Mindfulness of the Buddha
A four-week course practicing from the Satipatthana Sutta
Four Mondays | Starts Mon 24 Nov | 7.15pm–9.30 pm | In person, book online
Led by Paramabodhi and Vimokshini
Mindfulness is a word we hear a lot these days -- but what were the Buddha's original teachings on mindfulness?
In this four-week course, we will learn and practice mindfulness from the words of the Buddha, inspired by the Satipatthana Sutta. This is one of the most influential meditation texts in Buddhism, and can support us to live with more embodied awareness, contentment and insight.
This course is for Mitras and Members of the Triratna Buddhist Order only.
Course Description
We will practice together week by week referring to the Satipatthana Sutta and the Buddha's direct teachings of Mindfulness. There will be an emphasis on mindfulness of the body in all its aspects. This includes mindfulness of mental states and consciousness. Over the course, we will complete a one-month period of sustained practice.
The course will be led by Paramabodhi (who has been practicing, contemplating, and teaching from this sutta for 40 years in the UK and the USA at various centres) and by Vimokshini. This is a special opportunity to deepen your practice from this Buddhist text with others.
Structure of the Course
Week 1 - Myth and Meaning
In this class we’ll explore the meaning of myth and how myths shape our life for good or ill.‘Myths are the preconscious pattern-makers of experience; sense-making stories that lie below or behind everyday consciousness. They take the form of underlying narratives that we conform to, find corroboration for, and (often unconsciously) live out. They are the metaphors we live by.’ We’ll be introducing the four myths, four approaches to the Buddha, to the unconditioned. The four myths consist of two pairs: active and receptive, inside
and outside. The Developmental and Discovery Myths are active myths. The Surrender and Emergence Myths are receptive myths. Development and Surrender imagine the unconditioned outside of ourselves. The Discovery and
Emergence Myth inside ourselves.
Is this course for me?
This course is for Mitras and Members of the Triratna Buddhist Order only.
Testimonials
Led by
Pricing
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.
