When
Six Consecutive Monday evenings, October 19 through November 23, 7:00 pm — 8:30 pm.Add to Calendar
Cost
Base level: $90
Sponsor level: $120*
Senior (65+)/Full-time Student: $60
Work-study is available. Contact mspevents@tergar.org for pre-approval.
If your ability to pay makes it difficult to attend, please contact us.
*Those who choose the sponsor level enable us to offer work/study scholarships for those who could otherwise not afford to attend.
Contact
Tergar Meditation CommunityTergar Meditation Community of Minneapolis/St. Paul
612-460-8837
mspevents@tergar.org
Exploring Buddhism: The Life and Teachings of the Buddha
Though the Buddha lived roughly 2,500 years ago, his life and teachings are as relevant today as ever. The Buddha was born into a life of luxury and privilege but saw that material prosperity alone cannot solve all of life's problems. Acutely aware of the chronic dissatisfaction that often plagues the human mind, he devoted his life to understanding the causes of suffering and how to uproot these causes through meditation, insight, and leading a life of compassion and nonviolence.
In this six-part class, held on consecutive Monday evenings in October and November, we will explore the Buddha's life and core teachings, seeing what we can learn from his timeless example. In each class we will discuss a particular period of the Buddha's life, pairing our discussion with an exploration of the Four Noble Truths. Each class includes guided meditation, periods of discussion, and video teachings by Mingyur Rinpoche.
This seminar is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism, including both novice meditators and experienced practitioners.
Six-week Course Schedule
October 19: An Introduction to the Life and Teachings of the BuddhaOctober 26: The Buddha's Early Years and the First Noble Truth
November 2: The Pursuit of Insight and the Second Noble Truth
November 9: The Dawn of Enlightenment and the Third Noble Truth
November 16: Turning the Wheel of Dharma and the Fourth Noble Truth, Part I
November 23: Turning the Wheel of Dharma and the Fourth Noble Truth, Part II
About the Instructors
Edwin Kelley
Senior Tergar Instructor Edwin Kelley attended his first meditation retreat in 1975 and has practiced in both the Theravada and the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He was Executive Director of the Insight Meditation Society from 1996-2003 and has a postgraduate diploma in Buddhist Studies. Edwin is a long-time student of Mingyur Rinpoche and Executive Director of Tergar International, the organization that oversees Rinpoche's activities around the world. Read more...
Steve Tibbetts
Steve started meditating in 1973. In 1975 he attended the Naropa Institute’s summer program in Boulder, Colorado and began his studies with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. In 1985 he participated in the Naropa Institute’s first study abroad program in Kathmandu, and worked occasionally for the school in Nepal and Bali over the next 12 years. In Kathmandu he met Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (Mingyur Rinpoche’s father), and returned to Nepal as often as possible to spend time with him. When a Tergar group was established in the Twin Cities Steve was asked to help out as a practice leader. He’s participated in both the Tergar Core and Leadership trainings.
About Exploring Buddhism
Exploring Buddhism is a multi-year study program that covers the core teachings of the Three Vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism: the Foundational Vehicle, the Great Vehicle, and the Vajra Vehicle. These teachings address the full spectrum of Buddhist thought and practice, starting with teachings on the Four Noble Truths and leading up to the philosophy of Buddhist Tantra. Read more...