Sidney SHOAL Centre | Bodhichitta Kadampa Buddhist Centre

SIDNEY SHOAL CENTRE

Monday Evening Class

SIDNEY BC

DAY:  Monday Evening,  January 7 to June 10  (except Feb 18, Apr 22, May 20)

TIME:  6.30-7.45pm

TEACHER:  Debbi Jones

WHERE:  10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney BC

Suitable for everyone!  These classes offer practical methods to improve the quality of our lives through meditation and Buddhist teachings.
Information for Beginners

REGISTRATION

CALL:  SHOAL Centre
250-656-5537 or in person*

DATES:
Jan 7 – Feb 11, 6 sessions, $54
Feb 25 – Apr 8, 7 sessions, $63 (no class Feb 18)
Apr 15 – Jun 10, 7 sessions, $63 (no class Apr 22, May 20) 

COST for DROP-IN:  $10.50 per class.  Pay at the Reception Desk.

* By phone SHOAL accepts Visa or MasterCard. In person they accept Debit, cash or cheque.

CLASS TOPICS

COURSE 1

JAN 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11

HOW TO LIVE A MEANINGFUL LIFE

Each and every living being has the potential to become an enlightened being.  Through meditation and putting practical teachings into practice in our daily lives, we can transform our mind from that of an ordinary being to that of a fully enlightened being, a Buddha.  We can create deep inner peace and happiness from within our mind, and help others to do the same.   To find pure happiness and freedom from problems, and to help others achieve the same, what could be more meaningful in this life than this?

COURSE 2

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, APR 1, 8, (no class Feb 18)

HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT ANGER AND BE CONTENT

Anger is a response to feelings of unhappiness, which in turn arise whenever we meet with unpleasant circumstances.  Whenever we are prevented from fulfilling our wishes, or forced into a situation we dislike – in short, whenever we have to put up with something we would rather avoid – our uncontrolled mind reacts by immediately feeling unhappy.  This uncomfortable feeling can easily turn into anger, and we become even more disturbed than before.  

COURSE 3

APR 15, 29, MAY 6, 13, 27, JUN 3, 10 (no class APR 22, MAY 20)

HOW TO LOVE DEEPLY AND LIVE WISELY

There are two main reasons why we need to cherish all living beings.  The first is that they have shown us immeasurable kindness, and the second is that cherishing them has enormous benefits. Cherishing others is the best method to solve our own and others’ problems.  If we cherish everyone we meet or think about, there will be no basis for developing jealousy, anger, or harmful thoughts, and our mind will be at peace all the time.

CLASS FORMAT

Guided Meditation

Each class begins with guided breathing meditation, to help settle the mind and let go of distractions.

Teaching

The teacher will then give a practical teaching  based on the book, How To Transform Your Life, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The teaching will focus on how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives.

Concluding Meditation

The class will finish with a concluding meditation to help us take the teaching to heart and there is also the opportunity to ask questions.
TEACHER

 Debbi Jones

Debbi is a member of the Teacher Training Program and an experienced teacher of Dharma and is currently the branch teacher for Sidney SHOAL Centre on Monday evenings.  Debbi brings a life-long love of learning and many years of teaching experience to her classes.

FAQS
Q. Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend?
No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits that come from having a peaceful mind.
Q. Do I need to have any experience?
No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.
Q. How should I dress?
No special clothing is required, come as you are.
Q. Is there any physical exercise involved?
No. The classes focus on meditation and teachings alone. You can choose to sit on a chair or meditation cushion.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
For weekly classes it is not necessary to book in advance. Each class is self-contained so you can drop-in whenever you like.
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.
LOCATION