Lamrim: The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment

Aug 15 – Dec 12
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Cost: $15 per class or discount for the different series options (free for supporting members).

Lamrim is a special set of instructions that includes all the essential teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni arranged in such a way that all his Hinayana and Mahayana teachings can be put into practice in a single meditation session.

It was compiled by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha, who was invited to Tibet by King Jangchub Ö in AD 1042, and who spent the rest of his life there spreading pure Dharma.

Unbroken Lineage

There is a completely pure and unbroken lineage of these Lamrim instructions from Buddha Shakyamuni up to our present day Spiritual Guides.

Many great Kadampa Teachers have said that it is far more important to gain experience of Lamrim than it is to attain clairvoyance, miracle powers, or high social status.

This is true because in previous lives we have often possessed clairvoyance and potent miracle powers, and many times in the past we have been in the highest positions in the human and god realms, but despite this we continue to experience uncontrolled rebirth and physical and mental suffering caused by anger, attachment, jealousy, and confusion.

Freedom from all suffering.

If we gain deep experience of Lamrim there will be no basis for these problems; we shall be completely free of all of them.

First we must understand the value of Lamrim. Then by joyfully and patiently doing the meditations we shall gradually experience the fruits of Lamrim practice.

Eventually we shall attain freedom from all suffering and the unchanging peace and happiness of enlightenment.

Aug 15: The true nature of samsara

Aug 22: Developing a wish to attain Liberation

Aug 29: Developing a balanced mind of equanimity

Sept 5: Recognizing that all living beings are our mother

Sept 12: Remembering the kindness of all living beings

Sept 19: Equalizing self and others

Sept 26: The disadvantages of self-cherishing

Oct 3: The advantages of cherishing others

Oct 10: Exchanging self with others

Oct 17: Developing Great Compassion

Oct 24: The practice of Taking

Oct 31: No Class (International Fall Festival in Brazil)

Nov 7: No Class (Western Canadian Dharma Celebration in Vancouver)

Nov 14: Wishing Love

Nov 21: The practice of Giving

Nov 28: Developing the mind of Bodhichitta

Dec 5: Tranquil abiding & Superior seeing

Dec 12: Relying upon a Spiritual Guide

Host or Publisher Akshobya Kadampa Buddhist Centre