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Course Content
Section 1: Buddhist Meditation
What is Meditation? Meditation is a common term that is quite vague, yet, it is also defined in Buddhism. In this section of the course, we will learn about Dhyana, or meditation and what is the practice of meditation. Instruction shall be given and enquiry into what it is to meditate.
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Lesson 1: The Practice of Dhyana (Meditation)
Lesson 2: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Assignment for Section 1: Meditation
Section 2: Buddhist Principles
In this section of the course, you will learn about the basic principles of Buddhism. It is what is witnessed and experienced through meditation. These principles are undeniable, and always present.
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Lesson 3: The Three Universal Characteristics
Lesson 4: The Five Skandhas (Aggregates)
Section 3: The Four Noble Truths
We shall now spend some time on the Buddha's first teaching, what is considered to be 'The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma'. It is principally to understand the one of the universal characteristics we have been studying, 'Dukkha'. Dukkha is often translated as Suffering; however, it is far broader than the English term suggests. For this section of the course, we'll be reading from Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's book - 'The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation'.
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Lesson 5: The First Noble Truth – The Truth of Suffering
Lesson 6: The Second Noble Truth – The Truth of the Origin of Suffering
Lesson 7: The Third Noble Truth – The Truth of Cessation
Lesson 8: The Fourth Noble Truth – The Buddhist Path
Section 4: Other Buddhist Principles
In this section, we'll tie in other principles known to Buddhism, including Karma and the Buddhist understanding of Re-birth.
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Lesson 9: Karma
Lesson 10: Rebirth
Assessment
Final assessment
Private: Learn Buddhism 1

Lesson 7: The Third Noble Truth – The Truth of Cessation

 

Instructions:

We’ll continue reading the book, ‘The Truth of Suffering, and the Path of Liberation’ by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

Note: You can also download the lesson’s investigations and exercises in the tab above.

 

Reading:

Book required: The Truth of Suffering and the Path of liberation

From your book, read Chapter 6: Awakening and Blossoming in The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation by Chogyam Trungpa

 

Investigations

Why do you think Trungpa Rinpoche emphasises experience over imagination regarding cessation?

What does Trungpa Rinpoche mean that realisation could also lead to ‘Spiritual Materialism’? How do you feel this may lead to further fixation?

How do you see Samsara in your life as described by Trungpa Rinpoche, and how can you find a gap to experience a glimpse of cessation?

 

Exercise

What is it like to eat in a unconscious state, and what is it like to eat with awareness? Can you describe the differences?

Do your fixations rule you?

Does a back-and-forth thinking process interfere with your intelligence?

Does this tie you up in knots?

Are you affected by the knots or the ping pong suffering?

Go back to the circle you made and put glimpses of awareness on the outside, the things you notice (as Trungpa suggests), make sure it is not spiritual materialism but just simple things you are experiencing.

 

Next:

From your book, read Chapter 7: Meditation as the Path to Buddhahood in The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation by Chogyam Trungpa

Write down what you consider to be the main points that Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche makes in this chapter.

 

From your book, read Chapter 8 Transcending Samsara and Nirvana in The Path of Liberation and the Truth of Suffering by Chogyam Trungpa

Write down what you consider to be the main points that Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche makes in this chapter.

Congratulations, you have now completed lesson 7. Click the next button below to continue to Lesson 8.

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