Module: The Spiritual Path

The first declaration that the Buddha made at the time of his enlightenment was: "Profound peace, free of complexity, natural simplicity, uncompounded luminosity." This module examines what enlightenment is and explores the practical training of the Tibetan Buddhist Dzogchen Path in terms of View, Meditation and Action. To see directly the absolute state, the Ground of our being, is the View; the way of stabilizing that View and making it an unbroken experience is Meditation; and integrating the View into our entire reality, and life, is what is meant by Action.

This course takes participants on an experiential journey through The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, giving you a taste of its major themes and their practical implications. Suitable for people of any religion or of none, the course encourages you to reflect on the Buddhist teachings, to see what makes sense to you and to experiment with applying these teachings in your daily life.

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is widely regarded as one of the most complete and authoritative presentations of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings. A manual for life and death and a source of sacred inspiration from the heart of the Tibetan tradition, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the practice of meditation, to the nature of mind, to karma and rebirth, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path. The teachings, meditation and contemplations from this authentic tradition reveal how each of us can live a more meaningful, connected and fulfilling life.

This course is led by Western meditation instructors with many years of experience, each session consists of:

• Video teachings from Tibetan and Western Buddhist masters including Sogyal Rinpoche, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Pema Chödrön and Sharon Salzberg.
• Meditation practice
• Time for contemplation
• Group discussions and Q&A, offering each student the opportunity to explore the teachings and practices in an open supportive environment and to connect with a community of practitioners.