CANCELLED:Chapter 8, A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: Meditation, with Geshe Tenley
A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, composed by the eighth century scholar Bodhisattva Shantideva, is widely admired for being an inspirational guide to cultivating the six perfections of a bodhisattva. Geshe Tenley has completed commentary on Chapter 7: Enthusiasm and now moves to Chapter 8: Meditation. Here Bodhisattva Shantideva outlines the hindrances to effective meditation, how to overcome them, and the substantial short and long-term benefits to be gained.
As transforming the mind from unhappy, unsatisfied, and unfulfilled states to those of infinite ease, happiness and peace requires a very specific set of skills, one must know the process by which this transformation happens, as well as become convinced of its benefits. Master Shantideva demonstrates how our fluctuating emotions create never-ending problems and can only be quelled through reining in our attachment to external sources of happiness, which ultimately never satisfy.
When the pursuit of ephemeral pleasures has been reduced, the mind can more easily turn towards developing single-pointed concentration. Although the ability to have a focused and concentrated mind is one step in achieving enduring happiness, single pointedness itself is not the goal, but used as a tool for increasing concern for others and diminishing self-interest. One of the most effective techniques for developing an altruistic intention is known as “equalizing and exchanging ourselves with others.”
Geshe Tenley will lead a brief meditation at the beginning of each class. At the completion of this series, we will study Chapter 9, which discusses how to enhance one’s attainment of bodhicitta by the complementary factor of special insight, or wisdom.
All are welcome to attend!
>> Additional reference material by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, recently published by Wisdom Publications: The Power of Meditation
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