Buddhism and Meditation: The essentials, a four-week Course for English speaking people

The Buddha held up a radical vision for existence. But how do we work towards it, how do we live it out? This short course will give you an overview of Buddhist ideas and symbols – and two meditation practices that cultivate self-awareness, open-heartedness and insight. With both a grounding in the tradition, and practical tools for applying its wisdom to modern life, this course is a great way to get on the road towards a life of ever-unfolding meaning.

All sessions taught in English.

The sessions will cover:

Week one
The ‘mindfulness of breathing’ meditation (1). Start to get to know your mind, and move towards more awareness, absorption and aliveness.
The Buddha (1): the human being who achieved liberation from suffering. ‘Going Forth’ from the palace and striving after truth.

Week two
The ‘mindfulness of breathing’ meditation (2). Uncover a deeper awareness of your life and your mind.
The Buddha (2): what is Enlightenment? History versus myth; the reactive and creative minds.

Week three
The metta bhavana (1): the meditation on universal loving-kindness. Overcoming hatred and indifference; opening the heart.
The key teaching: the famous law of karma. Actions & consequences; how to go beyond conforming and rebelling.

Week four
The metta bhavana (2): love as a form of wisdom. Not just being a ‘nice person’, but seeing things – and people – as they really are.
Friendship on the Path: the importance of ‘Sangha’, or spiritual community. We don’t have to do it alone!

Prajnamanas lives, works and teaches at the London Buddhist Centre in England, and is teaching this course on a short visit to Mexico City. He has been practising meditation and Buddhism since 2011, and a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order since 2017.