The Wheel of Life
Holding up a mirror to our minds
Starts Wed 15 Apr | 7.15–9.30pm | In person and online
Led by Suryagupta
A Practical Course in Mindfulness
Led by Maitreyabandhu, Amalashri and Jayada
Eight weeks | Starts Wed 4 Feb | 7.15–9.45pm | In person or online
We need a reliable map that shows us where human beings get caught and how we cause ourselves to suffer. And we need a map that shows us a better path – one that leads to self-knowledge, compassion, liberated energy, and wisdom.
The Wheel of Life, an ancient Buddhist symbol, offers just such a map. It shows how we get caught in patterns of suffering and how we can free ourselves from them. Over six weeks, Suryagupta, Chair of the LBC, will guide us through the different layers of the symbol, shedding light on the workings of the mind so that we can find new, more creative ways of living.
Course Description
Through the six weeks, Suryagupta will reveal different levels and layers of the wheel and show you how to look at your life and the world from the vast perspective that the wheel presents. This series is ideal if you would like to understand life better and have a greater connection with the ever present possibility of transformation that exists within the wheel of our lives.
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?
The course is especially suitable to those who are new to Buddhism and meditation and want to learn more in a systematic, joined-up way as well as for regulars who want to explore how to apply the Wheel to their everyday lives. It’s also a great opportunity to meet Suryagupta herself, the Chair of one of the largest Buddhist Centres in Europe.
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.
What if I can’t afford it?
If money is a barrier to you booking on a course, we would be happy to discuss other ways to help you book on. You can use the Low Income Rate or contact the bookings office:
bookings@lbc.org.uk02087099978(10am-5pm weekdays)
You can read more information about payments and cancellations on our Bookings Policy page here.
