What is Discover Buddhismo
It is a study program of approximately two years duration, which offers structured training in the fundamental aspects of meditation, philosophy and Buddhist practice. This program is from a Western and secular perspective. This program is designed to savor the experience of meditation and the teachings of the Buddha and thus positively transform our lives. It offers a program of teachings, readings, texts, meditations, intensive practice days and evaluations. The importance of an ethical code of conduct and development of a compassionate attitude towards others is emphasized.
Who is it for:
To people who wish to enrich themselves through the mental transformation techniques offered by this ancient doctrine, as well as for all those who wish to acquire a greater knowledge of meditation, philosophy and Buddhist tradition from an open and Western point of view. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge.
what does it consist of
From a 14-module syllabus that presents fundamental themes of Buddhist doctrine. Each module is complemented by a program of meditation retreats to deepen and integrate the exposed teachings.
Program modules
1.- The mind and its potential
2.- how to meditate
3.- Road presentation
4.- Death and rebirth
5.- All about karma
6.- Samsara and Nirvana
7.- Transform problems
8.- How to Develop Bodhicitta
9.- The wisdom of emptinessd
10.- Refuge in the three jewels
11.- How to establish a daily practice
12.- The spiritual teacher
13.- Introduction to Tantra
14.- Pilgrimage to holy places
15.- Integration Practices
The mind and its potential
What is the "mind", its nature and functioning, and how it affects our experience of happiness and suffering. Explore the difference between mind and brain, the mind as the creator of our experiences. Learn the methods to transform destructive thoughts and cultivate positive attitudes.
How to meditate
Basic techniques of meditation. Learn how to meditate and the purpose of meditation, how to sit properly, how to organize a meditation session, the various types of meditation techniques, and how to recognize and remove obstacles to meditation.
Road presentation
Introduction to the basic principles of the Path to Enlightenment. Know the life of Buddha and the basic teachings of Buddhism. Discover the unique system of Buddhist philosophy contained in the "Lam-Rim" or Gradual Path to Awakening.
Death and rebirth
Reflect on the meaning of death and what to expect at the time of death. Prepare for that defining moment. Become aware of the ephemerality of life to live it with more meaning. Explore the process of death and rebirth and its impact on how we live our lives.
It's all karma
Learn the basics about the law of cause and effect, to have a clear understanding of how karma works. Discover the effective tools to accumulate merit - the cause of happiness and success - and to purify the negative actions done in the past. Explore effective ways to have a meaningful life and take control of this and future lives
Samsara and nirvana
Find out what "samsara" is and how we become attached to it. Find out what "nirvana" is and how to achieve it. Develop the practical tools to try to eliminate the emotions that disturb us to be free from suffering
Transform problems
Learn from problems to generate compassion, love and other qualities on the spiritual path. Reflect on the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of benefiting others. Cultivate compassionate courage "to exchange oneself for others," and learn the special techniques of mind training or "Lo-Jong" as a means of transforming problems into happiness.
How to develop bodhicitta
Discover the method of meditation offered by Tibetan Buddhism to develop our natural qualities of kindness and compassion. Being an expert in applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhicitta, the desire to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of others.
Wisdom of emptiness
The realization of emptiness is crucial for the attainment of liberation and enlightenment. Take this opportunity to enhance your ability to achieve this realization. Learn how to develop it for peaceful living and various methods to use in meditation on emptiness. Practice the accumulation of merit and the purification of obstacles - indispensable for generating realizations within the mind.
Refuge in the three jewels
Learn the meaning of taking refuge in The Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) and the essential practices of Buddhist refuge. Discover the benefits of taking vows and its role in our spiritual growth.
Establish a daily practice
Apply the tools you need to develop a correct daily practice. With The Daily Practice of Meditation, familiarize yourself with the elements necessary to generate realizations in the mind. Receive some guides to make each daily action more meaningful.
The spiritual teacher
The need for a spiritual master, qualities of and disciple, how to relate to the spiritual master, what to do when problems arise and how to meditate to develop devotion to the Master.
Introduction to tantra
Learn the definition of tantra, how tantra works and why it is a great method of practice. Get an extensive description of the four classes of tantra and learn how to practice the Kriya tantra methods. Also, find out how to integrate Tantra practices with Lam-rim meditation for optimal results.
Pilgrimage of holy places in India and Nepal
We will know the importance of making a pilgrimage, for what and why. Which places to visit in India or Nepal. History of the moments that are considered sacred in these areas and that make them so special.
Integration practices
By undertaking intensive lam-rim purification and withdrawal practices, prepare your mind in the best possible way to gain realizations on the path to enlightenment. Purification practices include: 100,000 prostrations, three-month Vajrasattva retreat, and Nyung Ne. This is a great way to seal the blessings of this program with the final Experiences module.
""Use problems as ornaments, viewing them as extremely precious, because they make you quickly attain enlightenment, making you attain bodhicitta. Experience these problems on behalf of all sentient beings, bringing happiness to all sentient beings. This is the ornament."
Beginner level
