May 16:  The Beauty of a Balanced Mind
May 23:  Letting Go of Expectations
May 30:  Abandoning Apathy
June 6:  A Mother’s Kindness Revisited
June 13:  Surrounded by Kindness

Course description:

We often complain about the people we live with or work with, biding our time with gritted teeth until we can get back to the people we “love.”  Unfortunately, this “love” is often just attachment in disguise — clinging to some to provide us with pleasant feelings, security, excitement, or affection while rejecting and blaming others due to their real or perceived faults. This mind of attachment, which is very different from a joyful mind of real love, creates an emotional roller coaster in which our mood is constantly fluctuating up and down based on which people are around us.

During this course, we’ll take a contemporary look at how to apply Buddha’s teachings on universal love and universal compassion.  According to Buddha, we all have the potential to love everyone — even people we currently consider to be unlovable or our enemies.  We’ll learn how to cultivate a mind of love with whomever we find ourselves with.  The more our understanding of love increases, the more our mood will stabilize.  Instead of finding ourselves fluctuating up and down between excitement and despondency, we’ll develop an ability to hold a warm, friendly, and peaceful heart no matter who is surrounding us.

Class Format

Everyone is welcome to drop in as their schedule allows.  There is no obligation to attend every class in the series.  Each class begins with guided meditation, followed by a short teaching and time for Q&A.  Stick around after class to enjoy some free refreshments and good conversation.  No previous experience with Buddhism or meditation necessary.

Where to Find Us at the Circular Church

Enter from Queen Street and go to the far end of the parking lot behind the new addition to the Church.  The class is held on the second floor; look for the signs pointing you in the right direction.  Parking is free, even though there’s a sign saying you need to pay; Circular has reserved parking spaces at the end of the lot.