December 19, 2022 – November 20, 2023
Dhamma study group
"The Seven Factors of Awakening"
Helena Pauptit & Bianca Vermeij
Practitioners/monks, the Ganges flows, slopes and inclines towards the ocean. Similarly, a practitioner/monk who develops and cultivates the seven factors of awakening flows, inclines, and inclines toward Nibbana.
—SN46: 77-88
In season nine of the online study group, we're going to focus on the seven factors of awakening. The Buddha taught about these beneficial qualities that can support us on the path. We are going to delve into each of the seven qualities. What does it mean? And how do these qualities feel in your own experience? The more familiar we become with them, the more they can support us on the path to awakening, both in meditation practice and in daily life.
In nine months - with a break in the summer period - we will explore together the seven factors of awakening (mindfulness, investigation-of-dhammas, energy, joy, calmness, concentration and equanimity).
We do that by studying suttas (readings of the Buddha) and other texts, bits of Buddhist psychology, guided meditations, exercises and listening to dhamma talks. In this way, the seven factors of awakening can be given more space in our lives, and they help us on the way to a free mind and a free heart.
This online study group is for anyone who meditates, who is looking for deepening and who wants to spend a few hours a month on study and exercises to support meditation and daily life.
Study material
You will always have access to the study material one month before the next live session. This consists of texts to read, dhamma talks to listen to, exercises and guided meditations that you can work with individually. You can study and practice on your own time. We estimate that you need about 4 hours per month for the study material. Much of the study material is in English (with the exception of the exercises).
Live session
Every month we meet via Zoom for an introduction to the theme of that month, to exchange our experiences and ask questions.
Looking back
The introduction to the monthly live online meeting will be recorded via Zoom and you can watch it afterwards.
Page Dhamma study group
You can comment and ask questions about that month's theme through the Dhamma study group page.
Home
On December 19, 2022 you will have access to the start page and study material of the theme of the first month. We will meet for the first time during the live session on January 23, 2023.
This is what you can expect
Live sessions
There are nine monthly online live sessions via Zoom with all participants. All sessions are supervised by Bianca Vermeij and Helena Pauptit. The meeting starts with an introduction to the theme of the month, which is given each time by a different speaker.
After the introduction there is room for exchange. For example, you can ask questions about what you have read that month, or about what the speaker has just said, but also what you encountered with the exercises, for example. It is very supportive for yourself, but also for the other participants to hear how we are researching and practicing together!
The speakers who will give the introductions are: Riët Aarsse, Arjan Schrier, Helena Pauptit, Frits Koster, Bianca Vermeij, sister Vimalanani, sr Dhammadinnā, Simin Abhravesh and Joost van den Heuvel Rijnders.
lectures
Every month you can listen to a Dhammatalk/lecture that explains the topic of that month.
Exercises and meditation
Every month there are different exercises for your meditation so that the subject comes to life more for you.
The intention is that this course is not just theory, but that what we study can also become visible in our daily lives. We provide you with suggestions that can help you get started throughout the day, from hanging the laundry to taking a walk. In fact, there is no part of our lives that we cannot practice with. This way the beneficial qualities can get more and more space in our lives!
Texts
These are different texts from various sources. You can read what the Buddha himself said about this subject, read pieces from Buddhist psychology, but also articles from Buddhist teachers of today. The subjects are exposed in different ways. Over the years we have noticed that people find that very pleasant. Sometimes one angle is enlightening, and sometimes the other. Looking at it in different ways helps us to better understand and penetrate the factors of awakening.
Looking back
The introduction to the theme during the live sessions will be recorded and you can watch it back. The questions and answers and exchanges are not included for privacy reasons.
Online Sangha
Online Sangha on the page of the Dhamma study group where you can exchange and learn together.
