Orléans Branch Classes
Wednesday Evenings with Gen Kelsang Thekchen
Drop-in Meditation Classes in Orléans:
Transforming Difficulties
into Inner Strength
with Gen Kelsang Thekchen
Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:45pm
at the Orléans Public Library,
1705 Orléans Boulevard
Cost: $15 per class, or $75 for the 6-class series
We are unable to accept $100 bills
TRANSFORMING DIFFICULTIES INTO INNER STRENGTH
Beginning Wednesday April 16
When we experience stress and tension in our lives, it’s easy to feel emotionally overwhelmed or powerless; but it doesn't have to be that way! All of us have inner reservoirs of peace, wisdom, and sanity waiting to be discovered. In particular, we can learn to roll with life’s punches and make peace with adversity. These are essential skills in a world where we cannot always control what happens, whether that’s with personal struggles or the uncertain times we live in. Our real power lies in how we respond and show up for others.
This series will explore powerful mind training techniques and meditations to help turn a difficult situation or person into an opportunity for spiritual growth, compassion and wisdom. Gen Thekchen will explain these methods based on the book “New Eight Steps to Happiness” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
“When things go wrong in our life and we encounter difficult situations, we tend to regard the situation itself as our problem, but in reality, whatever problems we experience come from the mind. If we were to respond to difficult situations with a positive and peaceful mind they would not be problems for us; indeed, we may even come to regard them as challenges or opportunities for growth and development. Problems arise only if we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind. Therefore, if we want to be happy all the time and to be free from problems, we must maintain and develop a peaceful mind.”- From: "How to Transform Your Life"
These classes include two guided meditations and an uplifting talk. After each class there is time for Q&A.
Each class is self-contained, so you are welcome to join at any time. No previous experience with meditation is necessary. You don’t need to bring anything with you, and the meditation is conducted on chairs (though you are welcome to bring a cushion if you prefer).
Everybody is welcome!
CLASS SCHEDULE
Wednesday evenings, from 6:30 to 7:45pm
April 16 - What are our real problems and how to solve them
April 23 - The strength and courage of Patient Acceptance
April 30 - The wisdom of karma to understand our situation
May 7 - Using every situation to increase our compassion for others
May 14 - The healing practice of taking and giving
May 21 - The illusion-like nature of our difficulties
These classes are taught by Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen, who is a Kadampa Buddhist monk & senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition. He has been a Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 25 years. Gen Thekchen has taught widely in Canada and in the UK, and is now the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Ottawa. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a practical, profound and often humorous way, making them very accessible and easy to practise in everyday life.
To hear a sample of a teaching with Gen Thekchen, click on the arrow below.
As conscientious Dharma practitioners, we should observe our own shortcomings instead of being preoccupied with those of other people.