Sangha Nights in May – the Heart of Buddhism
Practicing Dharma and Meditation in Community, Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm, in person
For the Dharma to truly change us, we need to engage the heart, not just the head. As Sangharakshita has said, “The central problem of the spiritual life is to find emotional equivalents for our intellectual understanding.”
We may understand the Dharma intellectually — impermanence, compassion, emptiness — but unless those truths are felt deeply in the heart, unless they begin to reshape our emotional responses, they don’t really transform us.
Continuing our theme of “The Buddha,” over the next few months we will explore the Buddha’s teachings — and his embodiment — of the Brahma Viharas: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. We will include related topics such as Tonglen and Care for the World.
Far from being sentimental or irrational, these are courageous and powerful practices. They challenge our fixed views and habitual reactions, even as they protect and strengthen the open heart.
Full Program tba
May 6: Introduction
May 13: Visiting Teacher – Dhammarati
May 20:
May 27:
Everyone is welcome to Sangha Night