The Heart Sutra - Everything You Wanted to Know About Buddhism But Were Afraid to Ask

“Emptiness is like open space – empty yet full. A tremendous sense of freedom comes along with that kind of openness.”

    – Chögyam Trungpa

The Heart Sutra is a profound condensation of all the Buddha’s teachings into one single drop. What is that? You say it’s EMPTY? What does that mean? What are all these lists of Buddhist teachings that are also empty? And empty of WHAT?

In seven classes, we look into what the Buddha saw and taught on this provocative subject that has intrigued scholars and meditators for centuries, and led them to wisdom and kindness. We will listen and study, think and contemplate, and practice and meditate together with a rich and varied group of experienced meditators and teachers.  We look forward to meeting you.

Who Should Attend

This course is open to anyone who is interested in deepening their understanding of mindfulness, exploring personal growth, and fostering a greater connection to themselves and the natural world. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, this program offers an inclusive and supportive environment to learn, reflect, and engage meaningfully with others.

What to Expect

Program Description: Exploring the Heart of Prajna-Paramita Sutra

 Thursdays, February 13 – March 27

This seven-week series offers a profound journey into the teachings of the Heart Sutra, one of the most celebrated and essential texts in Buddhist tradition. Each session will provide an in-depth exploration of key concepts and practices that illuminate the path of wisdom and compassion. The program is open to all, regardless of prior experience, and is designed to offer insights that are both accessible and transformative.

Each session will be led by experienced practitioners and teachers from our community, creating a supportive and inspiring environment for study, meditation, and dialogue.

Course Schedule

February 13: Introduction to Prajna-Paramita and the Sutras

Instructor: Mark Nowkowski

In this opening session, we will set the stage for our exploration of the Heart Sutra. Participants will be introduced to the profound wisdom of Prajna-Paramita (the perfection of wisdom), the historical context of the sutras, and the overarching themes that will guide our journey.

February 20: Emptiness

Instructor: Adrienne Chang

This session delves into the central teaching of emptiness (shunyata), exploring its meaning and implications for our understanding of reality and self. Adrienne will guide participants through meditations and discussions to help integrate this profound concept into daily life.

February 27: The Five Skandhas

Instructor: Daniel Nguyen

This session explores the five aggregates (skandhas) that constitute our experience of self: form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. Daniel will illuminate how understanding the skandhas can help unravel our habitual patterns and open the door to freedom.

March 6: The Six Senses, Twelve Sense Fields, and Eighteen Consciousnesses

Instructor: Mark Nowkowski

This session examines the intricate interplay of the senses, their corresponding fields, and the consciousnesses that arise from them. Participants will learn how these elements contribute to our perception of reality and how mindfulness can transform this process.

March 13: The Twelve Nidanas

Instructor: Rhea Colmar

Rhea will guide participants through the twelve links of dependent origination (pratityasamutpada), offering insights into the cyclical nature of suffering and how wisdom can break this chain to bring liberation.

March 20: The Four Noble Truths

Instructor: Blaire Martin

This session revisits the foundational teaching of the Buddha; the Four Noble Truths. Blaire will explore how these truths provide a clear framework for understanding the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

March 27: Wisdom, Attainment, and the Mantra of the Heart Sutra

Instructor: Pam Bothwell

In this final session, we will reflect on the themes of wisdom and nonattainment as presented in the Heart Sutra. Participants will also be introduced to the power and meaning of the mantra, culminating with an introduction to Vyana, the integrative energy of wisdom.

Program Highlights:

•Guided meditations and contemplative exercises to deepen your understanding.

•Engaging discussions to clarify complex teachings.

•Opportunities to connect with a supportive community of practitioners.

Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking to deepen your practice, this program offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound teachings of the Heart Sutra. Join us in this transformative journey into the essence of wisdom.

Schedule:

Thursdays:

February 13 | February 20| February 27| March 6 | March 13 | March 20 | March 27 

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm Eastern

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Cost

All prices are in $70 CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

Suggested Tuition: CA$70

Generosity Policy applies. You will the have the option of pay what you can and applying a discount on the Registration Page should you need financial assistance. The remainder of our costs are covered by donations, creating a generosity circle.

Recommended Reading

The Heart Attack Sutra by Karl Brunnhölzl