18 August - 13 September
The basics of Buddhism
The 'Four Noble Truths' and the 'Eightfold Path'
Martin Olthoff
De Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are core concepts in Buddhism. Giving the Four Noble Truths and insight in the origin of suffering and stress. The Eightfold Path helps a more balanced life that causes less harm to yourself as well as to others. The core concepts are endorsed by all Buddhist denominations and can be found in the oldest source texts of Buddhism. We will read that too!
Together with Zen teacher Maarten Olthof you will explore the meaning of these basic concepts. We delve into the life of Siddhartha, the Buddha, to find inspiration for our own lives. What place did the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path have in his life? What prompted him to arrive at these insights? What did he say about it himself?
And how can we give these insights a place in our own lives?
We also look at the hopeful meaning of 'the Great Departure', 'the Middle Way' and 'Entering the Stream'.
We conclude the series with the Mindfulness Exercises the Buddha gave to lay followers and the "Take Refuge," the ceremony the Buddha suggested to become "formal" Buddhist.
This course is intended for anyone who wants to get acquainted with the basics of Buddhism, but also for people who are more familiar with Buddhism and who want to get the basic concepts explained again clearly and in a broader context.
The course lasts four weeks. Every week on Thursday you get access to a new weekly page. Each week page includes a lecture to introduce the theme this week. The lecture is recorded in high image and sound quality and can be viewed at a time that suits you.
You also get access to supporting texts, tips, quotes and suggestions for exercises and reflections. You can get started with this individually before the Live session.
In Live session there is additional explanation about the theme and a guided meditation. The meeting will be concluded with an interactive part in which you can ask questions and give reactions. You can also share questions via the weekly pages.
This Live Course starts on: Thursday, August 18.
This is what you can expect
High image quality lectures
Every week you get access to a new weekly page about the theme.
Each weekly page includes a lecture which is recorded in high image and sound quality.- from August 18: the Four Signs, the Great Departure, the Middle Way
- from August 25: the Four Noble Truths
- September 1st: The Eightfold Path, Part I
- from September 8: the Eightfold Path, part II
Live sessions
In addition to the weekly pages, there are 4 Live sessions from 20.00:21.15 PM to approximately XNUMX:XNUMX PM:
- August 23: the Four Signs, the Great Departure, the Middle Way
- August 30: the Four Noble Truths
- September 6: the Eightfold Path, part I
- September 13: the Eightfold Path, part II
In these sessions there is:
- additional explanation about the theme;
- a guided meditation;
- an interactive section in which you can ask questions and provide feedback.
Supporting texts, tips, quotes, exercises and reflections
With the weekly page you also get access to supporting texts, tips, quotes on the theme and you receive suggestions for exercises and reflections.
Sangha - Community
In addition to the Live sessions, you can exchange experiences with your fellow students at the bottom of each weekly page.
Support
You will have the opportunity to share your questions with Maarten for each theme and on the home page.
Looking back
You can watch all parts (lectures, meditations, tips, practice assignments, quotes and live sessions) whenever it suits you.
- Without a Membership you will have access to all components for 3 months after the Live Course.
- With an (active) Membership you have unlimited access to all parts.
