In-Person and Via Zoom (subject to change)
This class takes the Mahayana practice of Mind Training (Lojong) as its focus. Mind Training, primarily developed in Tibet, was kept as a secret practice for centuries. Rather than relating to problems, both internal and external, as something to guard against and deter, the practitioner opens themselves up to problems in order to eliminate them. While the goal of this practice, like all Mahayana practices, is to attain full awakening to be of the greatest benefit to living beings, this practice accelerates the process by opening ourselves up to the dynamics of the afflictions. By understanding the afflictive minds, their source, how they arise and their true nature, we are able to disarm them. By skillfully confronting head-on our harmful emotions we are able to develop agency over them. This has positive effects both in the short term by creating a more healthy, balanced mind, and also hastening our journey to full awakening.
One of the key Mind Training texts is The Wheel of Sharp Weapons written in the ninth century by the great Indian master Dharmaraksita. It is this text we will use as our course outline.
About this text, Lama Zopa Rinpoche says:
“Please read the book called the Wheel of Sharp Weapons. This explains where problems like yours come from. Any problem you have, including depression, you can read about in this book, which explains how to use the problem to cut through the ego and self-cherishing thought. Self-cherishing is the main enemy to bodhicitta, which is what you need to achieve enlightenment and to enlighten all sentient beings.”
In jungles of poisonous plants strut the peacocks,
Though medicine gardens of beauty lie near.
The masses of peacocks do not find gardens pleasant,
But thrive on the essence of poisonous plants.In similar fashion the brave Bodhisattvas
Remain in the jungle of worldly concern.
No matter how joyful this world’s pleasure gardens,
These Brave Ones are never attracted to pleasures,
But thrive in the jungle of suffering and pain.
This text is freely available as a PDF, produced by Piero Sirianni, for viewing on your mobile device or computer.
COVID POLICY FOR IN-PERSON
This event requires proof of full vaccination.
Masks will be required to be worn in the gmpa for those attending (optional for the teacher).
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Karuna Cayton has been a student of Buddhist psychology and philosophy for over 45 years. A long time student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, he worked for the lamas at Kopan Monastery from 1975-1988. During that time he created and taught the secular studies program for the resident Tibetan and Nepali monks. He also assisted in running the Buddhist programs for foreign visitors and was the co-founder and director of the city center in Kathmandu, Himalayan Yogic Institute. He has been on the FPMT Board of Directors since 1988.
After returning to the US in 1988 he received his MA in Clinical Psychology from JFK University in 1992. He has worked at the Children’s Health Council at Stanford University and trained interns in Narrative Therapy at Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto.
Presently, he is the director of The Karuna Group, a coaching and counseling project. The Karuna Group works with individuals, couples and families as well as assists business leaders in transforming their organizations into preeminent enterprises based upon the Buddhist principles of Wisdom, Compassion, and Ethics. Karuna also teaches workshops and classes in the integration of western and Buddhist psychology.
| Date(s): | Thursdays - Aug 25, Sep 1, 8 & 15 |
| Times: | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm |
| Instructor/Leader: | Karuna Cayton |
| Type of event: | Dharma Classes |
| Number of sessions: | 4 classes |
| Level: | All levels |
| Participation: | All are welcome! |
| Location: | Main Gompa |
| iCal Link: | iCal |
| Add to Google Calendar: |  |
Registration and Donations for Mind Training
Online registration is now closed for this event.