Turning the Mind Toward the Dharma: Supporting our practice through taking refuge, nurturing the four protections, and living the precepts.

In-Person Cohort Mondays 12:30-2:30 PM PST Aug 31-October 12, 2026 (no meeting Sept 14) Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-the-mind-toward-the-dharma-refuge-protection-and-precepts-tickets-1997640097306?aff=oddtdtcreator

Online Cohort, Wednesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm PST Sept 2- October 14, 2026 (no meeting Sept 16) Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-the-mind-toward-the-dharma-refuge-protection-precepts-online-tickets-1998113053932?aff=oddtdtcreator

Description:

In this six-week practice intensive we will immerse ourselves in three traditional contemplative practices from the early Buddhist tradition that support and amplify the foundations of mindfulness (Satipatthana). Taking refuge nurtures devotion to what is truly trust-worthy and encourages confidence in the path itself and our own capacity for liberation . Contemplating the four protections (buddha nature, lovingkindness, the body as nature, and death/impermanence) rouses our energy to practice and points us in in the right direction. And cultivating the five precepts helps us to live our deepest values and aligns our life-activity with the path of liberation.

We could say that these practices are like the preliminary practices of early Buddhism. They help us to build a strong foundational orientation in the mind that supports our core practice of seeing deeply into the nature of things and they nurture energy, confidence, joyful endeavor, and fullness of heart as we practice.

I look forward to diving into this rich and beautiful territory with you.

Recordings: Participants in both cohorts will receive a video recording after each online session for your reference and reflection and to catch up on missed sessions. It is ok to participate asynchronously, watching the videos and practicing on your own time.

If the fee for this intensive is an obstacle for you please email will@sundaysangha.net