Meditation classes for everyone with Kadampa Buddhist teacher Ann Gerhardt and modern Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Norbu

Sundays, 10:30-11:30am, August 16 - October 11

“In his Dharma teachings, Buddha advises us not to seek happiness outside ourself, but to establish it within our mind.” - Introduction to Buddhism, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

We all want to be happy all the time, but we normally seek happiness outside ourself. No matter how much we seek happiness outside ourself, we will never find real, lasting happiness, because happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind. Therefore, the only way to find real, lasting happiness is to establish it within our mind.

How do we establish happiness within our mind? To do this, we have to develop and maintain a peaceful mind. This is the main purpose of meditation and the Buddhist way of life.

In these introductory classes, Ann and Gen Norbu will introduce the basic foundations of the Buddhist way of life, including teachings on the mind, reincarnation, karma, and of course meditation. Start at the beginning of the series if you can, but if you miss the beginning then start when you are able.

Recommended reading: Introduction to Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Available in our shop, or download here - Introduction to Buddhism

August 16 - Following an Enlightened Example: Who was Buddha?

August 23 - Inner Problems, Inner Solutions: Understanding the Mind with Gen Norbu

August 30 - Understanding Reincarnation: Past and Future Lives

September 6 - No Class: Labor Day weekend

September 13 - How to Change Our Feelings: What is Karma?

September 20 - Appreciating Our Spiritual Opportunity: Our Precious Human Life with Gen Norbu

September 27 - Calming the Mind, Reducing Distractions: What is Meditation?

October 4 - Opening the Door to the Spiritual Path: Meditation on Death

October 11 - Real Protection from Suffering: The Buddhist Way of Life