About the Workshop
The Buddha’s teachings invite us to “see life as it is.” In his teaching on the Four Noble Truths, he acknowledges the suffering that arises when we live out of sync with life, and he offers a path to living in peace in all circumstances and all conditions. In this workshop we will explore the path to coming together. The purpose of this workshop is for each of us to discover and to access the source of peace in life such that we naturally live ever more peacefully and joyfully.
Each Workshop Includes:
optional silent meditation
(7:15 - 7:30 p.m.)opening meditation
exploration of the Buddha’s teachings
spiritual discussion
invitation to home practice
closing meditation
Introduction to the Buddha’s Eightfold Path
These ancient teachings and meditation practices offer us ways to address and heal the root causes of our personal and collective challenges in the 21st century.
Each week we will begin with a silent meditation, followed by a brief talk on the night’s topic, an opportunity to share or ask questions, and we will conclude with a meditation designed to support us in our journey until our next gathering. We encourage participants to attend all four workshops to receive the maximum benefit. Each workshop builds upon the last but even showing up once (or two or three times!) can have a profound effect.
Location, Dates, and Topics for Each Week
May 1 - Session 1: Where are we; where did we come from, how did we get here; where are we going?
May 8 - Session 2: Beyond I, Me, and Mine; expanding the identity that we believe ourselves to be.
May 15 - Session 3: Community; what is “community”; why is this meaningful for knowing peace?
May 22 - Session 4: Eternal expansiveness; beyond “my community”; the community of communities, the community of life.
You are warmly invited to join The Buddha's Eightfold Path workshop ONLINE the first four Fridays in May, at 7:30 p.m. (Optional silent meditation begins at 7:15 p.m.) In lieu of meeting in person, we are expanding in a divine adventure!
How to connect on ZOOM.com:
By phone (cell or landline) for audio access:
call 1 646 558 8656, meeting ID is 772 203 138.
By computer, tablet, or smartphone for audio and video:
The link to join is https://zoom.us/j/772203138. If you're uncertain how to use ZOOM, please email info@awakeyogameditation.org and we'll put you in touch with a community member who can help.
Practical notes:
When you join the call, your voice will be muted. If you're logged in via computer and would like to ask a question during the designated time for discussion, please press the button to raise your hand. If you'd like to participate in the optional silent meditation, you may join the call early at 7:15 p.m.
We warmly invite your support. The suggested donation for a Friday Night Workshop session is $15. Donations for the workshop can be made online by clicking here. You may also mail a contribution via check made payable to Awake Yoga Meditation, P.O. Box 65308, Baltimore, MD 21209. Please write “Workshop” on the memo line. Your support makes it possible to continue sharing sacred teachings of truth, kindness, and healing.
About the Workshop Leader
Acharya Premadas (Michael Humphrey) has a degree in Asian religion and has been a student of Buddhism, Yoga, Tantra, and Meditation since 1973. He studied in Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal and has been a member of the Awake Yoga Meditation community since 2006.
The spiritual name Premadas, which means servant of supreme love, was given by Swami Shankarananda, the founder of our meditation community. The title, Acharya, was conferred on Michael Humphrey by Swami Shankarananda in 2014. The title is found across traditions (Vedanta, Buddhism, Hinduism) and means teacher.
If you plan to participate, please click here to RSVP.