Discovering Buddhism: Getting to Nirvana

Emily Hsu

Discovering Buddhism: Getting to Nirvana with Emily Hsu Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm January 6 – February 10, 2015 (5 classes) In this Discovering Buddhism class, we will explore the natures of samsara and nirvana , investigate the source of our problems and dissatisfaction, and learn how to move toward attaining a lasting state of peace and happiness. The terms samsara and nirvana describe how life is, and how it could be. We are all stuck in samsara — our lives seem to be an endless cycle of ups and downs, hope, fear, pleasure, pain, achievement and disappointment, where we are perpetually wanting something else and our happiness and satisfaction don't last for very long. But things don't necessarily have to be this way. The Buddha taught that it is possible to completely transform our lives and experience a state of lasting happiness, freedom and joy. This is nirvana — a state of everlasting peace and well-being. In this module of Discovering Buddhism, we will explore the profound teachings that clearly outline the mechanisms of cause and effect. These teachings show us how we create our own difficulties, as well as how we can break free of the cycles that keep us locked in to unhappiness and suffering. We will investigate how we can empower ourselves with practical tools that will give us the confidence, commitment and energy for spiritual transformation.

Chapters