Buddha's Middle Way:

The Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni Weekend
with Saturday Course and Sunday Empowerment & Commentary

Schedule of Events: Saturday, June 21: "Buddha's Middle Way: Freedom from Spiritual Extremes" A discussion-oriented mini-course from 11am - 2pm $15 for general public; $10 FP students* Sunday, June 22: 9am - Preparatory Meditation 11am - The Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni 3pm - Commentary to the Empowerment: "The Practice of the Middle Way - Kadam Lamrim" $60 for general public; $50 FP students* * Combine and save - $70 whole weekend for general public; $55 FP students. Alternatively, see our Summer Package Registration prices. * No one turned away for lack of funds; please contact Rameshori Buddhist Center if you need alternative payment arrangements. Please register in advance for this event by clicking here.

Saturday, June 21: "Buddha's Middle Way: Freedom from Spiritual Extremes"
A timely, discussion-oriented workshop
11am - 2pm, including a brief break
$15 general public; $10 FP students

Whether we identify ourselves as Buddhist, or as a spiritual practitioner of another tradition, it is important to be aware of the dangers of spiritual extremes.  Some of the most common of these spiritual pitfalls include:

- Relying upon a blind faith which refuses to question our spiritual leaders out of a fear of being disappointed by them,
- OR not developing faith at all in any spiritual leader, often out of the same fear (or past experience) of disappointment;

- Dogmatically clinging to a spiritual tradition or lineage out of pride, and developing a condescending attitude towards other traditions,
- OR trying to practice all spiritual traditions at once, pridefully thinking we have the wisdom to know how to synthesize different traditions, and developing a condescending attitude towards those who follow only one tradition;

- Avoiding engaging in conflicts or using strong actions due an extreme in our understanding of "acceptance" or "compassion" and thereby falling into moral relativism,
- OR aggressively forcing our will or beliefs on others with the righteous attitude that we have a mandate to do so, and thereby falling into moral absolutism.


How can we avoid these pitfalls of spiritual practice?  What is the "middle way" between these extreme views?

According to Buddha's teachings, all of our problems originally stem from our delusions of anger, attachment, and ignorance -- including the problems that arise from holding extreme views.  As we come to recognize the presence of anger, attachment, and ignorance in our mind, we will also start to recognize how these delusions are also influencing the spiritual views we are holding.  When our wisdom increases, the power of our delusions diminish, and we can clearly see a middle path that avoids dangerous extremes.

During this course, which also serves as the overall introduction to our summer classes, "The Middle Way of Kadampa Buddhism", Gen Mondrub will help us develop our own wisdom to navigate through the forest of spiritual extremes.  The class will be discussion oriented, with a chance to refine our understanding through the traditional questioning process used by centuries of Buddhist practitioners to come to clear, logical conclusions.

Sunday, June 22: The Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni and Commentary
9am - Preparatory Meditation
11am - The Blessing Empowerment
3pm - Commentary to the Empowerment: "The Practice of the Middle Way - Kadam Lamrim"
$60 general public; $50 FP students

The founder and source of guidance and inspiration for Buddhists of all traditions throughout the world is Buddha Shakyamuni. "Buddha" means "Awakened One", someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. Out of his great compassion, Buddha Shakyamuni appeared directly in this world to guide all living beings on the path to liberation from suffering and Buddhahood.

There are many benefits that will come from attending this special blessing empowerment: