DB Module 13: Introduction to Tantra

Discovering Buddhism: Awakening the limitless potential of your mind

with Annelies van der Heijden

General Information

Looking at Buddhism from the outside in, it might feel like standing at the shores of a mighty ocean, trying to come up with a question that makes sense. Where to begin?

If you want help and guidance in exploring this ocean of wisdom, we can offer you the program Discovering Buddhism (DB). In this program we give participants an experimental taste of the Buddhist teachings and skills that help to make their lives more meaningful. This program will provide you with a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism.

How it Works

Discovering Buddhism modules consists of teachings, discussions, meditations and practices, assessment questions, and practice retreat mornings. Students may do some or all of these components of each course, as they wish and are interested. Those who complete all the components receive a completion card for that module. The modules do not need to be completed in order and students can join at any time, except for module 12 and 13. For these modules prior DB knowledge or otherwise is required.

In total it is a two-year, fourteen-module series that gives the student a solid foundation in the teachings and practices of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.

Monday evenings from January 15 till July 8, 2024 from 20:00 – 21:30 (both onsite and online) All classes are preceded by a guided meditation from 19.00 - 19.45 hrs. Various options are shown when signing up.
        Note: sign-up button will be added soon!

Donation

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. By virtue of their generosity, the Buddha and the ordained sangha offer us the teachings, and in exchange, the lay community supports Dharma centers and the monastic community. This interdependence is essential for us to share the Dharma and continue our work to benefit all sentient beings. With your donation we support our teachers in their cost of living and we uphold our dharma center, which is managed entirely by volunteers.

The donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma! Please contact us at amsterdam@maitreya.nl if it might be an obstacle for you.

 

Suggested donation: € 50 per DB module (5 classes) / €60 per DB module (incl. guided meditation)

Suggested donation for single evening DB class: € 12,50

Please register in advance for the module through the sign-in button on the right (you can choose onsite or online, excl. or incl. meditation) or sign up for a single class here.

Attention: for a smooth registration, please register BEFORE 12.00 NOON on the day of class!

 

Information on upcoming modules

Module 9: Samsara and Nirvana 

From January 15 – February 12 (5 classes): 20.00 - 21.30 hrs.

Investigate what “samsara” is and how we are stuck in it. Find out what “nirvana” is and how to achieve it. Develop the determination to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever.

Module 10: How to Develop Bodhicitta

Come discover the clear meditation instruction available in Tibetan Buddhism that enables us to develop our innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion. Become skilled at applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhicitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, known to be the heart of Buddha’s teachings.

From February 19 – March 18 (5 classes): 20.00 – 21.30 hrs.

Module 11: Transforming Problems

Consider well the disadvantages of self-cherishing and the advantages of cherishing others more than ourselves. Get inspired to “exchange yourself with others,” and then be guided in how to employ the special techniques of mind training or “lo-jong” as a means to transform problems into happiness and learn to like problems as much as ice cream!

March 25 – April 29 (5 classes) except April 1 (Easter): 20.00 – 21.30 hrs.

Module 12: Wisdom of Emptiness

The realization of emptiness is crucial for the attainment of liberation and enlightenment. Take this opportunity to enhance your ability to bring about this realization. Learn how to develop calm abiding and different methods to use in meditation on emptiness. Practice accumulation of merit and purification of obstacles - indispensable for generating realizations within the mind.

From May 6 – June 10 (5 classes) except May 20 (Pentecost): 20.00 – 21.30 hrs.

Module 13: Introduction to Tantra

Learn the definition of tantra, how tantra works and why it is a powerful form of practice. Get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn how to practice simple Kriya tantric methods. In addition, find out how to integrate the practices of tantra with lam-rim meditation for optimal results.

June 17 – July 8 (4 classes): 20.00 - 21.30 hrs.

 

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