The Wisdom of Compassion | Newcastle I Term Four

The Wisdom of Compassion

Term 4, The Six Paramitas, 6 Sessions between 14th October and 18th November, 11:15am to 1:15pm.

In Person at Infuse Health, 4/10 William Street, Adamstown, 2289.

The Wisdom of Compassion presents key Buddhist teachings on the powerful logic of compassion and practical methods for developing a more kind relationship with ourselves, those around us and ultimately all beings.

Our innate capacity for empathy is the source of the very best of human qualities : love, kindness, generosity, warm-heartedness, courage … compassion. Although we are born with a vast capacity to love, we may not know how to do so unconditionally, or how to express that love in practice.

When our heart and mind are filled with love, we find the greatest inner healing, tranquillity and well-being. Modern research shows that with empathy and compassion we can be more fully ourselves, connect more easily with others, improve self worth and reduce self-criticism, and lead healthier lives.

Term 4

In this Fourth term of the Wisdom of Compassion class we will continue discovering the Six Paramitas. The Buddha described these ways of both practicing compassion and embedding it in our every action. They are called also the transcendent perfections – Generosity, Discipline, Patience, Diligence, Meditation and Wisdom.

Much as we may wish to be kind, caring and loving, often this may be difficult for us in practice. As we move from wishing to be more compassionate to grappling with how we put this into action, the Buddhist teachings include these six tools or paramitas in a how-to guide:

1. Generosity: cultivating the attitude of generosity.

2. Discipline: refraining from harm.

3. Patience: not being perturbed by anything.

4. Diligence: finding joy in what is virtuous, positive or wholesome.

5. Meditative concentration: not being distracted.

6. Wisdom: the perfect discrimination of all knowable things.

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.

Cost: Six sessions: Full $120, Concession $60.

Eliligibility: This term is open to those who are familiar with the Buddhist compassion teachings.

If you are experiencing financial hardship please email us at newcastle@rigpa.org.au to request a further concession.

FREE for Rigpa members/subscribers. Please email newcastle@rigpa.org.au to request the discount code.