Tuesday Course: Introduction to śamatha meditation and the four immeasurables

Meditation allows us to calm our mind and to discover a stable point so that we no longer feel compelled to identify with our passing thoughts and emotions. This allows us to open up to an inner dimension of spaciousness and peace beyond our habitual confused reactions. This form of meditation, which pacifies and stabilizes our mind, making it more supple and flexible, is called “calm abiding” (śamatha); it paves the way for the dawning of insight meditation (vipaśyana), the genuine understanding of the way things are.

The Buddhist teachings frequently mention the four immeasurables of loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. They are called “immeasurables” because they are practised with an attitude that is limitless, embracing all sentient beings. Loving kindness allows us to transcend our limited self-centredness, and refers to a nurturing attitude that cares for others’ welfare and happiness.

Compassion springs from a sense of concern for our fellow sentient beings, and refers to the heart-felt wish that others be free from suffering.

Joy refers to a sense of appreciation for the happiness and qualities of those around us. Such an attitude of rejoicing gives new meaning to our life, as we are inspired on our own spiritual journey.

Equanimity refers to an attitude of mind which allows us to step beyond the narrow confines of our ordinary likes and dislikes into greater spaciousness and ease.

We will be using the following book:

Words of My Perfect Teacher: A Complete Translation of a Classic Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, by Patrul Rinpoche

This course is intended for those who have already followed the basic meditation course or who have already a grounding in meditation practice.

Teacher: Lama Jigmé

Language: English

Dates: Tuesdays from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm

April: 25
May: 2, 8 (Monday), 22 (Monday), 30
June: 13, 20, 27 26 (Monday)
July: 4 3 (Monday), 11 10 (Monday)

Due to the travel agenda of Lama Jigmé, 2 classes in May will take place on Monday 8 and Monday 22 May, together with the Monday class.
Please note the date changes for the 3 last classes that will also take place on Mondays together with the Monday class.

Place: 1, rue Charlotte Engels L-1482 Luxembourg

Price: €150 (€135 for regular members, €75 for students/unemployed/retired, free participation for donating members). The price includes all sessions on the above indicated dates. Fees shouldn’t be an obstacle. Please contact us if there is a problem.

Please pay by bank transfer to the Centre’s account:

IBAN: LU79 1111 2413 8246 0000 / BIC: CCPLLULL,
Centre Culturel Tibétain, Asbl
Reference: Tuesday Course, Spring 2017