Class 1 – Monday, May 17, 2021

How do we get enlightened? Why wouldn’t we? Gampopa explains different kinds of potential for enlightenment, and the features of how exactly a precious human existence is the fertile ground for awakening. With this cause and basis for enlightenment, we look at what a practitioner needs next: a guide. What are the reasons for having a mentor, and what’s the nature of this relationship?.

Class 2 – Monday, May 24, 2021

We review Gampopa’s (and our) perspective on some of the most fundamental aspects of our path: the nature of karma, the importance of loving kindness and compassion, and the essential nature of proper refuge. What do these look like in our practice and in our daily lives? We also explore bodhicitta, the innate potential of a human being to awaken. Sometimes it’s called the desire to awaken: how can we cultivate this? Lastly, what is the Bodhisattva Vow, and how do we practice it?

Class 3 – Monday, May 31, 2021

The meditations on the Paramita—Six Perfections or Buddhist Virtues—are easily summarized, but their practice involves a lifetime of living each one more deeply. We look at Gampopa’s descriptions of each Parami (translated here as generosity, right conduct, forbearance, diligence, meditation, and wisdom), and describe how we can practice them meaningfully in our contemporary lives. This helps us to both awaken further and benefit all beings more.

Class 4 – Monday, June 7, 2021

Our spiritual paths have different phases: what are they and how do we recognize the road signs? Since we’re practicing the bodhisattva path, we’ll enrich our experience by getting to know its 10 levels, and what lies beyond those: Buddhahood. How does a Buddha show up in the universe, in the different realms? As practitioners we make efforts to benefit all beings; how do Buddhas do it?