Conscious Talk ๑ Buddhist Psychology: the Brahmaviharas
According to Buddhism, there are four exalted qualities that we can develop in ourselves: metta (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy) and upekkha (equanimity).
These four 'divine feelings' help us to become free of anger, selfishness, envy and fear. There is a direct connection between the degree to which we care for others and the degree to which we feel happy and at ease.
In a series of four talks we will explore the Buddhist practice of cultivating kindness, compassion, joy for others' success and peace. Through understanding and meditation, we will discover that when we focus on our love for others without attachment, we feel happy and at peace.
Caring for others implies internal freedom of egocentricity and worry. You will come to discover for yourself, the joy of opening your heart to all beings, whoever they are. Creating a heart 'as wide as the world'.
In fact, this is more natural to us then we might have thought!
Metta: the practice of loving kindness
We all know the anguish of distrust, blaming and feeling annoyed. With metta practice, we shift our focus from fault-finding to wishing well! From judging to understanding, from rejecting to embracing the pure beings that we all are, essentially. From obsessive self-concern to kindness.
This talk will discuss the Buddhist background and ancient stories of metta. Also we will practice metta meditation: wishing well for all beings. We will enjoy the feeling of goodness in ourselves.
Still, knowing we do not have to be perfect; if the intention to be kind is here, this is already enough.
You may understand why metta is said to be our best protection: it keeps us safe from negativity and conflict, and when this is what we radiate, it will influence our interactions with others.
Ciska Matthes is a keen student of Buddhism for about 25 years. She has practiced intensively under many teachers in various traditions worldwide. In her talk, she will refer to her own experiences and make you practice a little introspection yourself as well.
ABOUT BUDDHISM
Buddhism is much more than just a handful of meditations. These ancient teachings are in fact of all times, still very applicable to our present experience. I myself experienced a great sense of relief and a joy of recognition when I started to learn about it.
The Buddha Gautama by his own introspection, gained deep insight in how the human mind works. He understood that suffering is an inevitable aspect of life. We gain and lose, enjoy and suffer, succeed and fail, and in any case grow old to die eventually. No-one can escape this. But what the Buddha clearly saw, is that the degree of suffering we experience mostly depends on our attachment to feelings and opinions. As long as we desire to have things differently than they are, we will experience a sense of struggle and unfulfillment.
The good news is, there is a way out! It is possible to flow with life with all its ups and downs, and not get stuck in our ideas about it.
To hear that life is not so satisfactory to the majority of people - and in fact, kind of a struggle - can be a great relief. There is nothing wrong with you in particular, it's not that you are the only one who is not getting it right... you are just discovering that life is mostly uncontrollable.
If you can accept this, it ceases to be a problem.
The Buddha knew how to expound his wisdom in a clear and direct way, always adapting his manner of speaking to his audience. Buddhist Psychology therefore is elaborate and precise; it covers all aspects of the human experience.
DATES:
» Sunday the 7th of June // 17:00-18:00
» Sunday the 21st of June // 17:00-18:00
» Sunday the 28th of June // 17:00-18:00
» Sunday the 5th of July // 17:00-18:00
Facilitator: Ciska Matthes
Date: On Sundays (see dates above)
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Location: The Conscious Club
Tickets: https://theconsciousclub.com/book-online
GOOD TO KNOW:
» The check-in closes 2 minutes before the start of each class with no exceptions. Make sure that you’re 10 minutes early to be able to enter and enjoy our classes.
» Come fully dressed to ensure easy entry & exit. You can leave your belongings in our dressing rooms, but changing and showering are not permitted.
» Our mats are disinfected after each class, but feel free to bring your own if you feel more comfortable.
» Please keep 1,5 meter distance and follow your teacher's guidelines to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
» We don't do refunds. You can cancel a class up to 8 hours before the start time in order to use your ticket again. In case of a later cancellation, you will be charged.
PRICES
» Single Class | €15,50
» 5-Ride Pass | €65 instead of €77,50 | valid for 3 months
» 10-Ride Pass | €115 instead of €155 | valid for 3 months
» New Member Introduction Card | €55 for 10 classes | valid for 1 month
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