The Four Noble Truths of Love

A meditation practice gives rise to compassion, wisdom, and confidence–all of which seem to disappear when we enter into, seek to establish, or need to exit from a relationship. Relationships present our deepest challenges along the spiritual path.

This four-week course will explore it all via talks  from Susan, small-group discussion, readings, and at-home contemplations. You will gain insights and learn on-the-spot practices to bring mindfulness off the cushion and into your love life.

We will explore:

• How to bring the fruits of spiritual practice into our love life to deepen affection, passion, and kindness

• How to fall in love without grasping

• How to let go when it is called for

• What Buddhism can offer when it comes to working with the pain of heartbreak

• How to remain open to love

Buddhism is based on Four Noble Truths: Everything changes; grasping creates suffering; there is a way to work with it all; and a path for doing so. Join writer and Buddhist teacher Susan Piver for practice, discussion, and an exploration of how to apply these truths to that greatest of mysteries: love.

Curriculum

Week One: Relax

Discussion of the first noble truth: Relationships are Uncomfortable
The value of discomfort when falling in love; being in love; losing love; longing for love
How to work with it to keep your heart open
Techniques for what to do when it is too much
How meditation creates a foundation for it all
Group meditation practice and discussion

Week Two: See Where You Are

Discussion of the second noble truth: Thinking they Should be Comfortable Makes Them Uncomfortable
What is the true power of relationships? (Spoiler alert: it’s not about safety)
What can you actually commit to and what can you ask another to commit to?
Deepening your capacity to stay
The types of problems you can work with and the types you should not work with
Group meditation practice and discussion

Week Three: Be Where You Are

Discussion of the third noble truth: Meeting the Discomfort Together is Love
Becoming a spiritual love warrior
Practices for opening and stabilizing your heart
When you are open to this work but your partner is not
Group meditation practice and discussion

Week Four: The Path

Discussion of the fourth noble truth: The 3-Fold Path of Love
The three qualities to cultivate that make love your super power
The sure-fire way to bring more love into your life
Going forward with these teachings and practices
Group meditation practice and discussion
 
 
All classes are recorded and those recordings made available for 60 days from the last class date.
 
This program is free with an Open Heart Project Sangha membership. Membership costs $27 a month (or $270 for the year) and offers continuous support in the form of video lessons, daily practice support, and a wildly supportive 24/7 community in which you may participate or lurk as much as you like.

Questions? Please email Michele.