SIDNEY SHOAL CENTRE
Monday Evening Class
SIDNEY BC
DAY: Monday Evening starting Sep 10
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.
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