About Classes
Surja Tjahaja leads weekly online Mindfulness Meditation classes. These classes are open to people of all abilities and health conditions. No prior experience is necessary for the Beginners classes, and newcomers are always welcome.
Due to the continued presence of COVID in our community, all classes -- Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 -- still take place in the virtual realm via Zoom. No need to travel to get to class. Simply log in from the comfort of your home after registering. Each course covers a specific syllabus. The different levels of Mindfulness Meditation classes follow a sequence that scaffolds upon each other. Class levels should be taken sequentially so that students can integrate and draw upon their prior learning. The recommended sequence is
All Mindfulness Meditation classes offer simple instructions, a period of guided meditation in a comfortable posture and discussion periods. Attention to individual needs is offered when requested. In a nutshell, these classes offer you opportunities to:
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TuesdayTitle: The Noble Eightfold Path -- Level 3
Description: The essence of Buddha’s teachings is The Four Noble Truths: (1) suffering, (2) the cause of suffering, (3) the end of suffering, and (4) the way to end suffering. The Noble Eightfold Path (NEP) focuses entirely on the last of the teachings -- the way to end suffering. Much like a cookbook that provides recipes complete with ingredients and cooking instructions, the NEP shares the necessary steps for living a life free of suffering. Our text for this class is The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering by Bhikkhu Bodhi, a well-known and respected Buddhist scholar. It is written using “high” (esoteric) and often hard to understand language. By reading it together, the concepts will become clear enough to put into practice. New or used, the book costs less than $10. Time: 5 - 6:30 PM (Pacific Time) April 30 - July 16, 2024 Cost: Free or dana offering* *Suggested course fee of $120. We encourage students to practice Dana, the Buddhist practice of generosity that values the interdependency between teacher and those who benefit from the teachings. The practice of giving with a generous heart opens your feeling of inner joy, cultivates a spirit of caring and helps you gain insight into the nature of inter-connectedness that we share in this earthly life. Your giving not only supports the maintenance of the virtual realm that brings us together electronically, but also helps those with limited means to join in. Click here to register Zoom Link: Will be given after registration. Title: Integrating Mindfulness & Science -- Level 2
Description: This course is designed to bring pragmatism to the practice of Mindfulness. Readings are drawn from the fields of neuroscience and Mindfulness. By understanding human science and Mindfulness, we become aware of each discipline's shortfalls and how they complement each other. We also come to learn what we can and cannot do in our body/mind. This enables us to respond realistically as we strive toward happiness. Open to those familiar with the fundamentals of Mindfulness Meditation and are willing to challenge their minds in new ways. Time: 7 - 8:30 PM (Pacific Time) April 30 - July 16, 2024 Cost: Free or dana offering* *Suggested course fee of $120. We encourage students to practice Dana, the Buddhist practice of generosity that values the interdependency between teacher and those who benefit from the teachings. The practice of giving with a generous heart opens your feeling of inner joy, cultivates a spirit of caring and helps you gain insight into the nature of inter-connectedness that we share in this earthly life. Your giving not only supports the maintenance of the virtual realm that brings us together electronically, but also helps those with limited means to join in. Click here to register Zoom Link: Will be given after registration. WednesdayTitle: Pain Management -- Level 2
Description: Pain is something that we all experience in life. While doctors have long prescribed pain relief medications to help patients, we now know that some (like opioids) may cause addiction. That’s why it’s important to learn different ways to relate painful sensations. Mindfulness Meditation practice is now being used successfully for managing pain in medical settings. The good news is that pain management is a skill that you can learn. This course is an expansion of the Beginners class, introducing more topics and practices that deepen your Mindfulness practice. By training your thoughts through Mindfulness Meditation practice, you can gain control your pain and lead a happier life. Time: 5 - 6:30 PM (Pacific Time) May 1 - July 24 No class 6/19 in celebration of Juneteenth Cost: Free or dana offering* *Suggested course fee of $120. We encourage students to practice Dana, the Buddhist practice of generosity that values the interdependency between teacher and those who benefit from the teachings. The practice of giving with a generous heart opens your feeling of inner joy, cultivates a spirit of caring and helps you gain insight into the nature of inter-connectedness that we share in this earthly life. Your giving not only supports the maintenance of the virtual realm that brings us together electronically, but also helps those with limited means to join in. Click here to register Zoom Link: Will be given after registration. Title: Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners (Course # 28253)
Description: Once you learn the A to Z of Mindfulness Meditation, you'll be able to apply the new skills and knowledge towards:
Time: 7 - 8:30 PM (Pacific Time) May 1 - July 24 No class 6/19 in celebration of Juneteenth Cost: $104 residents, $121 non-residents Register: Online at www.loparks.org or call (503) 675-2549. Note that there is an additional service charge for online registration, but not for phone registration. Registration opens in April. Zoom Link: Will be given after registration |