Regular events

Sangha night online

Putting the Buddha into Buddhism: stories from the Buddha's life

While Auckland is in Covid 19 alert level 2.5, this event will be run online.
Use this link - https://zoom.us/j/8179125195 to join Sangha night online at 7pm

The Buddha starts to teach and
the lotus story with Antony Raymont

After becoming enlightened, the Buddha retreated to a forest for 7 weeks. He was in a dilemma - how could he explain the thing that cannot be explained, but must be experienced to be understood? His enlightenment experience was so all changing and so profound he didn't know where to begin.

In this story, he is presented with a view of lotuses in the mud, each at a different stage of their life cycle. Some are still in the mud, some in bud, some nearly in flower. This provides him with the inspiration he needs to go forth and begin his life of teaching.

Tonight we will examine the symbolic meaning of this story and what it means for our own spiritual development. We will look at our own readiness for growth, and ways in which we may make ourselves more receptive to the wisdom of the Buddha.

In this series of talks, we will explore stories around the life and the teachings of the Buddha. We will cover

• what is known historically about the Buddha and his life
• what are some of the key stories associated with the Buddha
• how these stories carry messages for how to approach our life today
• who it is we are going for refuge to and why
• how we can use our imagination to connect with the Buddha over time and space

Wednesday nights are a place for people who have attended our foundation courses to come together and celebrate community as well as an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Buddha's teaching.

Each evening will include a meditation, a short teaching and a chance to reflect with others on the meaning of the teaching for our lives.

When

Cost