Inside the chaos, build a temple of love. ~Rune Lazuli
A central habit of the mind is to focus on the negative, the one thing not done well, the not good enough, the disappointing interaction, the grievance. This contributes to low grade, chronic, self-created stress, to dukkha. The Buddha recommended that we learn to steer away from unwholesome mind states and cultivate wholesome ones.
We will focus on creative approaches to arousing the uplifting heart qualities of the brahmaviharas: friendliness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. These are available to us when the heart is not preoccupied with stress. We will explore how to bring these heart tones to life on and off the cushion, and how their presence impacts the present moment.
Program Format: This online program is designed with the householder in mind. Over one full week, two practice periods will ‘bookend’ each weekday, in the morning and in the evening, with a more expanded time for practice and reflection on the first evening and final morning. This leaves the weekday afternoons as a time to mindfully attend to the activities and commitments of a typical week. Throughout the week there will be brief dharma talks, guided meditations, and small and large group discussions. Come see what it is like to commit to practice in the middle of your life!
Participation Expectations: Participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. This strengthens the continuity of your own practice and the sense of togetherness as a community.
COST: By Donation
We are honored to offer this program free of charge. The teachers and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies depend on donations to continue our work. Please consider making a donation when you register to support our programming. You’ll find one dāna option on our registration page, and all dāna offered will be shared between the teachers and BCBS.
