Class · Online (Zoom)

The Eight Worldly Concerns: Overcoming the Obstacles to Genuine Happiness

Tuesdays 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct 2026 (and more)

7:00pm – 8:30pm (UK time)

Where

Online (Zoom)
Link sent after you book

Online

<b>Navigating Life's Ups and Downs with Wisdom</b>

During this 4-week course, we will explore the ‘Eight Worldly Concerns’, said to be the driving attachments and aversions that we constantly cycle through in our pursuit of happiness and avoidance of pain.

These are four hopes and their corresponding fears, and fixation with these ‘worldly winds’ is said to be an obstacle to experiencing genuine, lasting wellbeing and happiness.

Together, we will explore how to cultivate a kind of equilibrium amidst the waves of ups and downs in our life, leading to a profound sense of peace and contentment. This does not entail a passive approach to life, its challenges, or our aspirations, but rather greater freedom in how we meet them.

Week 1: Gain and Loss

Week 2: Fame and Insignificance

Week 3: Praise and Blame

Week 4: Pleasure and Pain

Exploring these deeply in our own experience will offer insights into what our daily obstacles to wellbeing and inner peace are, and how to overcome them.

These classes consist of guided meditations, talks and discussions covering a different aspect of Buddhist meditation each week.

Dates & Format:

Our Study Group takes place on Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm (UK time - check your timezone here). There are occasional breaks when David is away hosting retreats and for term holidays. Upcoming dates can be seen when booking below. Recordings are made available to participants who would like to follow along at their own pace.

Sessions consist of a meditation, teachings on our course material, and group discussions of our experience and questions.

Participants can join the Study Group at any time and at any point in the series. There's no need to wait until you're caught up to join a live session, though you're welcome to watch the recordings at your leisure.

Other Timezones: CET: 8-9.30pm

Americas 11am PST, 12pm MST, 1pm CST, 2pm EST

Australia Wednesdays 5am AEST • NZ Wednesdays 8am NZDT

<b>Estimates only. Correct as of February 2026. Please double-check the time in your region.</b>

Booking & Donation:

This Online Study Group relies entirely on donations. Only through your honest generosity will we be able to continue offering these sessions for the benefit of all. You can make a donation using one of the options at the checkout, or by visiting this page.

We suggest a donation of £25 for this course, but you're able to offer within your means.

It is customary to offer dana (a donation) to support the teacher and the activities of the dhama organisation. No one is excluded from participating for lack of funds, but if you're able to, as is tradition, please consider making an offering. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and all money raised goes directly into supporting our activities and fundraising for the Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre.

Sessions

4-session series

This is a 4-session series (22 September & 29 September & 6 October & 13 October). One booking covers the whole series, live sessions and recordings.

1. Tue 22 September Live
2. Tue 29 September Live
3. Tue 6 October Live
4. Tue 13 October Live

About the teacher

David Oromith, Buddhist Contemplative, Author & Meditation Guide

David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of A Practical Guide to Mindful Living. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.

Booking

From £25.00

Suggested Donation £25.00 Covers the cost of hosting the group for everyone.

This group relies entirely on donations to keep running. No one is excluded for lack of funds.