Fall Topic: The Four Immeasurables
The teaching and practice of the Four Immeasurables is a rich teaching that awakens the boundless capacity of the heart. The name, Four Immeasurables, refers to the Sanskrit term Brahma Vihara, which literally means sublime abode. These sublime resting places are the four awakened states of equanimity, lovingkindness, compassion, and joy. When one grounds them in equanimity, they are immeasurable in scope. These are qualities that are not foreign to us, but our everyday experience of them is limited. When we let go of our personal agendas and perceived divide between self and other and turn our mind one-pointedly in the direction of these qualities, we naturally align ourselves with our innate, boundless heart. We inhabit it and effortlessly radiate these limitless qualities, which are our inherent in our being.
Registration closes at 12 PM (Pacific) on Sat, Nov. 25.
In this four-session course series, we will engage with four traditional practices that are designed to help us reconnect with our innate awakened heart and guide us from a limited experience of equanimity, lovingkindness, compassion, and joy into one that is boundless and sublime. This is done through reflection and repeating aspirations for ours and others’ happiness and well-being. In doing this, we simultaneously bring the mind into stability—its natural state—thus nurturing both wisdom and compassion. Each session is in two parts: a teaching and then discussion and interaction with each other. There are various suggested assignments as well.
Dates: Sundays | November 26, December 3, December 10, December 17
Times: 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Fees: $140 (Suggested); $160 (Suggested + Support)
Seasoned meditators will find these classes deepen their understanding and strengthen their commitment to the teachings and practice.
New meditators will find these centuries’ old teachings relevant in today’s world in developing contentment and resilience in their lives.