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Saturday, November 15: 9 am - 5 pmSunday, November 16: 9 am - noon
Both mindfulness meditation and expanded compassion practice have entered our world and become widely available. Both are rooted in the 2500 year old Buddhist tradition. What can we learn about our minds and our hearts from Buddhism, and how does one go deeper in this exploration? Join renowned Buddhist teacher Gaylon Ferguson for this exploration. Curious or already committed, everyone is welcome!
Traditionally it is said that when a person catches a glimpse of ego’s confusion and connects this with an aspiration to awaken, he or she begins to enter the stream of Dharma. Dharma are the teachings based in Buddhism that guide us on how to unhook from emotional reactivity and misunderstandings so that we can tap our natural capacities for intelligence, kindness, self-discipline, bravery and creativity. One becomes a Buddhist, making a commitment to the path of awakening from confusion, by taking refuge in the three jewels: the Buddhas as examples, the Dharma as guide and the Sangha as companions on the path. This is referred to as taking Refuge vows.
As our confusion clears and our grip on defending a solid sense of ourselves begins to loosen, we come into contact with our true hearts, which are filled with the potential for kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. The Buddhist tradition offers us guidance on expanding these qualities for the benefit of all beings. Buddhists who feel ready to make the further commitment of dedicating their actions for the benefit of beings can mark this commitment by taking Bodhisattva vows.
Join us for this weekend exploration of the Buddhist tradition. The weekend will include optional opportunities to take or renew Refuge and Bodhisattva vows on Sunday. Please contact [email protected] for more information about taking or renewing these vows.
Gaylon Ferguson, PhD, has practiced and taught Buddhism for over four decades. He received a doctorate in cultural anthropology in 1996 and taught at several universities, including fifteen years as core faculty at Naropa. He is a senior dharma teacher in the Shambhala International Buddhist community and has led meditation programs in numerous cities in the U.S. and internationally since 1976. He has been published in anthologies including "Dharma, Color, and Culture"; "Mindful Politics"; and "Black and Buddhist". He is the author of "Natural Wakefulness," "Natural Bravery," and most recently "Welcoming Beginner's Mind: Zen and Tibetan Buddhist Wisdom on Experiencing Our True Nature".
Register at https://birmingham.shambhala.org/registration/?action=form&id=809980&utm_source=
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714 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL, United States, Alabama 35222
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