Study Group – Buddhism for Daily Life: Insights from ‘Heart Advice from a Foolish Practitioner’
Online Study Group – Buddhism for Daily Life
This series, Buddhism for Daily Life, is based upon the verses contained in the short text, Heart Advice from a Foolish Practitioner. Written during a personal retreat by David Oromith, this text can serve as a guide for new practitioners embarking on the Buddhist path.
During these sessions, David will offer the transmission and provide a line-by-line commentary on the text, offering a deeper understanding of the core principles outlined within it. This exploration will be complemented by guided meditations and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and discuss the teachings.
About the Text
This short text, titled “Heart Advice from a Foolish Practitioner: A Song of Liberation”, is a guide to Buddhist practice, divided into four main sections: Foundations, Cultivation, Refuge, and Path.
Foundations (1-11) outlines 11 essential elements of practice, including the Six Perfections, mindfulness, compassion, openness, and finding wise company.
Cultivation (12-19) describes the three interconnected levels of practice: Study (12-13), Contemplation (14-15), and Meditation (16-17).
Refuge (20-27) explains the significance of the Three Jewels: Buddha (20-21), Dharma (22-23) and Sangha (24-25), and the benefits of having trust in them (26-27).
Path (28-37) details the path in terms of the three higher trainings: Ethics (28-30), Samadhi (31-33), and Wisdom (34-35).
This concise text offers aspiring Buddhist practitioners a guiding framework for their spiritual practice, outlining fundamental principles and practices. By reading, contemplating, or memorising the verses, it can serve as an easily accessible reminder, inspiring transformation and providing clarity on this path of wisdom and compassion.
Study Programme Participants
For those following The Buddha’s Path (our foundational study programme), this three-part series aligns with Module 11, ‘Walking the Path‘, and also explores some of the foundational themes presented throughout the programme.
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.
Other Timezones: CET: 8-9.30pm
Americas 11am PST, 12pm MST, 1pm CST, 2pm EST
Australia Wednesdays 5am AEST • NZ Wednesdays 8am NZDT
Correct as of February 2025 – please click here to check the time in your region.
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 £15 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.
By booking with us, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions, which can be viewed 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.
