The Buddha’s core insight into the conditioned nature of existence is most famously expressed in his teaching of the Four Noble Truths. These are not abstract beliefs to be adhered to religiously. Rather they are observations grounded in direct experience and intended to inspire and guide us in exploring how to live wholeheartedly and even joyfully in the complicated context that is human society. In this sense, we can think of them as “ennobling truths” — an alternative translation of the Pali language in which they were originally written down, which captures the potential in this teaching for spiritual uplift and liberation from the tribulations of mundane life. This is what we will be exploring in these three sessions.
Significantly, the Buddha also expressed these truths as a set of tasks. First is the truth of dukkha, the unavoidable fact that many aspects of life are unsatisfactory, giving rise to suffering. Our task in relation to dukkha is simply to comprehend, to open ourselves to awareness of this reality. The second task is to let go of the reactivity that gives rise to suffering in response to the reality of dukkha. The third task is to behold the cessation of suffering when we let go of reactivity, that is, to allow ourselves to experience liberation when it occurs. The fourth task is to take up a path of practice that will lead to our enacting the first three tasks — exactly what we will be doing in our three afternoons together.
Our practice days will include meditation, with an emphasis on somatic awareness and relaxation; sharing stories from the Buddha’s teachings and our own experience; individual reflection and small-group conversation; as well as poetry, music and rejoicing.
January 26: Comprehending dukkha
February 9: Letting go of reactivity
February 23: Beholding liberation
Open to women* at all levels of experience. Register for the whole series or for individual sessions. Offered by donation, $10 - $30 per session suggested.
Location: Gateway Taiji, Qigong & Yoga, 875 Islington St. Portsmouth NH 03801. (Zoom option upon request)
Led by Advayashri, Shraddhavani and Viriyalila, all members of the Triratna Buddhist Order and part of the team that hosts gatherings at the Portsmouth Buddhist Center every Sunday. Together we have decades of experience meditating and leading practice, and we are committed to supporting others in exploring the ennobling teachings of the Buddha.