Kanata Branch Classes
Thursday Evenings, every two weeks
Thursday evenings every two weeks, beginning April 18
(April 18, May 2, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27)
7-8:15pm
at the Hazeldean Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata
Cost: $12 Free for monthly support members.
You can register in advance or at the door. Multi-class 4-class cards for $40 available at the door.
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 drop-in 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
Thursday April 18, 7-8:15pm - 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
Thursday May 2, 7-8:15pm
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.
Thursday May 16, 7-8:15pm
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.
Thursday May 30, 7-8:15pm
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.
Thursday June 13, 7-8:15pm
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.
Thursday June 27, 7-8:15pm
Learning to Accept
In this class we'll look at what patient acceptance is, the immense benefits it can bring us, and how to improve our practice of it. As we learn to accept our own difficult situations with a happy mind, we'll be better able to focus on helping others.
The teacher for this class is Kelsang Lamden, who has been practising and teaching Buddhist meditation for many years. Lamden enjoys giving her understanding and experience of meditation to others.
These classes will be held at the Hazeldean Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd. in Kanata. The class will be held in meeting room on the main level of the library. There is plenty of free parking available adjacent to the librar
Registration
Advanced pre-registration preferred but is also available at the door (cash, debit or credit).
Kanata Branch
As conscientious Dharma practitioners, we should observe our own shortcomings instead of being preoccupied with those of other people.