Course 1: Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart

 

Next Course Group Begins January 2025

 

An Introduction to the Practices of Self-Reflection and Meditation

Everyone knows the benefits of seeing a glass as half-full rather than half-empty. But few people know how to change their mindset, which colors the way they see, think, feel and act. If our habitual ways of seeing only lead us to be anxious, distressed, and dissatisfied, then why not do something about it? The Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart Program is expressly designed for those interested in transforming their lives through changing not just their attitudes, but their entire mindset through the well-established Buddhist meditation practices of self-reflection and the four immeasurable qualities.

To enroll in this program, one need not be familiar with Buddhism, nor is there any expectation of participants becoming Buddhists.

Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart

Being alive necessarily involves a certain amount of conflict, dissatisfaction, and pain, but the more we try to escape the physical and emotional pain we encounter, the more we find ourselves enmeshed in it. How do we get out of the vicious cycles we find ourselves in? This course teaches two meditation techniques that directly address this question.

Part 1: Shamatha on the Breath and Self-Reflection

The first step in freeing ourselves from our painful mental and physical habits is focusing our minds inwardly to let our natural intelligence work out whatever causes us to become stuck in cyclic suffering. This process of self-reflection begins with an investigation into the causes and conditions that lead to various negative states of mind, such as our fixation on self-importance and the five self-centered emotions (attachment, aggression, stupidity, jealousy, and pride). By looking calmly and closely at our experience, we naturally and easily come to understand how our actions fail to meet our intentions and we come to discern the best, most immediate, and uplifted way to contentment.

Part 2: Four Immeasurables Shamatha

We all naturally long for greater fulfillment and meaning in life. However, our confusion leads us mistakenly to think this fulfillment lies in satisfying our own unsatisfiable desires. When we focus on developing four qualities—loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity— for the immeasurable benefit  to ourselves and all sentient beings, we discover first-hand that a good heart illuminates the way to greater happiness for all. As our openness and our heartfelt care shine forth, we glimpse the genuine path to fulfillment that we have always sought, and realize that a meaningful life has always been entirely within our reach. Once our minds become completely set upon awakening this potential within ourselves through these meditations, we are ready to set out upon the path.

After our“Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart” online course, we have further courses which introduce more Buddhist teachings and practices, and also introduce prospective students to the culture and traditions of Mangala Shri Bhuti. More information is available about these courses when one is enrolled in the introductory class.

Course Schedule & Registration 

The “Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart” online course lasts approximately 12 weeks, meeting online through Zoom.

Our next “Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart” online course will start in January 2025.  The meetings take place twice a month, usually every other week.

Please note that the course capacity is limited and registration for this course is available on a first come, first serve basis. The webinar discussion meetings will be offered approximately twice per month (discussion meetings will be recorded for later playback). 

Please note that participants can still take part in this course even if they aren’t able to attend the live webinar meetings. For example, those who live outside of North America will not be expected to attend the live course meetings due to time zone differences. Participants who live outside of North America will be individually assigned a course instructor who lives within their continent whom they can meet with on a regular basis. 

If you live in Europe, please contact us to find out when the next European course will be offered (see below). 
European courses are generally in the evening 8pm CET.
Click here to view our MSB Online Learning FAQ and see below for more information on the registration process.

Registration – North America

There is a $100 registration fee for Awakening the Mind Softening the Heart.  To register please visit the MSB STORE. You can expect a welcome email with the syllabus and details about your course after registration. Click here to view our MSB Online Learning FAQ. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.

Registration – Europe

There is a €100 registration fee for Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart. Please complete your details and payment here to join the next course group. We will be in touch to confirm your registration and share course details. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this course. Click here to view our MSB Online Learning FAQ.