Buddhist Study Group – Introduction to Buddhism: The Three Poisons (Module 3)
Online Study Group
This course is part of our Buddhist Study Programme, The Buddha’s Path, and delves into the roots of suffering from a Buddhist perspective.
In the centre of the iconic Buddhist image of the Wheel of Life, or Bhavachakra, you will find depicted a pig, a bird, and a snake. These three creatures represent the Three Poisons – ignorance, attachment, and aversion.
These Three Poisons are, according to the Buddha, the source of our negative mental states – such as anxiety, anger, jealousy – and the root from which all unskillful or harmful actions spring. It is taught that as long as our thoughts, words, and actions are conditioned by the Three Poisons they will cause unceasing problems for ourselves and others.
It is therefore essential that we learn to overcome these afflictions, in order to find lasting wellbeing and happiness in our life.
The focus of this module is understanding these three root mental afflictions and their role in generating suffering.
This module also examines the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, the Buddha’s explanation of the cyclical nature of dukkha and samsara. Through this, we will explore the concept of samsara, or the cycle of rebirth, understanding its significance in Buddhist thought.
We hope that this module will provide a deeper understanding of the root causes of our suffering according to Buddhism, and a chance to recognise and identify these afflictions in daily life.
Everyone is welcome to join wherever you are on your journey.
Module 3: Foundations of Buddhist Theory II: The Roots of Suffering - The Three Poisons
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.
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
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.
