Date: 19 Aug – 28 Oct 2023 (Every Sat for 10 lessons, no lesson on 2 Sep)
Time: 2.30-4.30PM
Venue: The Buddhist Library Auditorium
Fee: this programme is freely offered
Click here to register
“In the book “Who Is My Self” by Ayya Khema, three conditions were listed for the practice of meditation to bear fruit: Firstly, to know our own dukkha, to recognise where it comes from, and how it operates in our lives; the second is to gain confidence in the Buddha’s teaching and to realize that we can take this path; and the third is to experience joy at the opportunity we have been given.”
About this program
Are you interested in practicing Buddhism? Or are you looking to strengthen your understanding and practice?
The Meditation and Dhamma class is a recurring programme at the Buddhist Library and is one of its more popular programmes in recent years. Each run of the class comprises ten sessions, and during each session the class mentors will lead meditation sessions as well as run through specific teachings of the Buddha. Time is also allocated for Q&A.
In the August 2023 run, the course mentors will cover the Third and Fourth Noble Truths. (The first two Noble Truths were covered in the Mar 2023 run)
It is never too late to start learning.
Who is this program for?
- Beginners who have no knowledge of Buddhism but have a keenness to learn
- Those who have been attending previous runs of the class
What are the sessions like?
We will begin the class by paying homage to the Buddha, Dhamma & Saṅgha, followed by a guided meditation session. Dhamma Bites will be next, with Q&A after that and then a second guided meditation session. The class will end with the sharing of merit.
To benefit those who are new to Buddhism, the class mentors will give an overview of the BuddhaDhamma (what the Buddha taught) at the start of the class on 19 Aug 2023.
What are the topics?
3rd Noble Truth
- What is Nibbāna? What are the qualities of Nibbāna?
- Is it possible to realise Nibbāna in this age and time? If it is, how do we get enlightened, and how long does it take?
- Are there any arahants in the world now?
- Is it true that when a layperson becomes an arahant, he or she must quickly get ordained within seven days or else die?
- How do we apply the Buddha’s teaching on cessation of suffering in daily living?
4th Noble Truth
- What does the training on the Noble Eightfold Path help us in our spiritual development, and how do the eight path factors relate to one another?
- Which was established first – the eight path factors or the threefold division of wisdom, morality and concentration?
- The Buddha referred to the training as the Middle Path. Does it mean moderation in our practice and in all our daily activities?
We will also consolidate what we have learnt and examine the Four Noble Truths as a whole:
- Why are the Four Noble Truths considered noble? How can the truth of suffering be noble?
- How does the Four Noble Truths form the framework for the entire teaching of the Buddha, including the teachings on Kamma and Dependent Origination?
- For the most part, the Buddha dispensed only teachings on morality to laypeople. Did he expound the Four Noble Truths to any of his lay disciples?
About the teachers
The Meditation and Dhamma class mentors are Sis Foo Siew Fong (bio here), Sis Foo Siew Ee (bio here), Sis Tan Sock Hoon and Bro Tan Chau Yee (bio here).
In the book “Who Is My Self” by Ayya Khema, three conditions were listed for the practice of meditation to bear fruit: Firstly, to know our own dukkha, to recognise where it comes from, and how it operates in our lives; the second is to gain confidence in the Buddha’s teaching and to realize that we can take this path; and the third is to experience joy at the opportunity we have been given.
The Saturday Meditation and Dhamma class mentors aim to help fulfil these conditions. And they do