Fall Meditation and Spiritual Practice Intensive

The Venerable ZaChoeje Rinpoche will be presenting teachings on meditation practice based on Chapter 8 of Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Written in the 8th century in India by the monk Shantideva, this timeless spiritual classic Mahayana text is an exceptionally practical guide to realizing enlightenment through the practice of the six perfections, or six virtuous activities. ZaChoeje Rinpoche will discuss the six perfections in detail over a 6 day continuous period.

Everyone is welcome regardless of what level of student you currently are. Meditation is one of the best ways to advance your experience of greater well, improve concentration, cultivate greater awarensss, clear obstacles from the mind and emotions, develop one’s positive qualities and increase joy.

In Chapter 8, Shantideva explains how to achieve meditative concentration. The practice of meditation is basic to the Buddhist path. Without a thorough examination of our mind and its habits, it is impossible to make change in our daily lives. With the motivation of achieving enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings — the motivation of the Bodhisattva — we engage in the practice of meditation to become familiar with our minds and free ourselves from habitual patterns and emotional afflictions.

Meditation is also important to achieving wisdom in the Mahayana tradition. Meditative concentration and stabilization are necessary to achieving a direct realization of the true nature of things. This type of realization does not come from the senses, but instead from the deep insight that comes during meditation.

With the incomparable guidance of Ven. ZaChoeje Rinpoche — a distinguished teacher that we are fortunate to have in our community — we will study and practice the perfection of meditation as given by Shantideva.

The Fall Meditation and Spiritual Practice Intensive schedule will begin October 9th, and have 9 consecutive sessions allowing the busy working person or house holder to attend easily:

* Fri Oct 9, 7–9 PM
* Sat & Sun Oct 10 & 11, 10–4
* Mon & Tues Oct 12 & 13, 7–9 PM
* Wed Oct 14, 8–10 PM

To register, please visit the Emaho Foundation website linked here.

For those that cannot attend, we offer several CD series on the same topics which are excellent for home study that will support you in gaining education on meditation, spiritual development and the cultivation of happiness. To learn and retreat on your own time and schedule, pick up a copy for your benefit. They are: Bodhisattva Mind by Pema Chodron. Another wonderful series is Living Wisdom by The Dalai Lama. And, finally Buddha Is As Buddha Does by Lama Surya Das.

Tags: A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, achieve meditative concentration, emaho foundation, Shantideva, six perfections, Zachoeje Rinpoche