Introduction to Buddhist Mindfulness

A series of 5 classes to develop concentration & insight

facilitated by Annelies van der Heijden

“The main emphasis in Buddhism is to transform the mind, and this transformation depends upon meditation.” – HH the XIV Dalai Lama

Introduction

A variety of interpretations of mindfulness can be found these days in both commercial and Buddhist contexts. In this course we offer a basic training in mindfulness in accordance with the Buddhist Mahayana (Gelug) tradition, the tradition of HH the Dalai Lama. In this tradition mindfulness is the development of concentration and insight or wisdom, grounded in great compassion (bodhicitta). It is at the heart of the (daily) practice and the instructions come directly from the teachings of the Buddha. “Mindfulness should be more than just watching what you are doing. What you really need to watch is your motivation. And the most eminent motivation is bodhicitta.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Mindfulness closely focuses on an object (or its aspects) by creating familiarity through repeated engagement. Wisdom analyzes the object leading to a better understanding of it, which results in overcoming any existing misconceptions. Mindfulness will help you in changing your perception of yourself and the world around you.

The series will consist of 5 weekly classes on a Thursday evening. You will also receive recorded meditations to practice at home during the week. The learning objectives of this series are:

• Nature of mindfulness
• Mindfulness and meditative concentration
• Mindfulness and discerning wisdom
• Mindfulness in daily life

This course has been developed by FPMT – Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition to provide a more grounded understanding of mindfulness.

Your teacher – Annelies van der Heijden

Annelies is a registered FPMT teacher and qualified mindfulness teacher. She has been a Buddhist practitioner in the Tibetan Gelug tradition since 1994 and is actively involved with the Maitreya Institute and the FPMT organization since 1997. She facilitates program activities like Discovering Buddhism, Special Integration Practices and Pujas at Maitreya Institute in The Netherlands and internationally within the FPMT organization. She has a background as a dietician, shiatsu therapist and yoga teacher. Would you like to know more about Annelies, click here for her personal story.

Student’s interests & profile

You are new to Buddhist mindfulness and like to be introduced. You are already practicing mindfulness (as a students or teacher) and like to understand mindfulness in the Mahayana (Tibetan Gelug) tradition.

You like to:

• be introduced to the definition, practices, and techniques of mindfulness
• apply mindfulness to enhance mental focus and clarity through calming physical tensions and mental agitations (often due to stress)
• better discern and work with your thinking habits through mindfulness
• learn to nurture positive, wholesome inner qualities with mindfulness practice.

Practical details

• Day: Thursdays from April 4 – May 2
• Time: from 19.30 - 21.00 hrs
• Language: English (questions can be asked in Dutch)
• Onsite: MIA Center on Tilanusstraat 8a, Amsterdam
• Onsite & online via Zoom.
• Registration: You can only register for the whole series of 5 classes.
• Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary information to join the class.
• Recordings:
  • Video & Audio recordings will be made available via a OneDrive link
  • Recommended readings will also be posted in the same OneDrive folder
  • Recorded meditations for home practice

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 suggested donation for this series is € 50. For students and people with low income, the suggested donation is €25 (please email us if you'd like to make use of that).

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

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