How Can I Help? The Basic Goodness of Society

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Price per person: $108

About the Course

This six-week recorded course explores our relationships with others, an aspiration to help our world, and specific aspects of social transformation. We look at a Shambhala understanding of society, and what enlightened society may be. Is society something that is ultimately confused, or is there goodness in human society? This course focuses on transforming four aspects of society: relations with family (household), professional life, entertainment, and economy. We learn the traditional mahayana practice of “sending and taking” (tonglen).

The Way of Shambhala courses are designed for those who don’t live near a Shambhala Center, or who need a particular course in order to continue on the path. Each course in the series features a senior Shambhala teacher and recorded talks.

Open to all.

Strongly recommended preparation: An Introduction to Shamhala Meditation, Basic Goodness 1: The Basic Goodness of Being Human, and Meditation in Everyday Life or Contentment in Everyday Life, or Shambhala Training Level I. See Upcoming Programs for a schedule of these courses)

When Does the Class Meet?

The course is asynchronous. You may view the recorded talks at your convenience. The recommended schedule is to view one talk each week and complete the associated readings and exercises in the module. There are 6 talks.

How Much Time Does it Take?

Most participants spend 1 to 2 hours per week on the course. The talks average 45 minutes in length. Allow yourself time to do the readings, meditation practices and other assignments. It’s a good idea to schedule the time on your calendar as you would for a face-to-face class.

Please note: This "open enrollment" course may be completed on your own schedule. The discussion area is less active but is still open. There is also no facilitator for the course. The price is reduced from $149 to $108. We recommend that you keep a journal about the class and meet with your Meditation Instructor to discuss the contemplation topics. Questions? Contact [email protected]

Reading List 

Shambhala, Sacred Path of the Warrior, Chogyam Trungpa, Shambhala Publications 2010

The Shambhala Principle, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Harmony, 2013

Work, Sex, and Money, Real Life on the Path of Mindfulness, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Shambhala Publications 2011

About the Teacher

Arawana Hayashi is a dancer, choreographer and teacher, trained in both Japanese and Western art forms. She has served as an Acharya (a senior teacher of meditation) in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. From her career’s inception, her work as an artist and meditation practitioner has been intertwined with innovations in community building and education. Since the 1970s her focus has been on using non-verbal collaborative improvisation methods to increase personal presence and group performance. Arawana is a founding member of the Presencing Institute (www.presencing.com) and the ALIA Institute, now the Authentic Leadership Center at Naropa Univeristy in Boulder, Colorado.

Registration Options

The Patron rate supports our efforts to connect teachers and learners through online programs. In particular, it helps us offer the generosity policy to those in need.

Generosity Policy. We want to make the teachings available to all and will work with you to ensure your participation. Click on the Request a Discount link below to receive a coupon code to use at checkout. For a further discount or scholarship, write to [email protected].

Centers and Groups, please register here.

Meditation Instructors and Shambhala Guides, please see Shambhala Educator Resources to register for a Study/Review version of this course.  

Click here for our Refund Policy.

PLEASE NOTE: Prices are in US Dollars . Request a discount before you register to allow for exchange rates or other discounts.

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