What is samsara and why are we stuck in it? What is nirvana and how can we achieve it? Develop the wish to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche introduces the topic: “First, if it is described a little, just briefly, avoid the mind seeing samsara, which is like unbearable prison, as a pleasure park. The city is not samsara, the mountains are not samsara, the farm, fields are not samsara, cars are not samsara. So, what is samsara? Samsara is this consciousness, this mind which experiences so much suffering – this is samsara. This body which experiences so many problems – this is samsara. Now, the association of this body and mind, this which is the container of all the problems, which feels hunger, thirst, hot and cold, which experiences all these problems – this is what is called samsara, which in English means ‘circling.’”
Four Noble Truths
Three higher Trainings
Causes of suffering (six delusions, karma)
Three sufferings, six sufferings, eight sufferings
Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
DB Required Reading, Samsara and Nirvana, photocopied booklet
Wish-fulfilling Golden Sun, by Lama Zopa Rinpoche (pp. 84-105) photocopied booklet
Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, by Pabongkha Rinpoche (pp.473-543)
the Meaning of Life, by HH the Dalai Lama
Tibetan Game of Rebirth (long version, where someone gets enlightened!)
Meditations at home on: the sufferings of samsara, six root delusions and their antidotes
Attend the 1-day retreat on the samsara and nirvana
Afflictions to Perfections game
Instructions and practice in generating calm-abiding
Practices for mindfulness
Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s ethical behaviour booklet
Mandala offerings or prostrations preliminary practice