Module 2 - IMPERMANENCE, REFLECTION AND CHANGE
Join us as we take you an experiential journey through The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Discover a deep and universal wisdom explored in the major themes of the book, and learn about their practical implications for living well. Suitable for people of any religion or of none, this course encourages you to reflect on the Buddhist teachings, to see what makes sense to you and to experiment with applying these teachings in your daily life.
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is widely regarded as one of the most complete and authoritative presentations of Tibetan Buddhism. A manual for life and death and a source of sacred inspiration from the heart of the Tibetan tradition, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the practice of meditation, to the nature of mind, to karma and rebirth, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path. The teachings, meditation and contemplations from this authentic tradition reveal how each of us can live a more meaningful, connected and fulfilling life.
When we deeply analyse things, we will notice that everything that comes into being will die. Each moment is gone already before we can get hold of it.
Meditating on death arouses a feeling of urgency – it is certain that we will die but the time of our death is uncertain.
Impermanence – everything is impermanent, everything that comes together will separate, everything that is born will die. Everything appears, changes, and disappears (like clouds).
If everything changes and is in a constant state of flux, what is the point of grasping? Reflecting on impermanence can inspire us to let go and focus on the present moment; the past is gone, and the future has not risen yet.
Interdependence – everything is inter-related like a net of infinitely faceted jewels.
Everything arises due to a multitude of causes and conditions . Everything is connected and dependent on each other .
Nothing exists intrinsically or from its own side. So, again it is futile to grasp .
Shunyata (emptiness) means things are empty of intrinsic characteristics .
Shunyata is “openness” and conveys a sense of unlimited possibility for things to appear, change or disappear.
An understanding of shunyata helps us to see what, if anything, we are projecting onto the situation and helps us to be more open and spacious, free from grasping onto a solid, fixed and often mistaken view of how things exist.
Shunyata is “inconceivable” but can be known through experience.
When we transform the mind , we transform our perception and hence our experience of life. Meditation practice is key to this .
One can come to realise the deathless nature of mind .
The path is progressive: impermanence leads to an understanding of interdependency which leads to shunyata which leads to the nature of mind . It is important to build a good foundation based on progressive study, contemplation and reflection, and application of the teachings in our life.
Led by Western meditation instructors with many years of experience, each session consists of:
- Video teachings from Tibetan and Western Buddhist masters including Sogyal Rinpoche, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Pema Chödrön and Sharon Salzberg.
- Meditation practice
- Time for contemplation
- Group discussions and Q&A, offering you the opportunity to explore the teachings and practices in an open supportive environment.
Details
Where: Rigpa Melbourne, 803 Nicholson St, Carlton North
When: Monday evenings, for five weeks, starting 5 February
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Australian Eastern Time
(8.30am Central European Time; 2.30am US East Coast Time)
Five sessions: Full $100, Concession $50, Under 25's $25.00
This is the first module of a year-long course made up of 5-week long modules.
Cost:
5-week module: Full $100, Concession $50, Under 25's A$25.00
If you are experiencing financial hardship please email us at melbourne@rigpa.org.au to request a further concession.
FREE for Rigpa members/subscribers. Please email melbourne@rigpa.org.au to request the discount code.
Certificates of Attendance are available on request and may be suitable for Ongoing Professional Development.
Carlton North, VIC 3054
Australia
| Course Fee(s) | |
| 10 weeks | A$200.00 |
| 10 weeks (concession) | A$100.00 |
| 10 weeks (under 25's) | A$50.00 |