, the Dharma, and looking into the value of the spiritual community—the Sangha —dedicated to following in the Buddha’s footsteps.
This course explores the life of the Buddha, both in its historical context and from a spiritual perspective, and reflects on the relevance that the Buddha’s life has for us now.
It presents the key principles of the Buddha’s Dharma teachings: including the four noble truths and the four seals, which form the basis for all levels of practice on the Buddhist path. The course does not merely address these topics intellectually, but rather gives students the opportunity to explore and internalize these crucial points through contemplation and practise. This will include examining:
—The insights the Buddha's teachings offer us about life and death.
—How Buddhism is both a religion and a science of mind, and how it differs from other religions and philosophies.
—The Buddhist view of the nature of reality and ourselves.
We will also explore the idea and value of a spiritual community, Sangha and the role it plays in the path to awakening.
For more experienced students this is a wonderful chance to clarify, reinforce and deepen the crucial principles of our view and practice.
Rigpa’s policy is that financial difficulties should not be an obstacle to attending our courses. If this is an issue for you and attending this course, please contact us at sydney@rigpa.org.au
Current Sangha Members/Subscribers can register FREE using their discount code.
Course Fees: $20 per week or $10 concession. One week Free if you pay for the full term in advance.
Dates: 28 April to 30 June 2026.
NOTE: This is a 9 week term with a one week break during our June Retreat, no class on 9 June.
Newtown
Sydney, NSW 2050
Australia
| One week free if you pay for the whole 9 week term. Or pay for 5 weeks now and 4 weeks later? | |
| Standard - 9 weeks | A$160.00 |
| Standard - 5 weeks (pay another $80 later) | A$100.00 |
| Concession - 9 weeks | A$80.00 |
| Concession - 5 weeks (pay another $40 later) | A$40.00 |