Understanding the Nature of the Mind

Jan 9 - 30
Time: 11am – 12:30pm
Cost: $15 per class or $48 for the series

We should know that in recent years our understanding and control of the external world have increased considerably and as a result we have witnessed remarkable material progress, but there has not been a corresponding increase in human happiness. There is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. Indeed, it might be said that there are now more problems and greater unhappiness than ever before. This shows that the cause of happiness and the solution to our problems do not lie in knowledge or control of the external world. Happiness and suffering are feelings – parts of our mind – and so their main causes are not to be found outside the mind. If we really want to be truly happy and free from suffering we must improve our understanding of the mind.

What is the mind? How does it function?

These are important questions in understanding the mind.

Buddha taught that the mind has the power to create all pleasant and unpleasant objects. What does this mean? How does our mind work to lead us to experience happiness or suffering?

In this series, with Buddhist nun Kelsang Khacho, we will explore the nature and function of the mind through listening, contemplating and meditating on Buddha's teachings as presented by Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in his books ‘How to Understand the Mind’ and 'Mahamudra Tantra'.

Jan 9: What is the nature & function of the mind?
Jan 16: The different levels of mind
Jan 23: The Power of the mind
Jan 30: Meditating on the mind itself

Each class will include two guided meditations and an opportunity for questions and refreshments.