The Essential Dharma course offers an in-depth understanding of core Buddhist teachings and meditation practices essential in the journey of awakening as taught within the Insight meditation tradition. In Part 1, we will explore in detail the Buddha's important teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Metta (Lovingkindness) Practice.
This course is ideal for those relatively new to Buddhism who wish to gain both an overview of the Buddha's teaching and to develop experience in Buddhist practices and meditation. It is also very useful for those students with some meditation experience who wish to refresh their knowledge of key Buddhist teachings. There is a practical emphasis on how we apply and live these teachings in our everyday lives. The teaching will also emphasize the importance of cultivating an embodied awareness moment to moment.
Ideally, people commit for all three sessions sequentially, as each session builds upon the last section. However, people can join the course at the start of any the three sessions and take the other sessions in following years.
Suggested reading prior to the first class:
Seeking the Heart of Wisdom by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield | 
