Riverdale Buddhist Meditation Class

Imagine being happy on a crowded subway, being happy while on line in the post-office or being happy when you are caught in traffic. When asked what we want most in the world, the majority of people will say “I just want to be happy, BUT….” If this is our sincere wish what is getting in our way? Turns out it is our own thoughts because when our mind is calm and peaceful we can learn to be calm and peaceful and happy regardless of the circumstances. While this view of course is a training, Buddha taught the methods to accomplish this radical way of thinking. If I can learn to change my mind I can change the world that appears to that mind.

Geshe Kelsang astutely observed that while there has been and continues to be so much material “progress” in this world there has not been the corresponding increase in human happiness. There is no less suffering and no fewer problems. There may if fact be even more suffering and greater unhappiness. Increasing control of our external world does not solve human problems and does not provide the corresponding increase in happiness. Since happiness and suffering are part of the mind their causes can not be found outside the mind. If we want to be truly happy we have to improve our understanding of our mind.

In this series we will explore these ideas through an exploration of Buddhas teachings, Geshe Kelsang’s commentaries and meditation. Come along and learn where true, lasting happiness can be found, how to cultivate that happiness, and how to experience a happy and peaceful mind all the time.