AWAKE IN
THE WORLD
Buddhist principles and practices are not just for the cushion. In the Awake in the World series, Reverend Susan Shannon leads a supportive and kind discussion on how we live the principles of Buddhism and bring dharma into our everyday lives.
COURSE TWO
Steady on the Path:
The Middle of the Journey; Chapters 4-6
of Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara
Sundays: July 5, 12, 19
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific
Online via Zoom only
May the precious bodhicitta (chap.1-3)
(How to generate bodhicitta)
Arise where it has not arisen (chap.4-6)
(How to prevent bodhicitta from decreasing)
and where it has arisen, never subside (chap 7-9)
how to make bodhicitta increase
But increase more and more (chap. 10)
dedication
Welcome everyone to this meaningful opportunity to deepen our studies of Shantideva’s road map to Awakening, The Bodhicaryavatara as we explore chapters 4, 5 and 6.
These chapters are the gravitas of the text, where Shantideva gives us the timeless tools that can allow light to shine through even the most challenging of times. They offer us a new way of relating to the Paramitas of Generosity, (chap 4), Discipline, (chap 5) and Patience aka Forbearance. (chap. 6)
We will spend the first session talking about chapters 4 and 5, and the second and third session on Chapter Six, the “Biggie” of this text. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated that this chapter contains all the teachings of Buddhism! Shantideva presents the practice of this paramita of patience in a way that extends it through lifetimes. We learn many more manifestations of patience through viewing some of the most challenging situation’s life produces. Shantideva addresses anger, hatred, suffering, and how to cultivate virtue when those qualities arise. We will explore how to reframe negativity into a positive light and be gracious, even happy, that challenges have arisen, as they give us a chance to skillfully apply the transformational tools the dharma provides, regardless of the outer causes and conditions. In doing so, negativity can come to fruition into an awakened heart, embracing, even deepening our experience of interconnection and healing.
We will hold lightly through our studies what is known as “The Six Excellent Features” which ensures that the quality of our everyday actions will be transformed. Such a promise! Each session will include lecture, group time, and suggested homework study and practice materials.
Fees:
$120 (series fee)
$150 (series fee + support)
$90 (Sukhasiddhi Members)
The deadline to register is Friday, July 3 at 12 PM (Pacific).
**Please Note: This Awake in the World class series is included in the Bodhi Program as part of the curriculum. If you are already enrolled in Bodhi, you do not need to register separately for this series.
**Please Note: This Awake in the World class series is NOT included in the Dharma Training Program as part of the curriculum. If you are enrolled in DTP and are interested in this series, you will need to register separately.COURSE ONE
The Six Perfections
Sundays: June 7, 14, 21
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific
Online via Zoom only
Led by Rev. Susan Shannon
A disciple asks the Buddha, "How many bases for training are there for those seeking enlightenment?" The Buddha replied, "There are Six: Generosity, Ethical Discipline, Patience, Enthusiastic Effort, Concentrative Meditation, and Wisdom."
-from the Large Sutra on the Perfection of Wisdom (Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita)
Of all the practices you can do as a Buddhist practitioner, the practice of the Six Perfections (paramitas) is one that will supercharge your Awakening.
These Six Perfections describe the true nature of an enlightened being, which is to say they are our own true nature. If they don't seem to be our true nature, it is because the perfections are obscured by our delusion, anger, greed, and fear.
The first three paramitas are said to be tools of relation - how we relate to others.
Generosity includes setting good and honest boundaries around our giving to others and ourselves.
To do that employs Ethical Discipline, said to be the fuel that keeps us on the Bodhisattva path.
And Patience–this is the big one that gives us the scope of practice that includes all past and future lifetimes!
The next three: Joyful Diligence, Meditative Concentration and Wisdom are more about refining ourselves to truly walk the Bodhisattva's Path. We could say we've amended the soil of us, planted our basic crop and have begun to reap some harvest.
Tending to the roots gives us Joyful Diligence, the boundless energy of a child at play. (Or Tigger, bouncing on his tail in celebration of being alive.)
That energy provides the octane necessary to develop the focus of Meditative Concentration
Which in turn, becomes the basis for insight, and with the awakening of Bodhicitta, becomes a true spiritual practice, steeped in the Wisdom.
None of this is easy, or we wouldn't be here. Together we will refine our path, weaving our confusion, skill, practice, apprehension, doubt, confidence etc, into the complex tapestry of our lives.
Fees:
$150 (series fee)
$175 (series fee + support)
$100 (Sukhasiddhi Members)
The deadline to register is Friday, June 5 at 12 PM (Pacific).
**Please Note: This Awake in the World class series is included in the Dharma Training Program as part of the curriculum. If you are already enrolled in DTP, you do not need to register separately for this series. **Please Note: This Awake in the World class series is NOT included in the Bodhi Program.
If you are enrolled in Bodhi and are interested in this series, you will need to register separately.PLEASE NOTE:
For Those on Zoom
We request you be fully present with Zoom video on for classes and trainings.
This is an opportunity for the lamas and teachers to connect with you.
If this is not possible, please let the registrar or teacher know.
MEET THE TEACHER
Susan Shannon, M. Div. is a seeker, teacher, earth and animal steward, and devotee of the heart. She has worked in the fields of Emotional Literacy and Restorative Justice for over 20 years, incorporating over 45 years of Buddhist practice and study from the Tibetan tradition. She’s worked with various diverse populations all her life including inmates, Tibetan refugees, the homeless, the differently-abled, at-risk youth, and has served as the Buddhist Chaplain to the men in San Quentin State Prison and Death Row. She currently resides in the San Juan Islands where she writes, provides spiritual coaching and tends her land.