Why Be Good?

Most people in the West are familiar with the monastic style of Buddhism. The yogic or ngak'phang tradition is less well known but particularly suited to those who would like to learn how to make every nuance of their lives into practice. This is the method of the Mahasiddhas of ancient India, whose practice was as varied as their life circumstances.

There will be discussion of the essentials of Buddhism (is it a philosophy? psychology? rules to live by? religion?) and the underlying assumptions in our culture that clash with the Buddhist view. The different methods of the four main Schools of Tibetan Buddhism will be explored, along with the Buddhist vehicles and the two distinct styles of Buddhist teachers (the spiritual friend and the vajra master). Ngakma Shardröl will relate stories of her experiences with her own Lamas as examples.

Finally, we will discover the true basis of morality in a religion without a creator god, and the passionate appreciation that forms the ground of true compassion and is the instrument of our connection with all other beings as well.

Thursday evening's talk will be held at Urania

An der Urania 17, 10787 Berlin, 12-05 19-22 h

Friday through Sunday will be held at Aro Gompa

Friday, 13.05. 19-22 h, Saturday, 14.05. 14-18 h

Sunday, 15.05. 14-18 h