Sat 22 Jul | Three Steps to Nirvana with Thomas Tozer | 10.30am – 3.30pm | Kensington
£35.00
FREE for Silver, Gold and Platinum Members
Although we always wish to be happy, we do not know how to be, and because of this we usually destroy the happiness we have by developing negative minds such as anger, anxiety and depression. Without controlling our negative minds it is impossible to experience real happiness, even if we have a good job, nice friends and an attractive partner. Therefore, the only way to fulfil our wish to be happy all the time is by controlling these negative minds and developing the supreme happiness of permanent inner peace, nirvana.
This course will explain, and provide an opportunity to meditate on, three steps to the supreme happiness of nirvana based on Buddhist master Je Tsongkhapa’s famous text, The Three Principal Aspects of the Path. This text is a profound guide to meditation on the stages of the path to enlightenment, Lamrim. If we try our best to meditate on Lamrim according to Je Tsongkhapa’s instructions, we shall develop a pure and happy mind and gradually progress towards the ultimate peace of full enlightenment. As Bodhisattva Shantideva says:
By depending upon this boat-like human form,
We can cross the great ocean of suffering.
Since such a vessel will be hard to find again,
This is no time to sleep, you fool!
The method for attaining enlightenment is renunciation, bodhichitta and the correct view of emptiness, which are paths to enlightenment known as the ‘three principal aspects of the path to enlightenment’. By studying these, we will learn:
- How to control all the heartache, anxiety and disappointment that comes from our attachment, through training in ‘renunciation’
- How to develop an authentically good heart, that gives us the power to make ourself and others happy all the time, through training in ‘bodhichitta’
- How to solve all our inner problems permanently, and make our mind peaceful all the time, through training in ‘the correct view of emptiness’
Suitable for complete beginners or experienced practitioners alike – please come along!
| Time | Activity |
| 10.30 – 11.30am | Session 1 |
| 12 – 1pm | Session 2 |
| 2.30 – 3.30pm | Session 3 |
Thomas has over 10 years’ experience of meditation and study within the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). He has successfully completed many meditation retreats, and has studied under a number of senior NKT teachers. Thomas is known and respected for his skill in presenting meditation topics in a joyful, down to earth, insightful and very practical way.
KMC London, 27 Earls Court Road
London W8 6ED
KMC London is a dedicated spiritual space in Kensington which provides people with a quiet, beautiful, peaceful, and safe environment to learn about Meditation. The Centre is part of an international network of Kadampa Centres providing a place of peace and refuge open to everyone.
Here are some common questions that people ask about our meditation classes. If you have any other questions please contact us and we will be happy to help you in anyway.
Q) What is meditation?
The purpose of meditation is to cultivate positive states of mind, conducive to peace and well-being, and overcome negative habits of mind. Happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external conditions. When our mind is peaceful we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness.
Meditation is a technique used by millions of people to develop a calm and peaceful mind. It reduces stress, anxiety, and other negative states of mind and promotes physical and mental well-being. The meditations we guide are non-sectarian, non-judgemental, and universal. They are simple and accepted methods to help people tackle the stress and anxiety associated with the challenges of modern daily life.
Q: Do I have to sit of the floor?
A: No, people have the choice of sitting on a chair or they can bring their own cushion and sit on the floor.
Q: Do I need to have a religious affiliation to attend these weekly classes?
A: No. Everything is presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious affiliation is required.
Q: Do I need to have experience of meditation to attend a weekly class?
A: No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners.
Q: Are these classes suitable for someone who already has some experience of meditation?
A: The teachings are designed to be simple yet profound, so that every class provides something for everyone.
Q: Will I be asked to say anything, or speak in front of a group of people?
A: No. But you can ask questions if you want to.
Q: Is there any physical exercise involved, such as yoga?
A: No. The courses focus on meditation alone.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Nothing in particular. However, some people find it useful to bring a notepad and pen.
Q: How should I dress?
A: There are no special requirements, but comfortable clothing is generally best.
Q: If I want to attend a weekly class, do I need to wait for the next course of classes to begin?
A: No. Each class is self-contained. You can drop in whenever you can, and start whenever you like.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: For weekly classes it is not necessary to book in advance.
