Suffering and its Cure: the Four Noble Truths

A foundational programme towards liberation

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche once described suffering as “a necessary and quite delightful topic”. During this programme we will ex­plore our Shambhala lineage’s exposition of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths, which map the entire Buddhist journey.

The Four Noble Truths have the elegance of a medical case-history : we meet our condition, explore its sources and  discover ways to go further. Our starting-point is our longing to find an off-switch for pain. So the first and essential step on our Buddhist journey entails an honest encounter with our own  anxiety, from which our whole journey starts to unfold.

A steadily deeper understanding accompanies each stage of the path, from our  discovery of – or re-engagement with – meditation (which teaches us the Origin of Suffering and points us towards its Cessation), up to our embrace of the Eight-fold Path.

Exploring the elements of this journey is always fresh and timely, whether we are beginners or experienced meditators.  

Peter Conradi (author of Going Buddhist) will teach both from the Hinayana volume of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma (a comprehensive presentation of the three yana journey of the Buddhist Path), The Path of Individual Liberation and also from the teachings of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. No prerequisites.

Practical

This programme is taught in English. Free translation into French or other languages to be confirmed. Important: Translation services are possible only if you register your request at least two months in advance of the programme.

Arrival day (Oct 29): Orientation talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.

End of program (Nov 3): Closing circle and Banquet in the evening.

Departure day (Nov 4): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.