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Introduction to Buddhism

An Online Course from Samadhi

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This online course is currently closed

This is an ongoing course.

Part 1 and 2 is now available to watch here. (To watch, please log in using the ‘Login to Enroll’ button above and then click here.).
Part 3 will happen in 2022, contact us if you’d like to be notified.

Join Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide David Johnson as we go back to basics, exploring the origins and purpose of Buddhism and the core theories and practices common to all schools and practitioners.

This series of courses are aimed at providing an overview to beginners, and as such we will not go into any great depth, but rather explore the very fundamental and basic concepts behind the topics outlined. Our hope is that this will elucidate what Buddhism is and what it has to offer those of us in the modern world, and from there, students can request further teachings on the topics that most resonate with them. 

Depending on interest, this series may extend into a more in-depth one-year study programme starting in 2022.

Part 1: Introduction

  • Introduction to the Buddha and his story
  • Buddhism: religion, science of mind, or philosophy?
  • The human predicament and the Buddha’s radical approach
  • The Four Noble Truths

Part 2: The Theory

  • Nature of Mind/Consciousness
  • Rebirth
  • Mental Afflictions and The Three Poisons
  • Karma

Part 3: The Practice (2022 TBC)

  • Shamatha-Vipassana
  • The Four Immeasurables & Bodhicitta
  • The Four Close Applications of Mindfulness
  • The Noble Eightfold Path and The Threefold Training

Three-Part Series Dates:

  • Part 1 – Saturday, 11th September 2021 • 9.30am–1.00pm (UK time)
  • Part 2 – Saturday, 30th October 2021 • 9.30am–1.00pm (UK time)
  • Part 3 – 2022 TBC • 9.30am–1.00pm (UK time)

Pricing & Booking:

This course operates on the basis of dana (giving). Please offer what you can. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and all money goes directly into supporting our activities and fundraising for the Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre. If you’re wondering how much to give, please consider what you might pay for similar classes & sessions offered with a set fee. Please also consider your own income and the proportion of it you can reasonably spend on teaching. Most importantly, dana should come from the heart in a spirit of gratitude and generosity.

To watch, please log in using the ‘Login to Enroll’ button above and then click here.
david

David is an experienced Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide who has studied and taught internationally for several years. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and a qualified mindfulness teacher, Mental Health First Aider, and an active member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity. His teaching style is clear and practical, and his warm and humorous approach makes him a popular mindfulness teacher. In his own practise and teachings, David focusses on the core themes of Early Buddhism and emphasises the practices of Shamatha (meditative quiescence), and its union with Vipassana on the Four Applications of Mindfulness and the Four Immeasurables – which presents a direct path leading to the realisation of our deepest nature and the potentials of consciousness, and closely follows how the Buddha himself attained enlightenment. He considers himself to be the fortunate student of many teachers, including his root lama, Lama Alan Wallace.

Online Course Content

Part 1 – Introduction
D1S1 – Day 1 Session 1
D1S2 – Day 1 Session 2
Part 2 – The Theory
D2S1 – Day 2 Session 1
D2S2 – Day 2 Session 2

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Welcome to Samadhi! We aim to introduce people to meditation, mindfulness & Buddhism, and help them integrate these practices into their daily life.

SAMADHI RETREAT CENTRE
(Charity number: 1207744)

Spiritual Patron: Lama B. Alan Wallace (PhD)

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Human Friendly Events

Samadhi is an inclusive organisation and we welcome people of all ages, genders (including gender identity), sexual orientation, abilities, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief.

As an LGBTQ-led Buddhist organisation, we strongly believe that no one should be discriminated against for any reason at all and subscribe to the ideals of non-harm and loving-kindness. You’re welcome no matter who you are and you’re free to express yourself authentically.

  • With Love, David & Manu x