Mindful Living: Buddhist Studies and Meditation (Online)

MINDFUL LIVING

6-months Intensive Online Course in Buddhist Studies and Meditation
Mondays & Thursdays: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Date of Commencement: February 19, 2024
Course Fee: Rs. 6,500
Link to Register: https://forms.gle/qkcXjUU6u1ZjHszy5

This six-month course provides a comprehensive introduction to Buddhism, covering its foundational teachings, philosophy, meditation practices, ethical principles, and their application in contemporary life. Classes are designed to be interactive, engaging and reflective, fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhist concepts and their practical relevance in daily life.
Every class will incorporate guided meditation on mindfulness as a regular component.

Course Overview—

Introduction to Buddhism
Overview of Siddhartha Gautama’s life and the historical context of Buddhism.
Core teachings: The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, The Three Higher Trainings,
The Three Marks of Existence / Four Seals, The Four Immeasurables, The Four Brahma Viharas, The Six Paramitas, The Five Precepts, The Two Truths, Dependent Origination/ Emptiness/
The 12 links, Bodhichitta
The Three Jewels and Refuge
Understanding the significance of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Practicing the act of taking refuge in the Three Jewels
Buddhist Philosophy
Exploring the concepts of karma and rebirth
Introduction to the dependent origination and the concept of emptiness
Buddhist Practices
Overview of meditation in Buddhism.
Meditation on impermanence
Meditation on Death
Introduction to mindfulness meditation ( Shamatha ) and Insight meditation ( Vipassana) Wisdom & Compassion
Deepening meditation practice:
Samatha meditation.
Cultivating loving-kindness through Metta meditation.
Two main methods to cultivate bodhicitta
1. Seven cause and effect
2. Equalizing and exchanging self with others
The Eightfold Path
In-depth exploration of the Eightfold Path.
Practical applications of right understanding, intention, and mindfulness
Buddhist Ethics
Understanding the Five Precepts.
Examining the principles of Right Conduct in Buddhism
Buddhist Scriptures
Introduction to key Buddhist texts (e.g., Kalama Sutra, Heart Sutra, 37 practices)
Buddhist Schools and Traditions
Overview of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions.
Three vehicles, Three turnings of Dharma
The Mahayana Path (5 paths, 10 grounds), Outline of the Mahayana Path Unique features of Tibetan Buddhism
Mindfulness in Daily Life
Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Applying mindfulness principles to daily activities. Mindful communication and conflict resolution
Insight meditation
The role of investigation, Analysis and logic and Debate in Buddhism Brief introduction on the commentary on Valid Cognition Investigation into the nature of Self
Investigation into the nature of Emptiness
Closing Reflection and Integration
Reflecting on personal insights gained throughout the course. Integrating Buddhist principles into one’s life

Assessment:
Weekly reflections on key topics. Advice on study and practice
Short quizzes and discussions after each class.
Mid-term reflection paper on personal experiences and understanding

Final project:
Applying Buddhist teachings to a real-life situation

Studying Buddhism offers various advantages, including—
Mindfulness and Inner Peace:
Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness and meditation, providing tools to cultivate inner peace and tranquility in daily life.
Understanding Human Suffering:
Buddhist teachings address the nature of suffering, offering insights into its causes and ways to alleviate it.
Ethical Framework:
Buddhism provides a strong ethical foundation through principles like the Five Precepts, guiding practitioners toward compassionate and ethical living.
Personal Transformation:
The study of Buddhism encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and the development of qualities like compassion, wisdom, and patience.
Interconnectedness and Compassion:
Buddhist teachings highlight the interconnectedness of all beings, fostering a sense of compassion and empathy toward others.
Mind-Body Awareness:
Practices like mindfulness meditation enhance awareness of the mind-body connection, promoting overall well-being.
Coping with Impermanence:
Buddhism teaches acceptance of impermanence, helping individuals navigate life’s changes and challenges with equanimity.
Cultural Appreciation:
Studying Buddhism provides insights into diverse cultures and traditions, fostering appreciation for the rich history and art associated with Buddhism.
Philosophical Depth:
Buddhism offers profound philosophical insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self, stimulating intellectual exploration.
Global Perspective:
Buddhism’s global presence allows for a broader understanding of different perspectives and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
Resilience and Coping Skills:
Buddhist practices provide tools for building resilience, managing stress, and coping with life’s uncertainties.
Environmental Awareness:
Many Buddhist teachings promote environmental responsibility, encouraging a mindful and sustainable approach to the natural world.
Inclusivity:
Buddhism often embraces an inclusive approach, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds and beliefs to engage in its teachings.
Enhanced Emotional Intelligence:
The focus on mindfulness and self-awareness in Buddhism contributes to the development of emotional intelligence and greater emotional resilience.
Community and Support:
Engaging with Buddhist communities provides a supportive environment for shared learning, practice, and personal growth. 

About the Teacher—
Geshe Tenzin Lhabsum (GomChen) is an Indian monk from Mumbai who trained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Sutra and Tantra and got his Doctorate from the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharmsala and his Geshe degree from Drepung Gomang Monastery (Karnataka) on October 2021.
He used to be an electronics engineer and worked as a professional sound engineer for 11 years before giving up everything in 2004 and heading for the mountains of Dharmsala. There he spent three years studying the Tibetan language, after which he received his ordination from His Holiness The Dalai Lama and took up the 16-year study programme at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, studying Buddhist logic, philosophy, and epistemology.
Along with his studies, he spent the last 10 years of the programme teaching young monks English literature, science, and philosophy.
The Dalai Lama’s Office recognises him as the second non-Himalayan Indian and the first from Mumbai to complete the doctorate in Buddhist philosophy.

Medium of instruction: English
To register, please email us at info@buddhapada.in Or, Call or Whatsapp +91 8927243259
If you are unable to pay the fee, whether partially or totally, please let us know. You may still join the course.
Link to Register: https://forms.gle/qkcXjUU6u1ZjHszy5