Training the mind in compassion (cont.)
by Lama Jigmé Namgyal
When we follow a spiritual path, one of the greatest obstacles to our progress is our narrow concern with our own self. In fact, even in our daily life, many of the problems we encounter come from selfishness and egological thinking, whereas it is commonly observable that great happiness ensues from caring for others with a compassionate heart.
The Buddhist teachings provide very practical and concrete instructions that can help us to eradicate our self-grasping and develop a compassionate attitude. These instructions, called ‘Mind Training’, can, if properly practised and applied, completely restructure our way of thinking. In this way, we can develop genuine compassion that allows us to put others first, not out of an egocentric feeling of guilt or out of sentimental pity, but out of a realization that what we call ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are but illusory concepts invested with emotional attachment.
The present six-month course will focus on the Seven Point Mind Training, a text by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje (1102-1176), and will involve teachings based on the text: we will explore practical ways to develop a compassionate attitude in daily life. Teachings will alternate with guided meditation sessions that allow us to find within ourselves the peace and equanimity that are the fertile ground on which compassion can flourish.
Students are encouraged to get a copy of the following books:
- Dilgo Khyentse, Enlightened Courage, Peyzac-le-Moustier: Éditions Padmakara, 1992.
- Chögyam Trungpa, Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness, Boston: Shambhala, 2003.
Whereas the former book is a more traditional approach to the text, the latter can be useful for Westerners who may be new to the subject. Both books are uncompromising in their directness and will be useful for the course.
This course is the continuation of the previous Monday courses (Autumn and Winter terms), therefore no new students will be accepted.
Dates: Mondays from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
April: 11, 18, 25
May: 02, 09, 30
June: 06, 13, 20, 27
July: 04, 11
Note: Due to the travel agenda of Lama Jigmé changes in dates might occur during the course
Place : 1, rue Charlotte Engels, L-1482 Luxembourg
The entrance is at the back of the building. So you go through the left, then you turn right at the gate of the garden, go in and the door is on your right.
Language: English (occasionally translated from Tibetan into English by Dylan Esler)
Price: 180 € (162 € for regular members, 90 € for students/unemployed/retired, free participation for donating members). The price includes all sessions on the above indicated dates. Fees shouldn’t be an obstacle. Please contact us if there is a problem.
Please pay by bank transfer to the Centre’s account:
IBAN: LU79 1111 2413 8246 0000 / BIC: CCPLLULL,
Centre Culturel Tibétain, Asbl
Reference: Monday Course, Spring 2016
Reservation and information : info@tibetculture.lu or (+352) 26 68 43 29 (voice mail)