Regular events

Dharma Monday

The Four Brahmaviharas

An introductory evening for the cultivation of emotional wisdom.

If you have been coming to the Auckland Buddhist Centre regularly, you will be familiar with the metta bhavana meditation practise, the cultivation of loving kindness. On this evening we are going to take a further step into the Buddha's teaching of positive emotion by introducing the three other brahmaviharas: karuna, mudita, and upekkha. Being familiar with how these four emotions support and enhance one another is a valuable spiritual practise.

Metta - moving past indifference to caring
Also known as universal loving kindness, metta is a recognition of the most basic solidarity we have with other living beings. It is good will, care, and wishing another well.

Karuna - caring and letting go of what you cannot control
The loving desire that all beings, including ourselves, be free from suffering. It is also the desire to actively remove suffering while simultaneously learning to accept the reality of suffering without turning away.

Mudita - seeing the beauty in ourselves and others
The pleasure that comes from delighting in another persons well-being, good fortune and joy. A sympathetic joy unadulterated by self interest.

Upekkha - opening to the heart of reality
A deep contentment or equanimity. It is to be unwavering in the face of worldly gain and loss, pleasure and pain, fame and infamy, and praise and blame.

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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