GP Program Titles 2004-05

1. Bringing Joy into Your Everyday Lives, Sep 9-30. 4 weeks

This course examines how to develop the qualities of mind that enable us to engage tirelessly and joyfully in whatever we choose to do, and use determination and resolution to achieve whatever we want to achieve. In this way we can develop the self-confidence to enjoy every moment of our life, confidently attaining whatever spiritual goal we aim for.

2. Dealing with Desire and Attraction, Love and Attachment Oct 7-21, & Nov 4. 4 weeks

This course examines the psychological basis of our desires, and considers how they turn into problems for us. It considers how we can distinguish between genuine love that leadsto happiness and freedom, and the attachment and obsessive behavior that leads to unhappiness and problems. It describes simple meditation methods that anyone can use to emphasize and develop genuine love for others, and abandon painful attachments whether from the past or in the present.

3. Learn How to Cherish Others and Overcome all Your Problems Nov 11-18 & Dec 2-16. 5 weeks

This course examines how thinking and acting upon the radical view that the welfare of other people is important, can solve not just some, but all of our problems. It containsguided meditations that enable us to cultivate loving caring minds that will in turn free us from the pains of frustration, irritation, anger and dissatisfaction that pervade our ordinary everyday existence and destroy our happiness. Buddha said …. “For happiness, cherish others.”

4. The Four Noble Truths Jan 13-27. 3 weeks

This course is based on the forthcoming text by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. “Solving Our Human Problems” It examines Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths, and shows how they are as relevant today as they were 2500 years ago.

5. Solving Your Anger Problem Feb 3-17. 3 weeks

This course is based on the forthcoming text by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, “Solving Our Human Problems”. The teachings consider the many different skills and ways of thinking we can use to completely eradicate our anger problem.

6. How to Change Your Experiences, Your Impulsive Behavior and Your External Environment. Mar 3-24. 4 weeks

This course examines the general nature of the relationships between our own actions: our thoughts, and the things we say and do, and our experiences: how others relate to us, what they say and do to us. It shows how if we can gain control over our own mind, speech and behavior, we can improve the way others relate to us, stop our negative tendencies that cause harm to ourselves and others, and create a more positive environment conducive to happiness.

7.Mental Tools for Transforming Your Everyday Life. Mar 31-Apr 21. 4 weeks

Our normal daily life often seems beset with problems and difficulties from the moment we waken to the moment when we fall into a restless sleep. We can seem powerless to effect change in our circumstances. However we can learn how to use each situation to our advantage, so that we can remain calm and peaceful throughout each day, and rest while we are sleeping. In this way we can create peace within our own mind no matter what appears to be happening outside.

8. Bringing Meditation into Your Life: How to Create a Daily Meditation Practice that Leads to Freedom and Happiness May 5-12 2 weeks

This course shows how to prepare for a life-long meditation practice. It includes instructions on how to sit in meditation, how to meditate, and what types of meditations to practice. It shows how to apply mindfulness in daily life to overcome our negative habits that create problems for ourselves and others.

9. Sutra Mahamudra  May 26-Jun 16. 4 weeks

Buddha’s final teaching is the essence of all Buddha’s wisdom. Here you will learn a way of thinking about all things animate and inanimate that will enable you to see everything more clearly without the distorting spectacles of our normal false preconceptions.

“All functioning objects are impermanent. Contaminated phenomena are the nature of suffering. Only Nirvana is peace. All phenomena are selfless.”

33 weeks

The donation for each class is $8, or $40 for 6 classes.

This series is an introductory level program for everyone that shows you how you can develop a calm, peaceful and beautiful mind and how you can maintain this even under the most difficult circumstances.

You don't have to be a Buddhist or have the intention to become a Buddhist to benefit, and you can attend all or just some of the classes.

The classes explain fundamental Buddhist philosophy and psychology, and show how through meditation and mindfulness in daily life, Buddha's teachings can bring lasting benefit and peace to anyone. They provide answers to the most fundamental questions about the nature of our human lexistence. Each class includes instruction on meditation, teaching and discussion.

The series shows you how to deal with the ordinary problems that beset our human life, and how to make progress towards cultivating the highest authentic and spontaneous minds of compassion, altruism and wisdom, the true sources of lasting happiness and peace.

Classes are given by the Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Tilopa.