The Way of Non-Violence
A six week course
Led by Peter Fernando
7:30 – 9:00pm, Wednesdays, August 24 -September 28, 2016
The quality of non-violence underpins all of the Buddha’s teachings. It is the essential framework within which the social, psychological and meditative dimensions of Dharma (or the Way) unfold and bear fruit.
Rather then being a passive stance on life, it is an engaged, inquisitive and pragmatic approach to directing intention, studying cause and effect in the heart and bringing blessings to our relationships.
Perhaps the most radical application of this teaching for us in the West is learning an approach to spirituality that is non-violent to ourselves. Many of us suffer from persistent patterns of subtle or strong violence towards ourselves, in the form of inner tyranny and self-criticism. In the context of the wisdom of harmlessness and non-violence, however, these too can be seen as obstructions to well-being, no matter how convincing their stories may be.
In this course we will explore the many facets of these profound teachings on non-violence, from ethical living, to relationship to meditative inquiry itself.
Topics will include:
– Developing a pragmatic understanding of non-violence within the framework of karma as cause and effect
– Learning ways to transform violent impulses into strength and determination in meditation
– Examining the tendency towards inner violence and exploring the possibility of a compassionate and loving relationship to self
– Bringing non-violence into the relational field through sensitivity to our speech and action
Cost: $120
Resgister: Email Peter at peter@originalnature.co.nz