Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00pm

NoHo Buddhist Meditation Class

Becoming A Friend to the World Training in the Six Perfections —The Way of the Bodhisattva

$10 per class, free for supporting members

As we experience turbulent and uncertain times in our troubled world, we naturally wonder—with compassion—what we can do to help. What the world needs now is (as ever) love—especially the transformative love of a devoted, powerful friend. So how do we become the kind of friend our world really needs?

One of the most cherished notions in all of Buddhism is the Bodhisattva ideal, someone who is determined to be of maximum benefit to as many living beings as possible. And how many is that? All of them! The vision is a big one, and even if, initially, we merely take on the role of Bodhisattva-in-training, we can still accomplish amazing things in our world.

The path to becoming a Bodhisattva is called ‘The Six Perfections,” six beneficial minds we can train in so they become deeply familiar, go-to habits of mind as well as body and speech. When we train in the Six Perfections, the Bodhisattva’s way of life can become our own and we can experience a greater sense of connection, meaning, and joy.

Please note that, due to a venue event, there will be no class on October 16th; this series will begin on October 23rd.

October 23 : Nurturing a Giving Heart
October 30: Kindness, the Bodhisattva’s Code
November 6: The Power of Patient Acceptance
November 13: Cultivating Joyful Energy & Confidence
November 20: Concentration and The Wisdom Path
November 27: No Class, Thanksgiving Eve

NEXT SERIES

Being a Bodhisattva for the Holidays

Training in the Six Perfections—The Way of the Bodhisattva

Whatever holiday traditions we observe, if any, the final weeks of each year can be challenging. We may be facing year-end work demands, disappointment in the that’s passed or anxiety about the year to come, difficult family dynamics, loneliness, or even the stress of travel and celebrations that are supposed to be fun but leave us feeling unfulfilled or even tapped-out.

It seems like we could all use some tools for navigating the season with more actual comfort and joy.

While we can’t do much to change the conditions around seemingly external sources of stress, we can change how we approach this time of year—or, rather, who we are we enter this season.

When we identify ourselves as a Bodhisattva—one who is going for enlightenment out of a compassionate wish to benefit all livings beings—we can do so much more than merely cope with the holidays. We can transform every challenge into a meaningful spiritual opportunity and head into the new year with a fresh sense of possibility.

December 4: Beyond Gifting, Giving from the Heart
December 11: Practicing Kindness and Patient Acceptance
December 18: Cultivating Joyful Energy, Focus, and Wisdom

DETAILS

Please note: The entrance to the Sheen Center is on Elizabeth Street
Our general program classes include Dharma teachings along with guided meditations
These classes are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditation practitioners
General meditation classes are given as a series, but can also be taken individually
No special clothing is required
No pre-registration is necessary
Chairs are supplied
Everyone welcome!