Wed 4 Nov 7:30-8:45pm
Understanding the Mind
Understanding the nature and function of our own mind, the key to understanding the causes of our happiness and the causes of our suffering

In this evening’s session, we will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of gaining control over our mind to find peace and happiness. Normally, we seek happiness outside ourselves. We try to obtain better material conditions, a better job, higher social status, and so on; but no matter how successful we are in improving our external situation, we still experience many problems and much dissatisfaction. Now is the time to establish happiness within our own mind.

Wed 11 Nov 7:30-8:45pm
Past and Future Lives
Understanding the real nature of our existence

In this evening’s session, we will try to realise the real nature of our existence. One way to gain an understanding of past and future lives is to examine the process of sleeping, dreaming and waking, because this closely resembles the process of death, intermediate state and rebirth.

Wed 18 Nov 7:30-8:45pm
What is Karma?
Gaining conviction in the law of cause and effect, a key to a happy life

In this evening’s session, we will learn about the law of karma, or cause and effect. ‘Karma’ is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘action’. All intentional bodily, verbal and mental actions are karma. Sometimes, when Buddhists experience suffering or misfortune, they say, ‘This is my karma’, and accept it patiently.

Wed 25 Nov 7:30-8:45pm
Our Precious Human Life
Realising our present opportunity, the gateway to fulfilling our potential

In this evening’s session, we will try to wake up to the opportunity our present human life gives us. A human life has almost limitless potential, but we will be able to realise this potential only if we learn to appreciate it. Therefore, we need to reflect again and again on the special opportunity we now have. If we develop a deep appreciation for the preciousness of this life, we will definitely make a determination to use it wisely. Then we will feel that our life has become truly meaningful.

Wed 2 Dec 7:30-8:45pm
Death
Giving the greatest meaning to our life

In this evening’s session, we will come to terms with the biggest inevitability of our life, our death. We live our life as if we were going to remain in this world forever and, consequently, we devote almost all of our time to the affairs of this life and think little about what will happen after we die. Our preoccupation with trivial, mundane activities causes us to waste our precious human life.

Wed 9 Dec 7:30-8:45pm
The Buddhist Way of Life
Seeking protection from the storm of life, going for Refuge

In this evening’s session, we will learn where true refuge, or protection, can be found. What are we seeking protection from? Every moment of every day we try to avoid suffering and problems. Have we yet found this solution? We should have complete faith and confidence in the Three Jewels and live in accordance with the law of karma — abandoning non-virtuous actions such as killing and stealing, and practising virtuous actions such as maintaining a compassionate mind towards human beings and animals alike.