Beginning... and Beginning Again: An Overview of the Path to Happiness at Spirit Rock

For people new to practice or people continuing practice, this day will be an overview of practice techniques and theory. As a text, we'll use the Metta Sutta, the overview of the whole of the Buddha's path. In the spirit of the New Year, we will especially highlight the layperson's precepts for ethical training. We'll link them to the Buddha's teaching, "May these precepts be the cause for happiness." We will learn and practice techniques for clearing and calming the mind and habituating it to kindness - reflecting the middle section of the Metta Sutta, the development of mind discipline - strengthening the habits of mind that lead to contentment. And we will reflect on the final section of the Sutta, the Buddha's promise of liberation from suffering.

There will be didactic instruction, Q&A, and time for reflecting in small group conversations about our intentions for the New Year and the rest of our lives. Participants will be provided with a copy of rhe Metta Sutta and other materials for the day when they arrive. Bring your own lunch so that we can including eating meditation into the noon hour as practice.

Teachings are appropriate for individuals as well as health care professionals. Continuing Education (CE) credit available.

Young Adults (18-26) and Seniors (65+ with limited and fixed income) are invited to attend this day for $25.