Lesson 1: An Introduction to Buddhist Contemplative Practice
Welcome to preview mode! You can view the first video and, if this course offers guided meditations, the first meditation of the first lesson.
In our first lesson, John Dunne introduces us to what we mean by “contemplative practice” in the Buddhist tradition, sharing key features of any meditation practice. He also outlines the goals for our course and details what motivation means in the Buddhist context—underscoring the meaning of duhkha, or suffering, and its role in our understanding of the four noble truths.
Click here for guidance on how to progress through the lesson.
1. Watch
Watch 1.
John Dunne introduces us to the theory and practice of meditation in Buddhism.
In this reading from The World of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama explores foundational concepts of the three yānas, or vehicles, and then discusses the first turning of the wheel of Dharma.
In this practice, John Dunne leads us in a practice to settle the mind in its natural state, using the breath as a technique to do so. Find a comfortable, quiet place to sit and follow along with the guided practice below.
