Way of the Bodhisattva
The Way of the Bodhisattva is a short series of classes that highlight the essential elements of the Buddhist path. They are presented in a non-academic and easy-to-understand style. For example, the class on, “Seclusion” looks at the Buddhist recommendations for living a monastic life from a contemporary viewpoint.
The Buddha’s teachings on living in seclusion can be understood and adhered to by living in a way that is disciplined, wholesome, and undistracted. One can make thoughtful choices about where to live, what kind of work to do, and who to associate with so that maintaining a Buddhist focus is supported. Not everyone can or wants to become a nun or a monk.
Buddhism is a philosophy that adapts to the times, conditions, and culture in which it is practiced. It has always been this way since the Buddha first presented the teachings in the 6th century. What hasn’t changed is the principle of following the “Middle Path” which emphasizes balance, moderation, and clarity in one’s approach to any spiritual practice or study.
A bodhisattva is a person who lives in the spirit of Buddhism’s bodhisattva vow, committing to put others before oneself, to give up one’s own well-being — even one’s own enlightenment — for the sake of others. - Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The Way of the Bodhisattva Recordings
In each of the following sessions, there is a discussion of an aspect of the Way of the Bodhisattva, concluding with a short meditation.
Precious Human Body
In this session, we cover the concepts of having a fortunate birth where one can encounter and study the teachings.
This session runs for about 30 minutes and the meditation about 15 minutes.
The Three Poisons
In this session, we discuss the three poisons which are the driving force that keeps us enthralled in a world of duality. The three poisons are Desire, Anger, and Ignorance. Together they blind us to our true nature which is often referred to as our “Basic Goodness”.
This session runs for about 30 minutes and the meditation about 15 minutes.
Seclusion
The topic of this session is Seclusion, exploring how seclusion is more than a physical withdrawal from the world. It is also the application of mindful attention to one’s mental, emotional, and outer ‘landscape’; and how we can use that attention to learn more about the nature of our Mind, as such.
This session runs for about 30 minutes and the meditation about 15 minutes
Mindfulness, Transition, and Death
This session covers three central themes of Buddhist thought, philosophy, and practice. Mindfulness, transition and death are three interrelated ideas within Buddhism. In this class, we consider them together as they all contribute to a deeper understanding, awareness, and practice of impermanence.
This session runs for about 30 minutes and the meditation about 15 minutes.
Recommended Meditations
Great Compassion Mantra - utilizes the ancient Buddhist mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum to invoke and make compassion available to all who need it.
Rose Meditation on Loving Kindness - This loving-kindness meditation is a wonderful opportunity for contacting the energy and presence of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Coming Age
Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation - this meditation introduces us to mind in its natural state which is spacious, open, and free.
