The Foundations of Buddhism: The 1st Noble Truth - Meeting Suffering with Unconditional Friendliness

October 29th (2020)

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  • $149 Program Price
  • $179 Patron Price
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This five-week online course Oct.29-Nov.26 is the first in a series on the foundations of Buddhist philosophy. It offers an exploration of the nature of suffering from the perspective of the Four Marks of Existence–Impermanence (anicca), Suffering (dukkha), Selflessness (anatta) and Nirvana/Peace (nibbana)–and how we can meet suffering with maitri (unconditional friendliness). The teachers will also guide students in the exploration and the practice of Mindfulness of Body, the first of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.

In the Buddhist tradition, the First Noble Truth consists in deeply realizing the cyclical and conditioned nature of suffering. Such suffering is changing and impermanent, and arises from infinite causes and conditions. It feels intensely personal (mine), and, in fact, is one of the bases we use to craft our identity (me and my problems), which is called “mistaking what has no self for a self”. This desynchronized state generates constant underlying fear and anxiety. When we recognize the reality of our existence as it truly is (impermanent, suffering, not mine, and without self-entity), we can experience the peace of nirvana.

About the Teachers:

Acharya Susan Gillis Chapman has been studying and practicing the Buddhist teachings for 46 years. She is the author of The Five Keys To Mindful Communication, drawn from her experience as a family therapist in bringing the teachings of contemplative psychology to our relationships.

She and her husband, Jerry, also spent 9 years at Gampo Abbey, where she completed the traditional 3-year retreat and later served as retreat director.  She now serves as Acharya, or senior teacher, in Shambhala and is also on the faculty of Karuna Training.

Acharya Fleet Maull, PhD has been a Shambhala practitioner for more than 40 years and an acharya since 2009. He leads Shambhala programs throughout North America, Europe and Latin America. Fleet is also a Roshi (senior lineage teacher) in the Zen Peacemaker and Soto Zen lineages.

Fleet is a consultant, executive coach, internationally-renowned social activist and founder of numerous organizations including Prison Mindfulness Institute, Engaged Mindfulness Institute, Center for Mindfulness in Public Safety and the National Prison Hospice Association. He is the author of Dharma in Hell and Radical Responsibility: How to Move Beyond Blame, Fearlessly Live Your Highest Purpose and Become an Unstoppable Force for Good.



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Our Refund Policy:  For convenience you can pay online using a credit card via PayPal. If we cancel the program for any reason, we will give you a full refund. We understand that sometimes after you have pre-paid, you might be unable to attend.  We will be happy to refund your payment if you request it at least 24 hours before the program starts.  Due to the difference in PayPal charges for purchases and refunds, we charge a nominal amount of $5 for a refund.