Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week Three, The Cloister Walk

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 the Buddha is walking up and down near to the Bodhi Tree, reflecting on his experience of Awakening. After thousands of lifetimes of searching for the Truth, he's now in a mostly transcendental state - a state of intense and deep samadhi or unfathomable tranquillity. There is almost no mental activity but he is incredibly aware and his mind is sharp and crystal clear as he takes each step. It is in this week that he realises that all things, all experience, arises on conditions and that nothing is permanent or fixed - the basis of all his subsequent teaching

This evening Shakyapada will explore with us what this means and how an understanding of change can help us to transform our lives for the better

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.