Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00pm
$10 per class, free for supporting members
NoHo Buddhist Meditation Class
Mind Training in Troubled Times, According to the Legendary Eight Verses of Training the Mind
It’s no secret that we are living in troubled times. Is it possible to be happy during such times? Yes, it is. In fact, if we want to be of benefit to ourselves and others, it is essential that we train in authentic happiness. For this express purpose, Buddha presented a special set of practices known as ‘training the mind”. These meditations are especially powerful in these spiritually challenging times. The heart of the practice is learning to transform adverse conditions into our spiritual training, responding to difficulties with a special wisdom and skill so that we let go of our self-centered, small-minded fearful mind. Instead, we open our heart with love and compassion and in this way learn to live confidently and fearlessly.
Based on the thousand year old famous Buddhist poem, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, this course, through talks and guided meditations, will take us on step-by-step journey to ever-expanding horizons and experiences of authentic, peaceful and stable happiness.
July 2: Mind Training for Troubled Times
July 9: Setting your Sights on Happiness
July 16: Why Loving Kindness is Essential
July 23: Deepening our Love
July 30: Eradicating the Ignorance of Self-importance
August 6: The Deepest Love
August 13: The World Needs Fearless Compassion
August 20: Wishing Love
August 27: Transforming Troubled Times
NEXT SERIES
Radical Acceptance and Compassion: How Training Our Minds Transforms Adversity
In times of difficulty, where do we look for the wisdom and insight we need to move forward peacefully, beneficially, and even happily?
If we look to the profound teachings offered in the thousand-year-old Buddhist poem, Eight Verses of Training the Mind by Geshe Langri Tangpa and the modern commentary offered by Geshe Kelang Gyatso in his beautiful book, Eight Steps to Happiness, we will find exactly what we need. By putting the words of these verses into practice, we will come to realize that far beyond merely ‘hanging in there’ and moving through adversity, we can actually transform all of life’s difficulties into fuel for spiritual growth and lasting happiness.
At first glance, the language of these verses may seem challenging. What these words are asking us to do is, in fact, pretty radical: accept any and all adversities in our lives as spiritual opportunities to move from a tight, self-centered perspective —which causes us pain— towards an expansive, compassionate view—which brings us profound peace and happiness. These practices push us to shift our mental habits. But training the mind is a lot like training the body (though even more rewarding!) It requires some effort but it feels great.
In this course, we’ll use this beautiful text as the basis for weekly meditations and discussions, helping us all to train together in this liberating and joyful transformation.
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!
CLASS LOCATION
MAP
OTHER GENERAL PROGRAM CLASSES OFFERED THIS WEEK

Williamsburg Kadampa Meditation Center Branch
Meditation and Buddhism classes
offered throughout the week
Everyone welcome

Upper West Side Buddhist Meditation Class
Monday General Program Class
7:00 – 8:15pm
with Justine Volesko

Freedom from Painful Emotions
Tuesday Morning General Program Class
11:15am – 12:45pm
with Kadam Morten

How to Let Go of Painful Emotions
Tuesday Night General Program Class
5:30 – 6:30pm
with Paige Polisner

Harlem Buddhist Meditation Class – Thursdays
Thursday General Program Class
6:30 – 7:45pm
with Alex Bonano

Riverdale Buddhist Meditation Class
Friday General Program Class
3:30 – 4:30pm
with Tracy Oshaughnessy

Harlem Buddhist Meditation Class – Sundays
Sunday General Program Class
10:00 – 11:15am
with Julie Stewart