Foundational Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths (in-person)
with Lynele Jones & Reed Bye
Foundational Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths
with Lynele Jones & Reed Bye
Boulder Shambala Center (in-person)
5 Tuesday evenings 6pm to 7:30pm Mountain Time
November 19th - December 17th
REGISTER HERE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: If you are in need of financial assistance or you have any questions about payment, please contact Colin Stubbert at [email protected]. We will NOT turn anyone away for lack of funds.
“The first noble truth, the truth of suffering, is a necessary and quite delightful topic. The truth of suffering is very true and very frank, quite painfully so – and surprisingly, it is quite humorous. In order for us to understand who we are and what we are doing with ourselves, it is absolutely necessary for us to realize how we torture ourselves.” (Chogyam Trungpa in The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation, p.
14)
The Four Noble Truths are the first teachings the Buddha gave after his enlightenment. They are studied and contemplated in all schools of Buddhism, providing a framework for understanding the true nature of suffering and the path to liberation from suffering.
The five-session class will consist of meditation, contemplation, dharma talks, and discussion, with a focus on how we can apply these teachings in daily life and on the meditation cushion.
- The 1st noble truth leads us to examine the many coarse and subtle shades of the suffering that all beings experience - such as pain, anxiety, frustration, uneasiness, etc.
- The 2nd truth helps us to investigate the makeup and psychology of suffering and to understand its causes -– fundamental ignorance and desire.
- Having gained some understanding of the nature of suffering, the 3rd truth presents the possibility that we might transcend it.
- The 4th truth describes approaches we can follow to let go of suffering, known as the Eightfold Path, wherein we proceed “with awareness that relates with life constantly, directly, and very simply.” (Chogyam Trungpa in The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation, p. 117)
REGISTER HERE
This is a basic Buddhist class that is for anyone, whatever level of experience you have of meditation or Buddhist study. It can be excellent preparation to help us make best use of the weeklong group sitting (“Buddhist weekthun”) that begins the week after the class ends.
The book The Truth of Suffering by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche is highly encouraged for students, but not mandatory. If you would like to order a copy of the book, see the link below.
The Truth of Suffering by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche