Following in the Steps of the Buddha:  A Four Week Introduction to Meditation Class

Thursday Evenings:  October 24, 31 and November 7, 14

This four session introduction to meditation class, will be taught in the context of the Buddha’s personal story of sitting under the Bohdi Tree and his awakening. We use his story, not to study something that happened to a particular spiritual figure from long time ago.  But we study this personal story from the perspective of how the man, known as Siddhartha Gautama came to sit and what motivated him.  We look at what he found, so that we can see our own story within it.  We will examine question:  what brought him to sit?

 A deep and persistent question that he could not find an answer to any other way; “How may I live peacefully and joyfully with the fundamental fact that to have a human life, will inevitably include suffering?”  In week one, we will explore our own motivations, connecting with our own deep questions, and then learn the practice together.

It is taught that when the Buddha “awakened “ he realized that not only he was enlightened but that all beings and even the great earth was enlightened –however, he said, “We don’t see it because of our upside down views.”  In week two we’ll explore our “upside down views” and how the practice of Vipassana (Insight) meditation can help us see and hold them in a new way that allows us to see reality more clearly.

While he sat, he was visited by Mara, “the lord of darkness” , who tried desperately to shake him from his seat, to stop his deep inquiry. The Buddha said, “I see you Mara” and remained unshakeable. In class three we’ll ask; What is my personal version of Mara, and how may I maintain my commitment to practice under all conditions?

As the Buddha became a teacher he discovered that to have a Sangha (a group of spiritual friends), was the most important aspect of sustaining a spiritual practice and life. In week four as we continue to sit together we’ll explore the importance of community as teacher and refuge. 

This class series will include meditation instructions and practice periods, and is appropriate for: beginners, seasoned practitioners who find it challenging to maintain a consistent practice, and experienced Meditators who want to revitalize their practice.  The class meets on Thursday evenings:  October 24 ,31 and November 7, 14 at the Palm Springs City Recreation Department Liesure Center.  

Beth Mulligan, ICD Teacher

Beth Mulligan has completed all steps of the professional Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher training program through the  University of Massachusetts under Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD and his colleagues and is a certified MBSR teacher. She teaches Mindfulness at many major medical centers, Universities, schools, non-profit organizations and corporations. She also trains professionals in mindfulness based interventions and participates in research on the benefits of mindfulness.With her partner Hugh she is the co-founder of Mindful-Way Stress Reduction programs which serves diverse populations across the country and in England.  She is a long time student of Charles Tenshin Fletcher- Abbot of Yokoji Zen Mountain Center, where she practices, trains and has lived in residence. She has also attended retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron.   Beth is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  Beth is a Board Certified Physician Assistant; graduate of the Duke University PA program in 1982 and practices Primary Care medicine in Palm Springs.  Her passion is teaching meditation in a way that makes everyone feel welcome and at home.