"One who sees dependent origination,” declares the Buddha, “sees the Dharma; one who sees the Dharma sees dependent origination." Dependent origination (paticca samuppada), the profound insight into conditionality that illuminated the Buddha's awakening under the Bodhi tree, is at the heart of the Buddhist path.
This 6-week course explores how to work with dependent origination not just intellectually, but experientially, as a direct path to liberation. We'll begin with the fundamental principle of conditionality—that every moment of experience arises based on conditions. Using the metaphor of a garden, we'll explore how we can cultivate conditions for awakening rather than simply reacting to passing experiences.
Together, we'll investigate the Four Noble Truths as an expression of this principle, the dependently arisen nature of self, the 12 links of dependent origination, and finally, transcendent dependent origination—the Buddha's roadmap from suffering to nibbana, the unconditioned. Throughout, we'll focus on practical applications for transforming our contemporary lives with their unique challenges and opportunities.
Program Format: We will meet weekly for 90 minutes. Each session includes meditation, dharma talks, guided contemplations, and time for questions and discussion. Optional meditation assignments and journal prompts will help deepen your understanding between sessions.
Attendance and Participation: Weekly attendance is encouraged.
Experience Level: Suitable for practitioners of all levels, though some familiarity with basic Buddhist concepts is helpful.
Guest Teacher: devon hase (on Sept 9)
