Searching for the Self
Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Pacific Time
starting on January 25, 2024
online only
Program Category: Dharma Education — Intermediate
We are using the Zoom video conferencing system for this event. Please register below to receive your online access information.
By registering for this event, you understand that the sessions may be recorded and published in the public domain (such as YouTube), and consent to this process.
In this class we will study the seventh of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
series of books intended for Western and contemporary Asian students.
The Library of Wisdom and Compassion is a special multivolume series
in which His Holiness the Dalai Lama shares the Buddha's teachings
on the complete path to full awakening that he himself has practiced his entire life.
The topics are arranged especially for people seeking practical spiritual advice
and are peppered with the Dalai Lama's own unique outlook.
Assisted by his long-term disciple, the American nun Thubten Chodron,
the Dalai Lama sets the context for practicing the Buddha's teachings
in modern times and then unveils the path of wisdom and compassion
that leads to a meaningful life and sense of personal fulfillment.
This series is an important bridge from introductory to profound topics
for those seeking an in-depth explanation from a contemporary perspective.
Don Isaacson is an advanced Dharma student having followed the FPMT Basic Program courses in person for many years, and the FPMT Masters Program online, 2008 to 2013. Don currently serves on the Board of Directors at Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center and at Vajrapani Institute in Boulder Creek.
Textbook
We will be using the following text:
Searching for the Self by The Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron.
(Available at Wisdom Publications
or Amazon.)
In Searching for the Self the Dalai Lama leads us to delve deeply
into the topic of the emptiness of inherent existence,
presenting it from a variety of approaches while focusing on
identifying our erroneous views and directing us to the actual mode of existence of all persons and phenomena.
Placing our study of reality within the auspicious context of a compassionate motivation to benefit all sentient beings, the Dalai Lama explains why realizing emptiness is important and what qualities are needed to do that, and he evaluates various tenet systems’ perspectives on this vast topic. He then helps us understand our perceptions and the mental states involved in both our ignorant and accurate cognitions. He examines inherent existence and other fantasized ways of existence that we seek to disprove through reasoned analysis and presents the Middle Way view that abandons all extremes. The closing chapters by Thubten Chodron discuss the three characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self as explained in the Pali tradition and show how meditation on these can lead to the meditative breakthrough to realize nirvana.
Engaging in this investigation with His Holiness will challenge our deepest-held beliefs and uproot false ways of viewing ourselves and the world that are so habitual we don’t even notice them. Get ready to be challenged and intrigued, for realizing the nature of reality has the power to cut our defilements at the root and free us from cyclic existence forever!
Support
Our ability to continue offering these teachings is dependent on the generosity of donors. If you find this online content useful and you are not already attending the teachings in person, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kind support.
Audio Recordings
Registration
Suggested Donation: $15 per class or $50 for one month (four classes).
Registration is required to receive your online access information.
Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds.