Workshops - Working with Emotions through Mindfulness

Attachment/Equanimity - Saturday August 23, 9 am to 4 pm.

Each month until the end of 2008 an afflictive emotion such as anger, attachment, pride, jealousy, and ignorance will be discussed and various antidotes will be explained and applied in meditation.

Buddhism distinguishes between two basic kinds of emotions. One type is without reason, and is just based on prejudice, for example, anger and attachment. This sort of emotion will rely on superficial reasons, of course, such as 'this person has hurt me terribly' or “I would be happy if only I had that' but deep down, if you pursue that reasoning further, you find it does not go very far.

Emotions without proper reason are what we call afflictive emotions, since as well as lacking a rational basis they afflict the natural peace of our minds. The other kind of emotion, which includes compassion and love, is emotion with reason because through deep investigation you can prove it is good, necessary and useful.

When we apply mindfulness to our emotions we pay attention in a particular way  on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment and without evaluation. When we commit ourselves to paying attention in such a way we have a chance to free ourselves from normally unconscious compulsive ways of thinking and to become more aware of the various emotions motivating our behaviour.

Led by Western teacher, Jampa Gendun, Working with Emotions through Mindfulness is an opportunity to learn about and work with our various afflictive emotions and to deepen our practice of mindfulness.

Everyone is welcome.

Facility fee: $50 waged, $45 concession, $40 members.
Please bring a plate of vegetarian food to share for lunch. Morning and afternoon tea are provided.