DB Module 2: How to meditate
Discovering Buddhism: Awakening the limitless potential of your mind
FPMT’s Discovering Buddhism Series
Module 2 - How to meditate 
with Annelies van der Heijden
A Series into the Buddha’s teachings in 14 basic topics
“When we study Buddhism, we are studying ourselves, the nature of our own minds. Instead of focusing on some supreme being, Buddhism emphasizes more practical matters such as how to lead our lives, how to integrate our minds, and how to keep our everyday lives peaceful and healthy. In other words, Buddhism always accentuates experiential knowledge-wisdom rather than some dogmatic view.” – Lama Thubten Yeshe
What is this series all about?
The goal of this series is to awaken the limitless potential of your mind and achieve peace of mind and happiness. This is a foundational series in Buddhist philosophy and practice, aimed at giving students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. By engaging in this series, students gain a theoretical and experiential taste of the Buddha’s teachings, into Buddhist meditation, and the skills you need to make your life most meaningful. Discovering Buddhism is developed by an array of international teachers from FPMT under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It is designed not only as an academic study of Buddhism - it is meant to change your life!
Each topic (module) consists of 5 evening lessons and includes short meditations, inspirational readings, quizzes with thought provoking questions, and a short morning retreat to support you in deepening your understanding of the topic. If you like you can also join the 45-minute meditation, guided by Annelies, before the class from 19.00-19.45 hrs.
For whom is this series?
Discovering Buddhism is designed for people who wish to gain basic knowledge on and/or deepen their understanding of the key Buddhist concepts. You do not need to be a Buddhist or have previous knowledge, just an interest into the Buddhist view on life and on how this view might change your view on your life and the sentient beings around you. You may join at any point in the series and may freely choose some or all of these topics, according to your interests.
Module 2: How to meditate (5 classes)
Examine what is “mind,” its nature and function, and how it affects our experience of happiness and suffering. Come explore the differentiation between mind and brain, mind as the creator of our experiences, and the implications of possessing a mind that has no beginning and no end, and we will learn methods to transform negative thoughts and attitudes, turning the mind to cultivate positive potential.
We will explore questions such as:
⦁ What is the nature of consciousness?
⦁ What accounts for the continuity of consciousness from moment to moment?
⦁ What are the different levels of consciousness, and what are their respective roles in spiritual practice and realization?
⦁ What are the different types of consciousness, and what are the different mental factors that can be involved in each type?
⦁ What are the root delusions, how do they arise, and how do they disrupt our lives?
⦁ What is the essence of spiritual transformation?
⦁ Is it possible to eliminate delusions from our mind completely?
🎥 - Click here for an introduction to the topic
Your teacher – Annelies van der Heijden
Annelies is a Dutch, registered FPMT teacher and qualified mindfulness teacher. She has been a Buddhist practitioner in the Tibetan Gelug tradition since 1994, this is the tradition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Her Buddhist path gained footing in an FPMT Discovering Buddhism course at Kopan Monastery in Nepal in 1992. “This left an indelible impression on us, especially by the person who taught this course, Venerable Robina Courtin, an impressive, inspiring and very dynamic Australian nun. Her teachings were a rich mix of deep knowledge, a large dose of (self) humor and her own personal life experiences (also with Lama Thubten Yeshe). It was laughing and confrontational, here the seed was planted for me”.
She is actively involved with the Maitreya Institute and with the FPMT organization since 1997. She has been a teacher for many years and facilitates program activities at both the Maitreya Institute in The Netherlands and within the FPMT organization worldwide. She has a background as a dietician, shiatsu therapist and yoga teacher.
“My aspiration is - how can I bring the pure profound Dharma from our tradition to our students without diluting it, but in such a way that it inspires and encourages thinking about the topics on a level that it touches their lives.”
Practical information
- Day & timing:
- Monday evenings from 20.00-21.30 hrs
- Possibility to join the meditation before the class from 19.00-19.45 hrs
- Dates Module 2: 3 March - 31 March
- Onsite at our Maitreya Center in Amsterdam and online via Zoom.
- Language: English (but questions can be asked in Dutch if needed)
- Study materials & recordings: you will be provided with inspiring study materials. The classes will be recorded (audio and video) and provided to you.
- Registration: You can register for the whole module (5 classes) or for 1 class
- Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary Zoomlink in time to join the class.
Donation
Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. With your donation we uphold our dharma center & program, which is managed entirely by volunteers.
The suggested donation for the module of 5 classes is €60, if you would like to join the meditations also €70. To try out a single class the suggested donation is (with or without meditation) €15.
For students and people with low income, the suggested donation is €45 for the whole module with or without meditation. Please send us an email (amsterdam@maitreya.nl) if you'd like to make use of this option. Keep in mind that the donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma. Please contact us if it might be an obstacle for you.