TUESDAY AFTERNOON
BODHICHITTA CENTRE
In-Person and Online
DAY: Tuesday afternoons
TIME: 1.30-2.30pm
TEACHER: Krista Schlosser
COST: $12 per class Free for Members
WHERE: 970 Blanshard Street, Victoria
Suitable for everyone! These classes offer practical methods to improve the quality of our lives through meditation and Buddhist teachings.
ONLINE ACCESS to the Happy Life Series: Register here
Use this link to register for all four online classes in the upcoming “How to Live a Happy Life” series. This series registration will be open until Saturday, March 26 at 8am as you will still have time to watch the first in the series on on that day until midnight.
To register for individual online classes, use the links in the weekly class topics below.
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE: No registration necessary
Please arrive a few minutes before class starts and pay $12 at the door (cash, credit card, or cheque) or just check in if a member.
FREE WITH MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
Enrol in a $60 monthly membership and enjoy unlimited drop-in access to these classes plus discounts on other Bodhichitta Centre events. (Please enrol online at least 3 days before the class)
HOW TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE
Mar 22 – Apr 12 We all wish to live a happy life with few problems. In our current world, we may think this wish is impossible; however, if we understand the source of happiness, we will see that happiness is possible even in challenging times.
Krista Schlosser will be teaching this inspiring series. Explore what happiness is, its true source, and have confidence that we can create a happy life and contribute to a happier world.
Weekly Class Topics
MAR 22 ~ What is Real Happiness?
We often believe that happiness comes from our relationships, environments, possessions, and experiences. Because of this belief, we spend much of our time trying to create pleasing external conditions. Buddha taught that inner peace is real happiness. When our mind is peaceful, we are happy regardless of our circumstances. Join us to examine this revolutionary way to understand real happiness. Register here to attend this class online
MAR 29 ~ What are the Causes of Happiness?
In our modern world there is so much emphasis on improving our conditions because this is how we think we become happy. However, when we examine these conditions closely we see that along with some temporary pleasant feelings there are also unpleasant feelings. In this class, we will examine the causes of happiness that go beyond fleeting moments and produce lasting peace of mind. Register here to attend this class online
APR 5~ Taking Control
Perception is subjective, so when we change the way we see our world – what we see will definitely change. In this class we will examine the control we have over our mind and how to use this to transform our experiences. We no longer need to feel like we have no control over what is happening in to us but have the ability to take control of our life. Register here to attend this class online
APR 12~ Happily Accept
The practice of patience is considered one of the six precious methods for developing the supreme mind of love and to eventually find permanent happiness. Patience is the antidote to anger. In Venerable Gesh-la’s book Meaningful to Behold, he explains that by overcoming our anger we shall always find happiness in this life and in future lifetimes. Register here to attend this class online
Replay videos will be available until the Saturday following the class at midnight. (You may register to watch the replay up until 8am on Saturday using the class registration link above.)
CLASS FORMAT
Guided Meditation
Teaching
The teacher will then give a practical teaching based on the book, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The teaching will focus on how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives.
Concluding Meditation
TEACHER
Krista Schlosser
Krista is a member of the Teacher Training Program and has lead the guided meditation and an afternoon class on Tuesdays for many years. She has also frequently taught our Saturday classes. Krista is well known for her kind and gentle delivery of Dharma teachings.
INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHIST MEDITATION
April 19 – May 10 Discover the power of meditation to feel less stressed, think more positively, be more creative in the face of problems and difficulties, and respond more openly towards others.
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation is designed for people who have busy schedules and would like to make quick progress toward a happier and more peaceful life. This series incorporates all the basics of meditation and is suitable for everyone, whether you are new to meditation or looking to refine your meditation experience.
Each 1 hour class will be both informational and practical, incorporating instruction, guided meditation and time for questions.
Julia Anderson will be teaching the first 3 classes, sharing foundatioinal mediation skills and focusing on developing a peaceful mind.
Debbi Jones will be teaching the last class; relating the skills you have learned to transformingn your daily life experience.
Weekly Class Topics
Apr 19 ~ What is Meditation?
In this class, the fundamentals of meditation will be considered. What is meditation exactly? Why should we meditate? What do we do with our body to best support our meditation? These questions and more will be answered. We will have a chance to experience the peace that meditation gives our body and mind during the meditation.
Apr 26 ~ Deepening Our Understanding of Meditation
In this class, we will explore the various types of meditation and the stages within a meditation. Knowing the object of our meditation will increase the transforming effects of our experience. Understanding the nature and function of our mind will increase our confidence that meditation is a valuable tool for creating mental peace no matter what is happening in the world around us.
May 3 ~ Meditation for a Peaceful Mind
If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort; but, if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy and relaxed. Many people find it difficult to concentrate well enough to achieve this objective. In this class we will increase our understanding of concentration, and how to use the meditative process to achieve our goals.
May 10 ~ Meditation for Transforming Your Experience
This final class will focus on an increased understanding of how meditation is the foundation for transforming your daily experience. Transforming our mind is a process, a path – one that requires faith and patience as well as effort. We will enjoy imagining what a transformed experience would be like, thereby realizing how a daily meditation practice takes us more fully towards that experience.
Replay videos will be available until the Saturday following the class at midnight. (You may register to watch the replay up until 8am on Saturday using the class registration link above.)
CLASS FORMAT
Guided Meditation
Teaching
The teacher will then give a practical teaching based on the book, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The teaching will focus on how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives.
Concluding Meditation
TEACHERS
FAQS
Q. What are the COVID protocols for in-person participants?
We are still operating under both Masks and Vaccinations mandatory until Thursday, March 17.
We will then switch to masks strongly encouraged and vaccinations still mandatory.
On April 8 we will drop the vaccination requirement.
Current Protocol:
- Stay home if sick or not feeling well
- Vaccinations are mandatory for all persons who enter the Centre
- Masks are mandatory for attendees*
- Venue will provide hand sanitizing supplies;
- Venue is practicing routine cleaning and disinfection.
*The teacher will remove their mask once seated.
We encourage you to use our online options if you are feeling ill, or if you are not vaccinated, or if you are not comfortable or unable to wear a mask.
Q. Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend?
Q. Do I need to have any experience?
Q. How should I dress?
Q. Is there any physical exercise involved?
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
No, please just drop in a few minutes before the class starts and pay at the door with cash, credit card or cheque. Members just tick their name on the list.
Q. Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?
No, please feel free to drop in whenever you like. Each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive benefit from it.
Q. What is your policy regarding fragrance?
We strive to be a scent free environment. Please help us keep the air we share healthy and fragrance free. The chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma and allergies.
Q. What is your policy regarding late arrival?
Our doors open 15 minutes before class start. Kindly arrive at least 5-10 minutes before class start to facilitate check in and get seated. Out of kindness for our volunteers, students and Teachers, we cannot accommodate latecomers. Thank you for your understanding.
LOCATION