What does living a compassionate life look like in practice? How do we generate meaning in a way that also helps build resilient community? According to the 11th century Buddhist meditation master Gampopa, author of The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, the secret to living a compassionate life (individually and communally) can be condensed into six traits: Generosity, Integrity, Patience, Grit, Mindfulness, and Wisdom.

Join Lama Gursam, and Lama Willa for six weeks of in-depth exploration of these six traits, drawing on the Jewel Ornament of Liberation and modern research in psychology, which participants will read and study as part of the course. The course will include reading assignments, Dharma teaching, guided meditation practices and discussion. Through our time together, the teachers will guide participants through a journey to explore what it means to live a meaningful, joyful life, focused on serving a larger altruistic intention.

Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation, translated by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche (Boulder, CO: Snow Lion, 1998) is the English translation text Lama Gursam and Lama Willa will be using for the 6-week series. They will be focusing on the six paramitas, which include chapters 12 to 17, or pages 183 to 256, but will naturally be referring to all of Gampopa’s wonderful text. The book is available from your local bookstore or online booksellers (both new and used).

Week One – 11/3

Introduction to the Paramitas & The First Paramita – Generosity

Guided Meditation – Offering Practice, Lama Willa (extracted from Session 01)

Week Tw0 – 11/10

The Second Paramita – Integrity

Week Three – 11/17

The Third Paramita – Patience

Week Four – 11/24

The Fourth Paramita – Grit

Week Five – 12/01

The Fifth Paramita – Focus

Week Six – 12/08

The Sixth Paramita – Wisdom Awareness