Satipatthana — The Buddha’s Way of Mindfulness
Alternate Sunday mornings 10 AM – 12 Noon
This series is based on one of the Buddha’s most important discourses: The Satipatthana Sutta on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This core discourse provides the comprehensive set of instructions on which vipassana (insight) meditation is based. The class investigates what the Buddha’s instructions mean, in plain terms, and emphasizes how ordinary folks like us can put his instructions into practice every day.
Many of us may find the Buddha’s ancient discourses—the suttas—to be dry, intimidating, hard to penetrate, and yes, just plain boring. If that’s you, consider joining us for this class series. Our intention is to help make the suttas more accessible and user-friendly. They are a treasure trove of incomparable wisdom and utility–not to be missed!
The course is led by Matthew Grad.* He draws on respected modern and ancient commentaries to help reveal some of the sutta’s most subtle and profound facets. Classes include reflections and group discussions grounded in our direct experience. While primarily a study course, the class includes periods of meditation in which to experiment with what the sutta has revealed. That is, the class doesn't just talk about the Buddha’s instructions, but serves as a workshop for hands-on practice with them. We track the Buddha’s instructions carefully, step by step, which means that by the end the course will have gone on for many months—quite an odyssey!
This class offering is not intended for beginners. Participants should have some meditation experience, and an ongoing daily practice is highly encouraged. There is no advance registration for the series—just show up.
If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Grad here.
* Matthew has practiced vipassana meditation for over 20 years. In 2003-04 he taught an 18-month class series in sutta study for Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Friends of the Dhamma never charges a fee for its events. Our doors remain open through the voluntary contributions of time, effort and/or financial (tax deductible) donations of our members, friends, and whoever may feel so inspired. Please do not hesitate to come to this class offering no matter what your financial situation may be.
