Introduction to Buddhist Psychology
About this Event
Buddhist teachings offer a profound understanding of the mind, emotions, and patterns that shape our experience. Using the traditional Buddhist image of the Wheel of Life as a guide, this five-week course explores how confusion, habit, fear, and craving arise—and how awareness, compassion, and meditation can transform them.
Drawing from Tibetan Buddhist teachings and the perspective of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, we’ll examine the psychology of suffering and the practical path toward greater freedom, clarity, and wakefulness. Each class will include experiential exercises that draw from both the Buddhist tradition as well as modern contemplative psychology.
The Five Classes will cover:
- Week 1: The Three Poisons – The Roots of Suffering
- Week 2: Karma – How Habits Shape Our Experience
- Week 3: The Six Realms – Emotional Worlds We Live In
- Week 4: The Twelve Links – How the Sense of Self is Constructed
- Week 5: Liberation – Waking Up from the Cycle
Whether you're new to meditation or have been practicing for years, this course offers a practical and engaging introduction to Buddhist psychology. Together we'll explore the habits, emotions, and assumptions that shape our lives, and discover contemplative practices that foster greater wisdom, compassion, and ease.
About the Instructors
Joel Wachbrit has been a member of the Los Angeles Shambhala community since 1989 and has since served in Shambhala in many roles; as Center Co-Director, Membership Director and as the Director of Buddhist Education for 7 years. He also served as a Shastri for SMCLA for four years, retiring in 2020. Joel has been a working guitarist, songwriter and composer for more than forty five years and continues to find great joy in the expressive power of music.
Carolyn Sykes has been practicing and studying meditation since 1999. She is a meditation instructor and teaches contemplative Buddhist classes, Karuna Training, and Dharma art. Carolyn is a professional musician and plays the harp. Originally from Australia, she has performed in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States for the past 40 years. She came to Los Angeles in 1995 to study for her master’s Degree at the California Institute of the Arts. Since then, she has established her private teaching and performing studio and harp dealership, Pacific Harps.
This class is offered both in-person and online (hybrid).
No prior experience in Buddhism or meditation is required.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 81.88 to USD 188.58
