The Radical Power of Kindness | Mondays 1 - 22 July
Can we learn how to transform our lives through kindness?
The Buddha taught a special meditation on kindness, and said: "Think of every living thing without exception: the weak and the strong, from the smallest to the largest, whether you can see them or not, living nearby or far away, beings living now or yet to arise - may all beings become happy in their heart of hearts!" *
Sounds great, but how do you make kindness real and practical without becoming a doormat? Kindness is in short supply. Rather than demanding it from others, let's learn its power in ourselves. In this course in basic Buddhism and meditation, open to all, we will use meditation to establish roots of loving-kindness, and learn how it can infuse our daily lives with a joyful engagement with the world.
We’ll be exploring the transformative power of kindness - on our experience and crucially in our relationships with other people. Why is kindness (metta) so central in Buddhism, and how does it connect with compassion? How did the Buddha teach kindness meditation? How can we grow our own kind response, and understand what gets in the way?
Cost £50 / £40 conc / £25 aged18-26
[concessions policy is here - if you are eligible for a concession, after you click the booking button, click 'Redeem Coupon' button and enter CONC-40 or UNDER26
What to expect?
Each evening, we will explore aspects of kindness that you’ll be putting into practice over the following week – from day-to-day friendliness, to the freedom of going beyond egotism. Over the four weeks of the course you will receive a thorough grounding in the Metta Bhavana meditation practise and share in small groups how we’re getting on with applying kindness to our life.
Structure of the Course:
Week 1: The Meaning of Love
Introduction to the Buddha’s teaching of of Metta (Loving-Kindness) as an ardent good will, ecstatic energy, a rational emotion and a sublime abiding.
Week 2: In the shadow of love
Why do we hate? How do we respond to everyday situations with love? How can we explore ‘the enemy within’? What’s the difference between metta and everyday feelings of love?
Week 3: The lifestyle of kindness
Exploring the ethical foundations of metta using the Buddha’s teachings within the world famous Karaniya Metta Sutta. An exhortation to be upright, straightforward, capable, contented, modest, discreet and to make the most of connecting with wise, spiritual friends.
Week 4: Metta as a deep insight into reality
Exploring the four immeasurables, how kindness can change the world around us while leading us all the way to enlightenment and ultimate wisdom.
* The Karaniya Metta Sutta