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.
