Mind Reactive, Mind Creative
Sunday 6 November 2022 1pm – 1pm
Creating a happier, more contented life
"Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows even as the cartwheel follows the hoof of the ox.
“Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never departs.” Dhammapada
These are the Buddha's words spoken 2,500 years ago - and they are as true now as ever. One of the Buddha’s key insights is that our state of mind conditions our thoughts, which in turn condition our actions, and thereby our present and future world. This is karma (action) and karma vipaka (the fruits of our actions)
This six-week sangha night theme looks at some very practical ways of changing our lives. We'll explores the idea that the mind operates in two very different ways, and that the spiritual life is essentially a movement from one to the other. We have the choice of being either reactive or creative, not just once, but at every moment. We will investigate just what that means in our own lives, looking at ways in which we can become less reactive and more creative, with a combination of teaching, discussion, meditation and practical exercises.
The path to Awakening, is one of ever-increasing creativity, and we look at one of the Buddha’s teachings in which he describes a sequence of ever-increasing creative states of mind, and increasing contentment, all the way to Enlightenment.
Participants can download the book Mind, Reactive and Creative as part of the course.
These evenings are open to all those over 18 - both regulars and newcomers are very welcome.
As always there is no charge as we want to make this course available to all. However we have no outside income and we rely on donations to pay our expenses. Please help us by making a donation each week. We suggest £5 - £10 would be reasonable but the actual amount is up to you.
If you would like to download the book from which this six week theme is taken, you can do so here: https://alaya.thebuddhistcentre.com/index.php/s/2jb8KJe0ibr8R1B#pdfviewer