Sat, 03 Jun
|Croydon Buddhist Centre
Trying to make sense of what is happening in the world
We are joined by our special guest, Vaddhaka, to explore the big questions of life today by learning from the past, all through a Buddhist perspective. Open to newcomers and those who have been on courses / meditated with us before.
Time & Location
03 Jun 2023, 10:30 BST – 08 Jul 2023, 12:45 BST
Croydon Buddhist Centre, 98 High St, Croydon CR0 1ND, UK
Details
Trying to make sense of what is happening in the world
Saturdays, 3rd June to 8th July, 10:30am to 12:45pm
With Vaddhaka
All welcome - in-person at the Buddhist Centre
How can we make sense of what is happening in the world today? Buddhism a way of understanding the big questions of human life: questions of suffering, life and death.
But this perspective is so big, that it’s not easy to tell how it applies to our current social and political situation. What can we learn about what’s happening in the world now from ancient and more recent history?
Vaddhaka brings a Buddhist perspective to bear upon the work of recent anthropologists, archaeologists, philosophers, historians, religious specialists, and social psychologists. This series aims to search for guidance on what to do in a time of great uncertainty.
Week 1: The Dawn of Everything: David Graeber and David Wengrow
Week 2: Is Humanity’ Progress Guaranteed ? John Gray
Week 3: To Be Or Not To Be? Iain McGilchrist
Week 4: The Great Transformation: Karl Jaspers, Karen Armstrong and Sangharakshita
Week 5: Is Social Media Making Us Stupid? Jonathan Haidt
Week 6: What To Do In A Time Of Great Uncertainty?
This course will be offered on two levels. One group will be for newcomers, or those who are fairly new. Another group will be for regular and experienced attendees at the Centre. When you book you'll be asked to choose which group you'd like to join
Level 1. Suitable for all. Explore exciting new ideas about the nature of human past, present and future from a Buddhist perspective, and how it applies to your life today. Includes a full introduction to the basics of Buddhist meditation.
Level 2. Suitable for those who have been practising with us for six months or longer. Take your understanding of basic Buddhist teaching to another level by bringing it into contact with the best of contemporary thought. Includes in-depth meditation guidance.