A Four-Week Series of Buddhist Meditation and Practical Wisdom

What if a happier life depends less on changing what is happening around us and more on changing the way we experience it?

Buddha taught that our experience of life is deeply connected to our state of mind. By learning to understand our mind, we can gradually let go of unhelpful ways of thinking and develop the positive qualities that naturally lead to greater peace, happiness and resilience.

In this four-week series, we will explore practical teachings and meditations that we can use in everyday life. By trying these methods for ourselves, we can discover how changing our mind can change our experience. Even life’s difficulties can become opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

September 7: The Mind Creates Your Experience

September 14: Everything Can Change

September 21: Becoming the Person You Want to Be

September 28: No In-person Class this evening, but, instead, some guidance from Todd:

There won’t be an in-person class this week, but we invite you to continue exploring some of the ideas we’ve been looking at together over the past few weeks.

Before listening to the teaching below, take a few minutes to settle your mind. You can simply do a breathing meditation on your own, or choose a short breathing meditation from the Kadampa app.

Allow your attention to rest on the sensation of the breath. When thoughts arise, there’s no need to stop them or push them away. Simply let them go and gently return your attention to the breath.

When you feel settled, listen to the Living Clarity teaching below with Kadam Morten by clicking the link:

The Nature of Your Mind Is Extraordinary

After listening, spend a few minutes meditating on the nature of your own mind.

Meditation

Begin by allowing your mind to settle again.

Then gradually leave the breath and turn your attention toward the mind itself.

Rather than focusing on what you are thinking about, ask:

What is the mind that is experiencing these thoughts?

A thought may arise. A feeling, memory or sensation may appear. Don’t follow the story. Simply notice it and allow it to pass.

And when it passes, what remains?

There is still awareness.

Rather than searching intellectually for the mind or trying to work out where it is, simply become aware of its clear, knowing quality.

Gradually allow your attention to rest on:

The peaceful clarity of my own mind.

For the remainder of the meditation, simply rest in the peaceful clarity of your own mind.