Digital Dharma
A Buddhist Approach to Technology
Six Tuesdays | Starts Tue 4 Nov | 7.15–9.45pm | In person, book online
To experience the Buddhist vision of reality, we need to apply its teachings to the specific issues of our lives. Nowhere are the dynamics of craving and contentment, suffering and freedom, clearer to see than in our relationship to our phones and other devices.
Screens mediate nearly every aspect of our lives - they can provide wonderful opportunities but all too often lead us into a fog of confusion and negativity.
The Digital Dharma course uses ancient practices and modern tools to help us use technology more wisely, and to clear the way for a more meaningful life.
Course Description
This course uses our relationship to screens as a practical starting point from which to explore the Buddha’s teachings on the mind.
First we will cultivate awareness -- noticing what our tendencies are and how it feels to reach for distraction. Applying the teachings and practising meditation, we will explore our reactive patterns and discover a way to freedom.
Then, for a three-week period, we will experiment with an intentionally simpler lifestyle. In the space that opens up, we will rediscover how we really want to be spending our time -- and get a taste of the vast potential of human consciousness.
Structure of the Course
Week 1
Recognising the Reactive Mind
Week 2
Letting Go into Creativity
Week 3
Thinking for Yourself
Week 4
Communicating with Depth
Week 5
Acting in Accordance with Value
Week 6
For the Benefit of All
Is this course for me?
If you're a human being with a smartphone, you'll get something from the course! You don't need any prior experience of Buddhism or meditation to join. If you do have more experience, then you'll explore the teachings from a new perspective and deepen your understanding while addressing a common challenge to practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get the most from the course?
Here are some top tips for taking part:
Come every week – whether you feel like it or not. If you look for motivation before you do something, you reverse your motivation; mostly you only want to do something when you’re actually doing it.
Come early – so you can lie down in the shrine room and have a nap, you probably need it and you’ll get more from the class if you do.
Do your ‘home practice’ every day – then each week you’ll be in a small group to check in about how that went.
What if I can’t make every session?
Do sign-up even if you know you can’t make every session, as you will be able to catch-up from the weekly emails.
If you are going to miss a class – email the home group leader so we know and can let others know. And do come back the following week. Don’t feel guilty for not having attended, just come back and start again.
How to take part if I bought the online element?
You will receive a welcome email with a zoom link and all the details. Part of the evening will include break-out groups – you will be with the same group of people each week.
