Regular events

Dharma Monday

Triratna, Unity and Diversity in Buddhism

We often hear people refer to Hinayana or Mahayana Buddhism and sometimes Vajyayana, normally without explanation. Buddhism is an ancient tradition, and even before its recent spread to the West it had taken root over an enormous tract of the Earth's surface, from Iran in the West to Japan in the East, from Mongolia in the North to Java in the South. As a result Buddhism now exists in a number of forms, each of which has been heavily influenced by the particular culture in which it developed.

This series of talks will provide an outline of the three yanas, how they are different in 'flavour' and tone, and yet are still interconnected, and in particular focus on how they relate to our practice in Triratna, which is ecumenical.

The Diamond Vehicle
Vajrayāna Buddhism grew out of the Mahāyāna, and it uses ritual, mantra and visualisation practice as a different way of achieving the same aim as Mahāyāna Buddhism – Enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. Perhaps as a reaction to the high-flown cosmic perspectives and metaphysical speculations of the Mahāyāna, the Vajrayāna also emphasises direct experience. Purna will wind up the series by talking about the Vajrayāna’s apparently paradoxical emphasis on both the visualisation of symbolic forms and direct experience. The Vajrayāna offers a way of integrating aspects of experience that may not be that conscious, personalizing them and developing a relationship with them.

Dharma night is suitable for those who would like to learn more about Buddhism. It is also a popular night for regular friends to drop in and practice together. If you are a beginner but can't get to/or have just started one of our meditation classes, you are still welcome to come and join in.

The usual program for the evening is a talk on some aspect of Buddhism, tea break, then group meditation to end the evening.

Dharma talks at the Auckland Buddhist Centre
A collection of talks given by the Sangha available for download

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