The New England Institute of Buddhist Studies’ 3 month course, Suffering is Optional:Three Keys to Freedom and Joy, which is offered
in November. This program will offer a great book to read, discuss, and opportunities to apply practical and life changing
ideas to your everyday life. If you are seeking spiritual transformation or want to learn how to free yourself from the suffering
we put ourselves through, you are invited to join us. This course is perfect for the beginner to advanced student.
Book Selection
Suffering is Optional:
Three Keys to Freedom and Joy by Cheri Huber
What Will Be Studied?
Some of the topics to be learned include the following:
- Pay attention to everything
- Looking at our habits, need to control
and assumptions
- Believing Nothing
- Examining our Beliefs
- Don’t take anything personally
- Meditation practice
Dates of Workshops
November 9
December 7
January 11
The Course
No Prerequisites
Education: Participants
must read all the required books and are expected to do all the homework assignments. Most of the homework will be experiential
rather than written exercises. Homework is sent via email and the first assignment is due on the first class.
Practice: Buddhism
should not be approached just on an intellectual basis but must be applied in daily life, which, through committed and diligent
practice, will transform the mind and heart. To get most out of the course, participants should try to practice deep hearing,
doing the exercises in the book, practice voice, sitting or walking meditation, and attend sangha gatherings to hear the dharma
on a regular basis.
Commitment: All participants
must read the book. It will be divided into three sections, a third will be discussed in each class. All participants are
allowed just one absence from a class but homework must be delivered via e-mail before the missed class.
Discipline: All homework
must be completed and handed in at the time of the class.
Donation: $95 for non-members and $76 for members, and the book in included as a gift. (a $12 value).
Time and place: The course will meet once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, after regular sangha gathering from 12:45 pm to approx 2:45
pm. Classes will be 2 hours each.
