Regular events

Dharma Monday

The five spiritual faculties

In Buddhism 'The five spiritual faculties' are faith (shraddha), vigour (virya), mindfulness (sati), concentration (samadhi) and wisdom (prajna). Also known as virtues they are seen to be necessary for spiritual progress to take place.

As we progress on the path these virtues are seen to become stronger forces within us that gradually shape and flavour everything we think, feel and do. These virtues are sometimes also referred to as powers (balas) in that they are said to eventually be unshakable by their opposites.

During this theme we have different members of our sangha speaking and expanding on each of the faculties/virtues in turn.

For this third week we have Robert Gonzalez on mindfulness (sati), then next week Akampiya on vigour (virya) and on the last week Ratnavuyha will talk on wisdom (prajna).

Broadening and deepening mindfulness in Dharma practice
According to Buddhaghoṣa, mindfulness is the balancing pivot for all five spiritual faculties. But in the Pāli discourses the Buddha refers by different terms to various kinds and levels of mindfulness. So how can a broader and deeper appreciation for the real significance of ‘mindfulness’ in its full spectrum help us to cultivate the five spiritual faculties more skilfully in our Dharma practice?

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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