Living the Perfect Life - Exploring the Bodhisattva Ideal

The Bodhisattva Ideal is the practice of a Bodhisattva - someone who is practising not for themselves alone but for the benefit of all beings. It is a vow to free all sentient beings from suffering, without exception. This can seem like an impossible task in today’s world, yet the very practice of such a profound ideal can also lift us out of our mundane world, give us a sense of purpose, transform us, and, ultimately, enable us to reach our potential as human beings

The Bodhisattva Ideal is one of the sublimest spiritual practices that humankind has ever seen and is the foundation of may Buddhist Traditions. During these seven weeks we'll be seeing how, even at our more mundane level, the development of inner calm, positivity and wisdom - balanced by an active concern for others - can gradually flower into compassion, profound happiness and a sense of purpose in life. We'll also be looking at some examples of Mythical Bodhisattvas and one recent real-life Bodhisattva and seeing how their example can help us on our own spiritual path.
 

Programme 

Week One: What is the Bodhisattva Ideal and what is a Bodhisattva?
Week Two: Becoming a Bodhisattva in Training
Week Three: The Bodhisattva Vow and what it means for us
Week Four: Mythic Bodhisattvas - Avalokitesvara, and Vajrapani
Week Five: Mythic Bodhisattvas - Green Tara and Padmasambhava
Week Six: Altruism and Individualism in the spiritual life.
Week Seven: Dr. Ambedkar - a Modern Bodhisattva

These classes are suitable for everyone over 18 whether Buddhists or complete newcomers. Join us this June to see how we can live an ideal life in the real world and how can we be happy and yet at the same time be responsive to the suffering of others? 

There is no need to book - just turn up on all or any of the nights.

There is no charge but we would appreciate a small donation each week of around £5 to £10 towards our costs.