Online Conscious Talk
Buddhist Psychology
Ciska Matthes is a keen student of Buddhism since 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 unfullfilment.
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.
Two Sessions, Two Different themes: Desire / Aversion
1. Desire
Desire is a key factor in Buddhist Psychology. When we are living by desire, we will have a sense of struggle, yearning or even intense suffering. While the mind is hoping for better times, desire rejects the present moment and always makes us feel something is missing.
For example, longing for dessert while you are having soup, wishing to be outside while you are in (or vice versa)... Desire can cause a lot of restlessness and dissatisfaction.
In this seminar, we will explore what Buddhism says about this, and of course, discuss the wise way out it offers.
2. Aversion
Aversion is the counterpart of desire in Buddhist Psychology. While desire makes us cling to experiences, aversion makes us try to escape or push them away. In this way, it equally causes a sense of struggle and restlessness.
Aversion often informs many of our actions and emotions. It may take the shape of fear, anger or disgust. While the mind is closing off, resistance starts to fill our being - and life can seem quite a battle at times!
For example, when we are not liking the weather, our job, the children's behavior, judging ourselves or getting annoyed in the traffic, aversion creates a sense of conflict and dissatisfaction. All of it starts with.... thought. Only if we let go of our judgments, to just be with our situation, shall we have peace.
In this seminar, we will explore what Buddhism says about aversion, and of course, we will discuss the wise way out. The talk will be laced with small practices to make you experientially discover how this works for you.
About the Facilitator
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.
Facilitator: Ciska Matthes
Duration Time:1 hour
Location: Recorded @ The Conscious Club
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