The Buddha Lily

Why is this relevant in our world today?

In this second term of our study of Buddhism, we’ll examine how The Buddha discovered and then taught the way by which human beings could free themselves from the realm of suffering by living according to his teaching, or dhamma. Those who did so sought enlightenment for themselves, so that they might escape the realm of rebirth, suffering and death and attain Nibbana.

However, later followers of the Buddha thought that this vision was not comprehensive enough, and they found it lacking in both wisdom and compassion. They took the example of the Buddha himself as their model, and vowed to become Bodhisattvas, beings of infinite compassion and wisdom like the Buddha, seeking thereby to deliver all sentient beings from suffering. The Bodhisattva vows, “As long as space abides and as long as the world abides, so long may I abide, destroying the sufferings of the world.” Join us this spring as we study short selections from The Way of the Bodhisattva, so that we can come to a deeper understanding of the vision of wisdom and compassion in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.

In each of the six evening sessions of this new term of The Mercy Seminar (available live on Zoom or recorded), we’ll study short texts from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and we’ll also have periods of reflection and discussion to help us discern insights and gain understanding. While this term does relate to the prior term in March, you need bring no prior experience or knowledge.

Join us this spring as we study The Way of the Bodhisattva, so that we can come to a deeper understanding of the vision of wisdom and compassion in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. All are welcome!

Click here for more information and to register.