General information
Classes & courses
Retreats
Study programmes
Events
Drop in class in Barrow
Thursdays at 7.30pm
Course dates:
23 April - 14 May
4 June - 16 July
The Teacher is Anna Livsey. These classes last for an hour and a half, with refreshments after the session.
Location
Pastures New (room above)
64 - 70 Scott Street
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria, LA14 1QE
class fee: £5 *
Everyone welcome
Drop-in-class curriculum:
Do Something Different - Stop & Meditate
( 23 April - 14 May )
The Clarity of the Mind
The true nature of the mind is clarity - like a clear mirror. When we can access this nature through meditation we shall be free from many of our difficulties. It often feels we are habitually negative; but the actual potentiality within us is the pure nature of our own mind. When we realise this we have found an inexhaustible source of internal happiness.
Contentment
Due to our craving excitement, pleasure, success and wealth we experience little inner peace or satisfaction. Balancing our attitudes towards these things helps produce lasting contentment.
Dealing with Anger
This is our most destructive emotion and it wreaks havoc in our lives. Seeing the faults of this mind helps us to overcome it, thus improving our relationships with those around us.
Self Confidence
We need a special non-deluded pride in our potential so we can develop genuine self confidence, not simply assertiveness. Learning how to see our self development through to completion helps us to do just this.
Meditation - The Pathway to Healing and Wisdom
( 4 June - 16 July )
Choosing the Path of Meditation
An introductory talk that will explain how you can fulfill your wishes for a positive future, free from anxiety, anger, attachment and other problems. Advice for everyone showing how to improve our life and the lives of those around us by following a joyful path of inner development that leads to lasting inner peace and fulfillment.
The Wealth of Giving
Striving to improve our attitude of giving and then putting this wish into practice is an essential way to gather inner wealth and happiness for the future. To practise giving we must first understand the benefits of giving and disadvantages of miserliness.
The Freedom of Self Control
An uncontrolled mind is like a wild elephant causing destruction and problems wherever it goes. Lasting happiness and inner peace can therefore only be found when we have learnt the art of self control. This practice starts with strengthening our determination to avoid negative actions and practice only positive actions.
The Beauty of Patience
There is no virtue greater than patience. With patience we maintain an inner peace and tranquility throughout the day that acts as a foundation for many other good qualities. With strong patience we will find it easy to accomplish all our goals and lead a life free from problems. To improve our determination to practice patience we shall familiarise ourselves in meditation with the benefits of this virtuous mind.
The Joy of Effort
To find the happiness we desire in life, like other things, require efort - a joyous and steadfast effort that is free from any laziness or discouragement. Without this special effort we find it impossible to accomplish our personal goals. Like all our virtues we need to improve our effort daily.
The Peace of Concentration
Concentration melts away the tension in our body and mind and makes them supple and comfortable. In particular perfect concentration induces a very special feeling of inner peace. Concentration also helps others because we will find it easy to fulfill our virtuous intentions.
Gateway to Freedom
Buddha said that in reality we are like an illusion, like a dream person - but it doesn't feel that way, does it? We feel real, solid and as if we live in a concrete, painful world. Learn to meditate on the true nature of self and experience freedom from all mistaken perceptions.
Meditation Class Description
What is a typical class like?
A typical class consists of a gentle relaxation meditation, teaching, discussion, and final meditation. The meditations are guided and are suitable for beginners as well as the experienced. Each class is self-contained so feel free to join at any time!
Why meditate?
The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful we shall be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we shall experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful we shall find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. If we train in meditation our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we shall experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually we shall be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.
“When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.”
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
*Please note: we are a registered charity. Fees cover the running costs: the teacher and the assistant do not receive payment.