Sidney SHOAL Centre | Bodhichitta Kadampa Buddhist Centre

SIDNEY SHOAL CENTRE

Monday Evening Class

SIDNEY BC

DAY:  Monday Evening  (except Oct 8 and Nov 12)

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 & Course Number:
Sep 10 – Oct 22, 6 sessions, $54 (no class Oct 8)
Oct 29 – Dec 10, 6 sessions, $54 (no class Nov 12)

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

SEPT 10, 17, 24

RECOGNIZING OUR MIND’S POTENTIAL

Buddha taught that our human life is very precious because it provides us with a special opportunity to realize our spiritual potential.  Through the practice of training the mind we can gain permanent inner peace and freedom from all suffering.

OCT 1, 15 (no class Oct 8)

LETTING GO OF DESIRE AND ATTACHMENT

We have countless desires, but no matter how much effort we make we never feel that we have satisfied them. By controlling our desire we can make ourself happy all the time.

OCT 22, 29, NOV 5

UNDERSTANDING DEATH & REBIRTH

Death is the cessation of the connection between our mind and our body.  When the body disintegrates at death the mind does not cease.  The continuum of our very subtle mind has no beginning and no end.

NOV 19, 26 (no class Nov 12)

PURIFYING OUR KARMA

By gaining understanding of the law of karma we can radically change our life for the better, learn to accept difficult situations and create the causes for our future success and peace of mind.

DEC 3, 10

LIBERATION FROM SUFFERING

When we develop a strong wish to abandon the cycle of contaminated rebirth, samsara,  this wish is called ‘renunciation’, and it is through developing this wish that we actually enter the path to liberation, or nirvana. 

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