FLOOR SERIES

Sustainable happiness

the basis of Buddhism

The 'Four Noble Truths' and the 'Eightfold Path'

Martin Olthoff

Start this floor series

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 schools and can be found in the oldest source texts of Buddhism.

Together with Zen teacher Maarten Olthof you explore the meaning of these basic concepts. At your own pace and in your own place. We dive 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 come to these insights? What did he himself say about it? 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 is what you can expect

  • High quality video lectures - 90 min

    Each lesson opens with a lecture that is recorded in high image and sound quality.

    • Lesson 1: the Four Signs, the Great Departure, the Middle Way
    • Lesson 2: The Four Noble Truths
    • Lesson 3: The Eightfold Path, Part I
    • Lesson 4: The Eightfold Path, part II

    This is a total of 90 minutes of lectures in video format.

  • Supporting texts and quotes

    Study and experience each theme with in-depth texts and quotes.

  • Supporting exercises

    You will receive suggestions for exercises, tips and reflections based on the lesson themes.

  • Comments on the literature - 70 minutes

    View the extra explanation by Maarten for each theme.

    These are 70 minutes of video recordings from previous live sessions.

  • Guided Meditations - 100 minutes

    Each theme is supported with guided meditations (by Maarten) in video format.

    These are 100 minutes of video recordings from previous live sessions.

  • Sangha - Community

    A sangha (community) where you can share experiences and thus inspire others and be inspired yourself.

  • Support

    At any time there is an opportunity to share experiences and ask questions. Maarten Olthof is also present to answer questions.

  • Instant access and review

    You can take all lessons with the course material when and at the pace that suits you.
    In addition, you can look back at everything afterwards.

    • Without a Membership you have access to all classes for 12 months after purchase.
    • With an (active) Membership you have unlimited access to all classes after purchase.