Taking Refuge
from Tuesday 7 March 2023
Margo van Greta
Discovering Buddhism module 7, online
In this module we will explore what it means to take refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), and the essential practices to support that. You will find out more about the advantage of taking lay vows and their role in enhancing our spiritual growth.
When things fall apart
What supports us when things fall apart? What do we rely on when our ordinary daily life does not provide the security and safety we rely on, and the ordinary dramas of life or at home and at work give us the feeling as if a carpet is pulled away from under our feet? Buddhism teaches three levels of reliance which can help us to grow into mature, self confident and fearless people: reliance on Buddha, Dharma and Sanga. They are symbolised by the historical Buddha, the transmitted teachings and methods (Dharma) and the human examples of of past, present and future (Sangha). They can help us to discover our inner Buddha: the potential to awaken, the inner Dharma: deep understanding and wisdom, and the inner Sangha: the ability to grow.
What can we trust in life?
We usually take refuge when we are in trouble. We take refuge in a chocolate bar or a coffee, talking to a friend, work, family, or material possessions. We may take refuge in habits like anger or jealousy, in attachment and greed, or into ignoring and falling asleep. When we check the effect this has on us and our surroundings, we might look for other methods to gain stability. We have this great potential as a human being which is Awakening (Buddha), the Path to Awakening (Dharma), and the Community of Awakened People (Sangha). The outer objects of Refuge are methods to discover inner refuge: Unlimited potential, practical inner wisdom, and the courage and skill to grow.
Becoming confident and fearless
To become confident and fearless in a world pf turmoil and changing conditions we need to rely on something which can hold us from falling apart. Buddhism teaches three levels of reliance which are symbolised by the Three Precious Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; the goal of life, the path and the result. Reliance on the goal-inner wisdom- is symbolised by the outside Buddha. Reliance on the path -discovering this inner wisdom and resting in in- is symbolised by the outer teachings and methods. Reliance on the result-our ability to grow into an awake and mature and confident human being- is symbolised by the Sangha, the Community of awakened human examples for the past, present and future.
Methods
We will use a variety of methods: DVD, audio and “live” teachings, meditations, discussions, and reading material for home study. The course of 9 evenings will be completed with a one day practice day. There is an option to take part in an assessment to check our understanding.
Discovering Buddhism
Over 2500 years ago, Shakyamuni Buddha gained direct insight into the nature of reality, perfected the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and power, and revealed the path to his disciples. In the 11th Century, Atisha brought these teachings to Tibet in the form of the lam-rim – the stages on the path to enlightenment. The lam-rim tradition found its pinnacle in the teachings of the great Tibetan saint Lama Tsongkhapa in the 14th Century, and these teachings continued to pass from teacher to student up to this present day.
When Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche transmitted these teachings to their disciples, they imparted a deeply experiential tradition of study and practice, leading thousands of seekers to discover the truth of what the Buddha taught. This tradition is the core of Discovering Buddhism.
All of the FPMT study programs and especially Discovering Buddhism are presented within a context that reflects FPMT “Wisdom Culture.“
Discovering Buddhism is a two-year, fourteen-module series that gives the student a solid foundation in the teachings and practice of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.
Margo van Greta
Margo van Greta is a pioneer of holistic spirituality, who brings in-depth Buddhist practices into our western culture.
Involved with the Dharma since 1987, Margo has studied and practised both in the East and the West. She received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khadrola, Geshe Lama Konchok, Geshe Chiampa Gyatso, Venerable Robina Courtin and others, and attended Foundations of Buddhist Thought. She is an FPMT registered teacher for Discovering Buddhism, teaches evening classes and holds retreats. She spends one month a year in retreat in Nepal or southern Spain. She is the founder of Togme Sangpo Buddhist Group, which she started in 2012 with the blessing of her main teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Tuesday evening March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11, 18, (6 sessions) in 2023
7.30-9pm (UK time), ONLINE
Suggested donation: £100-£85-£70 Tiered pricing
There are 3 prices, in order to make this course available to all:
£100: Generosity price: to financially support those without the means to participate.
£85: Sustainable price: the regular price to sustain this course.
£70: Subsidised price, for those on low income and in need of financial assistance.
Please give generously within your means. No one will be turned away because of lack of funds.
Sign up:
When things fall apart
What supports us when things fall apart? What do we rely on when our ordinary daily life does not provide the security and safety we rely on, and the ordinary dramas of life or at home and at work give us the feeling as if a carpet is pulled away from under our feet? Buddhism teaches three levels of reliance which can help us to grow into mature, self confident and fearless people: reliance on Buddha, Dharma and Sanga. They are symbolised by the historical Buddha, the transmitted teachings and methods (Dharma) and the human examples of of past, present and future (Sangha). They can help us to discover our inner Buddha: the potential to awaken, the inner Dharma: deep understanding and wisdom, and the inner Sangha: the ability to grow.
What can we trust in life?
We usually take refuge when we are in trouble. We take refuge in a chocolate bar or a coffee, talking to a friend, work, family, or material possessions. We may take refuge in habits like anger or jealousy, in attachment and greed, or into ignoring and falling asleep. When we check the effect this has on us and our surroundings, we might look for other methods to gain stability. We have this great potential as a human being which is Awakening (Buddha), the Path to Awakening (Dharma), and the Community of Awakened People (Sangha). The outer objects of Refuge are methods to discover inner refuge: Unlimited potential, practical inner wisdom, and the courage and skill to grow.
Becoming confident and fearless
To become confident and fearless in a world pf turmoil and changing conditions we need to rely on something which can hold us from falling apart. Buddhism teaches three levels of reliance which are symbolised by the Three Precious Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; the goal of life, the path and the result. Reliance on the goal-inner wisdom- is symbolised by the outside Buddha. Reliance on the path -discovering this inner wisdom and resting in in- is symbolised by the outer teachings and methods. Reliance on the result-our ability to grow into an awake and mature and confident human being- is symbolised by the Sangha, the Community of awakened human examples for the past, present and future.
Methods
We will use a variety of methods: DVD, audio and “live” teachings, meditations, discussions, and reading material for home study. The course of 9 evenings will be completed with a one day practice day. There is an option to take part in an assessment to check our understanding.
Discovering Buddhism
Over 2500 years ago, Shakyamuni Buddha gained direct insight into the nature of reality, perfected the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and power, and revealed the path to his disciples. In the 11th Century, Atisha brought these teachings to Tibet in the form of the lam-rim – the stages on the path to enlightenment. The lam-rim tradition found its pinnacle in the teachings of the great Tibetan saint Lama Tsongkhapa in the 14th Century, and these teachings continued to pass from teacher to student up to this present day.
When Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche transmitted these teachings to their disciples, they imparted a deeply experiential tradition of study and practice, leading thousands of seekers to discover the truth of what the Buddha taught. This tradition is the core of Discovering Buddhism.
All of the FPMT study programs and especially Discovering Buddhism are presented within a context that reflects FPMT “Wisdom Culture.“
Discovering Buddhism is a two-year, fourteen-module series that gives the student a solid foundation in the teachings and practice of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.
Margo van Greta
Margo van Greta is a pioneer of holistic spirituality, who brings in-depth Buddhist practices into our western culture.
Involved with the Dharma since 1987, Margo has studied and practised both in the East and the West. She received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khadrola, Geshe Lama Konchok, Geshe Chiampa Gyatso, Venerable Robina Courtin and others, and attended Foundations of Buddhist Thought. She is an FPMT registered teacher for Discovering Buddhism, teaches evening classes and holds retreats. She spends one month a year in retreat in Nepal or southern Spain. She is the founder of Togme Sangpo Buddhist Group, which she started in 2012 with the blessing of her main teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Tuesday evening March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11, 18, (6 sessions) in 2023
7.30-9pm (UK time), ONLINE
Suggested donation: £100-£85-£70 Tiered pricing
There are 3 prices, in order to make this course available to all:
£100: Generosity price: to financially support those without the means to participate.
£85: Sustainable price: the regular price to sustain this course.
£70: Subsidised price, for those on low income and in need of financial assistance.
Please give generously within your means. No one will be turned away because of lack of funds.
Sign up:
- Step 1: email [email protected]
- Step 2: Send your donation to paypal.me/MargovanGreta
