This is the fifth session of a seven-part Introduction to Buddhism series.

Parts six and seven will be on the 17th June and the 15th July 2023.

Taking refuge is the first formal step on the Buddhist path. This day will be an explanation of what it means to take refuge. Spiritual refuge is a protection and eventual freedom from the confusion and suffering of cyclic existence (samsara).

The genuine sources of spiritual refuge are the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The ultimate refuge is our own mind, our Buddha nature.

It is because the Buddha Nature, or potential, is common to all beings that they are capable of attaining enlightenment.

For example: a stone doesn’t have the potential to produce oil, and so no matter how much you might press it and grind it—even if you use modern tools and machinery—you will never extract any oil. A sesame seed, on the other hand, does have the potential to produce oil, and by pressing it in the right way, sesame oil can and will be produced. Like that the potential for Buddhahood exists as part of our basic nature.

The day of teachings will also cover topics such as the importance of receiving refuge from an authentic and unbroken lineage of transmission, the role of faith and trust, and how to relate to the refuge ceremony itself, as well as the importance of taking refuge with the right motivation.

This day can be attended as a course on its own or as a part of the monthly Introduction to Buddhism series. The Series topics are as follows:

Session 1.  The Four Noble Truths

Session 2. The Noble Eightfold Path

Session 3. The Precious Human Life & Impermanence

Session 4.  Karma & Samsara

Session 5. Entering the Buddhist Path

Session 6. The Spiritual Friend

Session 7. Cultivating Boddhicitta

Each Session will also include time for Q&A and meditation.

Our Tibetan Tearoom & Shop will be serving lunch on a first come basis.

A non-refundable administration fee is needed to book a place for each session in this course.