Buddhist Meditation Study and Reflection Evenings
In Person and Online via Zoom
8.00pm – 9:30pm Tuesdays (in term time, please sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of this page to be kept up to date)
Topic: The Six Paramitas
This term we will be following the book, The Six Paramitas by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.
The Six Paramitas, or “transcendent perfections,” contain all the skills needed for taming the mind and opening the heart.
Paramita is a Sanskrit word. Para means “beyond” and “the further shore” and mita, means “that which has arrived.” So, broadly speaking, Pāramitā, means “that which has gone to the further shore.”
For beginners, “the further shore” seems very far away. We can feel overwhelmed before we even set out. But in this, the eighth book of the Lazy Lama series, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche helps us to understand how the path of the bodhisattva is possible for all of us.
In providing this wonderful bridge on the journey from here to the further shore, Rinpoche reveals the Six Paramitas as bodhicitta in action, rather than an unattainable state of perfection. Through his wisdom and great compassion, warm humour and unfailing patience, Rinpoche shows us how these profound teachings are essential to our lives, especially in these times of stress and great uncertainty.
“I think everything that we need to improve our world, our society and our humanity is in the Six Paramitas. These practices can make our lives good temporarily, as well as bringing lasting peace and happiness.
This is an approach based on compassion, on wishing to help not only myself, but all of us together. The attitude is not “I and you,” but “me and we.” Someone who has the courage or heart for this approach is called a Bodhisattva; and this awakening is not only of yourself, but of everybody.”
It’s recommended that you purchase the book from the Centre’s bookshop as we have a number of copies available, otherwise you can order a copy here, to help you follow along and get the most out of our exploration of this teaching together.
However, you are also most welcome to join in when you can, take away what makes sense and is useful and meaningful to you and leave aside what is less so.
Other than our regular group facilitator, Cesare, we also have visiting teachers throughout the year, so please check our event page for updates, thank you.
Who is it for?
These meetings are open to all people who are new or who are familiar with Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. On the first Tuesday of the month we will spend a little more time explaining the Buddhist perspective on life and the meaning of the Refuge Prayer we begin our sessions with, but everyone is welcome at any of our meetings and you can begin anytime. The group is made up of the participants, so active engagement, questions, reflections and discussion are welcome, however, if you prefer to just sit back, listen, reflect and take it in, then that is perfectly okay too.
There are comfortable chairs and meditation cushions available and refreshments are provided.
Please scroll down for the in-person venue details.
Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89795662518?pwd=VW9GVC9pTjExZ0gwTzhoVmJJWlZqdz09
Meeting ID: 897 9566 2518
Password: 700887
