Orleans Branch Classes
Wednesday Evenings with Gen Thekchen
at the Orléans Public Library, 1705 Orléans Boulevard
Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:45pm
(please note the new class time beginning Feb. 21)
Keys to a Happy Heart
This series of self-contained classes will highlight the essential meditations on developing love, patience and peace based on the book “New 8 Steps to Happiness” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. This wonderful book offers many methods to keep a peaceful mind in the face of difficulty. As the great Kadampa masters used to say “To live a meaningful life is very simple: harm your delusions as much as possible and benefit others as much as possible. This series of classes will explore these two essential practices.
Each class includes 2 guided meditations and a teaching. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. You can attend any or all of these great classes - each class is self-contained.
This series is also a wonderful preparation for the Foundation Program which will be studying this book in detail, Thursdays beginning May 9th.
Class Schedule
Wednesday March 27 - Introduction
Understanding the Nature of Happiness:
We will explore the concept of happiness from a Buddhist perspective, moving beyond fleeting pleasures to discover a deeper, more meaningful and more profound sense of well-being rooted in inner peace, contentment and an ability to benefit others
Wednesday April 3
Feeling Connected with others:
Cherishing others arises from the recognition of our interconnectedness with all beings. We will explore the interconnected web of existence and how our actions impact the well-being of others, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for all sentient beings.
Wednesday April 10
Cultivating Loving-Kindness:
We will delve into practices for cultivating loving-kindness towards ourselves and others. Through meditation and contemplation, we will develop a warm and open-hearted attitude towards all beings, fostering deeper connections and genuine care.
Wednesday April 17
No class - Library is closed
Wednesday April 24
Accepting our Imperfections
Understanding the Nature of Faults: We will explore the concept of faults from a Buddhist perspective, understanding how they arise and their impact on our well-being and spiritual growth. Through self-examination, we will learn to identify and acknowledge our own faults with honesty and humility. We will learn to embrace our imperfections as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Wednesday May 1
Breaking Free from Judgment
Challenge the habit of passing judgment and embracing a more compassionate and understanding perspective. We will also learn how to appreciate the challenges others present us with in daily life.
These classes are taught by Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen, who is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition. He has been a Kadampa Buddhist monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 25 years. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
Watch Gen Thekchen teaching a Tuesday class at KMC Ottawa in the Youtube video below.
Orleans Wednesdays
As conscientious Dharma practitioners, we should observe our own shortcomings instead of being preoccupied with those of other people.