Module 23: Living Beautifully

living_beautifully

In this module, we will be working with the book “Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change” by Pema Chodron.

There is also some additional reading that provides some background.

Some comments on the book by Emily Weidman:

I am always amazed at Pema’s ability to translate traditional Buddhist teachings into everyday language. She certainly understands how we get stuck, and how we can find liberation from suffering. The exercises in this book will be a key part of our experience this fal

We will start with an overview of the book, beginning with Chapters 1 and 2.  The following week, we will introduce the First Commitment (Chapters 3, 4, 5).  We will stay with the First Commitment (Not to Cause Harm) for a total of three weeks so we will have time to digest the material and practice this teaching in our everyday lives.  I encourage you to use a notebook to write down your thoughts and experiences from week to week.  Your participation will make the classes come alive!
Special event for Valentine’s Day: Benefactor Practice, Feb 14, 2019.

Benefactor Practice created by Lama John Makransky: you can learn more about Lama John at this website. Learn what it means to see others as benefactors (those who have seen us and loved every part of us), or to see benefactor moments in our lives.

Audio of talk, Elisse Ghitelman.

Class 10: Third Commitment Wrap-up, Jan 10, 2019.
Please read Chapter 11 (the last chapter).
Audio of talk, Michael Fagan.

Class 9: Third Commitment Discussion, Dec 13, 2018.
Audio of talk, Michael Levin.

Class 8: Third Commitment (embracing the world just as it is), Dec 6, 2018.
This is covered in Chapters 9 and 10 of Living Beautifully.
Audio of talk, Joseph Crane.

Class 7: Second Commitment Wrap-up, Nov 8, 2018.
Audio of talk, Erika Wilton.

Class 6: Second Commitment Discussion, Nov 1, 2018.
We also discussed the Bodhisattva Vow.

Audio of talk, Michael Levin.

Class 5: Second Commitment (taking care of one another), Oct 18, 2018.
If you have time, please start reading chapters 6, 7, and 8.
Audio of talk, Michael Fagan.
Class 4: First Commitment Wrap-up, Oct 11, 2018.
Audio of talk, Joseph Crane.
Class 3: First Commitment Discussion, Oct 4, 2018.

Handout and audio of talk, Erika Wilton.

Class 2: First Commitment, Sep 20, 2018.
If you have time, please start reading chapters 3, 4, and 5.
Audio of talk, Joseph Crane.

Class 1: Overview, Sep 13, 2018.
If you have time, please read chapters 1 and 2.
Handout and audio of talk, Emily Weidman.