Series of Talks and Meditation at Yoga Mendocino

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Ajahn Amaro will be offering a series of four classes at Yoga Mendocino which will explore various aspects of the Four Noble Truths—four dimensions of spiritual liberation: How we struggle; why we struggle; the possibility of life without struggle; and how to stop struggling.

“When one has heard that ‘Nothing is worth clinging to,’ one directly knows everything, and thus has fully understood everything… Contemplating thus one does not cling to anything in the world. When one does not cling, one is not agitated. When one is not agitated, one will realize Nirvana.” The Buddha

These sessions will take place on May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, 2009 and include explanations, as well as periods of guided meditation practice, and time for discussion.

One of the central aims of this program is also to explore the aspects of these teachings that relate to their integration into life in general, as well as to other spiritual disciplines.

It can be said that spiritual teachings & religions exist because we don’t enjoy perfect happiness all of the time, even when physical & social conditions are ideal—let alone at a time like this when the economics of our society is in a state of major upheaval, and uncertainty & distress are epidemic.

The Buddha used this presence of dis-ease/suffering /dukkha as the starting point and central feature of his teaching, rather than beginning with any metaphysical statements about the origins of the universe, ultimate fate of humankind etc.

He was known as “The Doctor of the World” (Bhesaja-guru) since he focused upon the practicalities of understanding and healing this fundamental spiritual/psychological dis-ease. He also cast the explanation of his primary insight into this universal human problem in the form of a classical (ayurvedic) medical diagnosis:

a) The symptom: “There is the experience of dissatisfaction.”
b) The cause: “Self-centered craving; compulsive desires.”
c) The prognosis: “It is curable; perfect happiness, contentment is possible.”
d) The treatment: “responsible behavior (virtue), mental collectedness (concentration) and understanding in accordance with reality (wisdom).”

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as The Four Noble Truths.

In addition, the Buddha helpfully laid out the ideal way to relate to each of these four truths:
a) Dissatisfaction needs to be understood –
b) Self-centered desire needs to be let go of –
c) The ending of dissatisfaction needs to be realized –
d) The path to that ending needs to be developed.

These classes are offered freely and there is no need to book in advance. Yoga Mendocino (YOMO) is located at 206 Mason Street, in Ukiah, California. For more information please phone YOMO at (707) 462-2580 or visit their website at www.yogamendocino.org.