Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Two, The Place of the Unwinking Gaze
Wednesday 1 May 2024 3:48pm – 6:48pm
The Buddha is said to have taken 7 weeks to become fully Enlightened, weeks which he spent meditating and reflecting under and around the Bodhi Tree.
In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. In doing so we'll meet a whole array of archetypal symbols which are represented in historical and semi-historical incidents. These symbols are not to be taken literally. They are not literally true but like all myth, they contain deep truths which can help us in our own lives.
This week Jo explores the first full week of the Buddha's Awakening when he sits at the top of a small hill and gazes back at the nearby Bodhi Tree where he had realised Awakening. He feels deep, deep gratitude. Gratitude directed to the ancient tree, just down the hill. which has sheltered him from the sun and rain with it's vast canopy of huge heart-shaped leaves.
This evening we will explore together what we can be grateful for and Jo will lead us in a gratitude practice which, among other things, helps us to develop a positive state of mind
All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too.
No need to book, just turn up.
The evening is freely given but we would very much appreciate a donation of £8-£12, or whatever you can give, to help cover our costs. York Buddhist Centre depends for its existence almost entirely on donations from those who use it. No one is paid at YBC. Please support us if you can.