Buddhist Study Group – Introduction to Buddhism: The Four Immeasurables (Module 6)
Online Study Group
This course is part of our Buddhist Study Programme, The Buddha’s Path. In this module, we immerse ourselves in the profound practices of the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness (metta), compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. These four timeless practices open the heart and bring joy into our lives.
You can join in at any time, you do not need to have completed previous modules or courses.
The Dalai Lama has often commented that the essence of spiritual practice is cultivating a good heart. Science agrees with the benefits – compassion and warmheartedness have been shown to be key aspects of human wellbeing and happiness. Given we’re a species that thrives on community and belonging, this makes sense.
As important as meditative quiescence (shamatha) and insight meditation (vipashyana) are within the Buddhist tradition, it is crucial to balance such practices with the cultivation of altruism and a warm heart.
While many teachings on Buddhist meditation fill us with a longing to spend more time in quiet, solitary meditation, these practises bring us back to life, to the active world of living with others. The optimal situation to apply these teachings on cultivating a good heart is active life, socially engaged with other people, moving away from habitual self-centeredness to greater empathy and loving concern for the welfare for those around us.
The profound benefits of these practices are immediate and enduring. As soon as we generate an attitude of loving-kindness, for example, we start feeling more calm and peaceful, and we naturally share and radiate this feeling towards others.
With regular practice, we can notice our empathy and love grow, resulting in a more joyful and fulfilling life enriched by meaningful connections.
Everyone is welcome to join wherever you are on your journey.
Module 6: Foundations of Buddhist Meditation III: The Four Immeasurables
• Compassion (Karuna)
• Empathetic Joy (Mudita)
• Equanimity (Upekkha)
About the Study Group Leader
Our Study Group is led by David Oromith. David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book 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.
David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.
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.
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 module of this programme, 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.
Recordings and Notes:
Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to access recordings and notes from this series here.
If you would like to support our vision of making these teachings as accessible as possible, please consider making a donation, supporting future groups, events & retreats. Interested to know why we charge for this event and what happens to profits? Read here.
Speakers
Speaker
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David OromithBuddhist Contemplative, Author and Meditation GuideDavid is a Buddhist contemplative, author, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi, an organisation based in the UK and a member of the UK’s Network of Buddhist Organisations. He teaches workshops internationally and online and leads retreats across the UK. Through his clear and practical teaching style and warm and humorous approach, David inspires people to take back control of their thoughts and feelings and discover genuine wellbeing within.
