Embodying the Four Immeasurables: Loving-Kindness and Compassion

“It is important to understand how much your own happiness is linked to that of others. There is no individual happiness totally independent of others.” (His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama)

The Four Immeasurables—loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity—are four boundless qualities that we can cultivate to an unlimited extent. In contrast to emotions such as attachment, hate, and jealousy, the four immeasurables derive their transformative, liberative power from their ability to open us up to the world around us, allowing us to touch in to our basic wealth that is always here, right now. Cultivating the immeasurables is essential for the creation of a society in which all beings are free to live a life of dignity and ease.

During this workshop we will engage in a deep and extended study and practice on each of the Four Immeasurables over the course of four months. This registration is for the first of these workshops, which will be held in April and May, that focuses on loving-kindness and compassion. Registration for the Fall will be done separately.

Access to the internet is required for this workshop to participate in biweekly online check-ins over Zoom. A virtual option will be available for those who cannot be at the Center on in-person days, though meeting in person is strongly encouraged, as is participation in all classes. (In-person classes will meet until 8pm; virtual classes end at 7:45pm.) The weekly meetings will be:

Apr 9, 2024  6:30-8:00pm (in person)

Apr 16, 2024  6:30-7:45pm (virtual)

Apr 23, 2024  6:30-8:00pm (in person)

Apr 30, 2024  6:30-7:45pm (virtual)

May 7, 2024  6:30-8:00pm (in person)

May 14, 2024  6:30-7:45pm (virtual)

May 21, 2024 6:30-8:00pm (in person)

May 28, 2024. 6:30-7:45pm (virtual)

Materials:

Access to the internet for biweekly virtual meetings. 

Open Door Policy:

Our intent is to share the Shambhala Buddhist teachings with all who are interested in participating, regardless of financial circumstances.

Most of our programs have a Sustaining Price  — which represents the amount needed to cover the center’s costs, and includes things such as our rent, materials and supplies, etc. Our programs also have an Enriching Price  — for those who are able to offer more than the Sustaining Fee. Your generosity in offering the Enriching Fee helps cover the costs for those who are not able to pay the full price. If you prefer, you can also pay in installments. Please indicate your wish to do this in the notes section upon registration. 

If the full Sustaining Fee is an obstacle for you, please offer as much of the Sustaining Fee as you can by clicking the “Pay what you can afford” option when registering. There is no need to request a discount or scholarship in order to do this. Additionally, if you are able to give more than the Enriching level, please consider donating a greater, or Empowering, amount.