If you’d like to book a place on one of our upcoming 8 week courses or if you have any questions, email the course tutors. Group size will be limited.
On Zoom 7pm – 8pm (GMT) Mondays from 30th March, for 8 weeks. Email kaspa@kaspathompson.co.uk to book or for more information.
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Is your life feeling empty, confusing or overwhelming? Would you like to know how Buddhist teachings could help you to live an enjoyable, peaceful and meaningful life? Would you like to feel more accepted ‘just as you are?’
‘Just as you are’ is at the heart of Bright Earth Buddhism, which combines Japanese Pure Land Buddhism with an appreciation of our precious Earth. This 8 week course written by Kaspa and Satya covers the essentials of our style of Buddhism and it includes the stories of Shakyamuni and Amida Buddha, taking refuge, the bombu paradigm (being a ‘foolish being’), the Four Noble Truths and more. You will be encouraged to apply these teachings to your ordinary life, and to try Buddhist practices such as the nembutsu which is the main practice for Pure Land Buddhists.
You can read the start of the first lesson and see the list of different topics for the 8 weeks here.
By the end of the course you will have a good grounding in the important basics of Bright Earth Buddhist teachings, and how these might help you in a practical way. You will also have a good idea of what you could do next to further explore Buddhism and/or Bright Earth Buddhism.
The course is suitable both for those with experience of other Buddhist traditions, and complete beginners. There are 3 – 4 pages of A4 to read each week, including reflection questions. You will then attend a one-hour discussion each week with up to 8 participants where you will share your thoughts about the teachings, discuss how they relate to your own experience, and ask any theoretical questions.
This course is offered on a ‘suggested donation’ basis. We need money to run the temple, and, we don’t ever want finance to be a barrier to those wanting access to teachings. Suggested donation £20-80 for the whole course or whatever you can afford, whether that is more or less than the suggested range.
To ask any questions and to see if there are any spaces left, email Kaspa for the face to face course (kaspa@kaspathompson.co.uk).
To see the start of an example lesson including the personal reflection and questions, click here.
Comments from previous students:
“This course gave me a much clearer insight and understanding of Pureland Buddhism and Amida. It was a joy to learn and share our ideas and experiences together in a small group. The space felt safe and affirming and our facilitator was welcoming, honest, open and compassionate. Thank you! Namo Amida Bu.” ~ JJ
