The Life and Teachings of the Buddha

Enrich our lives through our understanding of the Buddha’s teachings

As we start the new year of 2025, join us at Rigpa Dublin to explore the life and teachings of one of the most revered figures in history—the Buddha. His wisdom continues to inspire millions around the world, guiding us toward a life of peace, understanding, and enlightenment.

The Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, embarked on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led to his awakening under the Bodhi tree. His insights into the nature of suffering, the path to inner peace, and the interconnectedness of all beings form the foundation of Buddhist practice.

The Buddha’s teachings are not confined to ancient texts but remain ever-relevant today, offering practical tools for transforming our minds and hearts. Whether we are seeking spiritual growth, inner peace, or a deeper connection with the world around us, the Buddha’s wisdom provides invaluable guidance

The course consists of 9 weekly one hour sessions (preceded by 45 minutes of guided meditation) during which we are introduced to the Buddha’s Life and Teachings and the benefits of following the Buddhist path.

Format

In each session we aim for an approximately even distribution of:

Formal practices
Interactive or contemplative activities
Instructor-led presentations and discussions
Video presentations

This course will help us to:

Understand the Buddha as an awakened being.
Explore key points in the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment
Familiarise ourselves with the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths, the foundation of the Buddhist path
Understand the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings to the modern world
Establish the habit of formal meditation practices as well as activities designed to integrate the teachings into our everyday lives

Participants are encouraged to establish a regular meditation practice—recognizing that it is only through actually practising that the benefits of personal understanding and transformation will be achieved.

Led by instructors with many years of experience of these teachings, each session consists of:

Video teachings on the life of the Buddha
Meditation practice
Time for contemplation
Group discussions and Q&A, offering you the opportunity to explore the teachings and practices in an open supportive environment.

Audience

This course is suitable for everyone

Location

Avila Carmelite Centre
Bloomfield Avenue
Morehampton Road
D04 YF66
Ireland

There is plenty of free parking and regular bus services

Date(s)

9 Week course
Start date: 13th January 2025 (every Monday evening), except 3rd February & 17th March
End date: 24th March 2025
Note: You can still join this course until the 20th of January!

Time

8 p.m. – 9 p.m. (following weekly guided mediation sessions from 7.00p.m – 7.45p.m.)

Cost

Standard: €120
Concession: €60
Students/under 25/Rigpa Members: €30

Instructors

Geraldine Clare
Geraldine has been studying Buddhadharma for over twenty years. Her meeting with the teachings was of major significance in her personal journey. She is a Rigpa instructor who has facilitated and presented on many programmes and courses. Her other voluntary activities at present include the role of National Coordinator for Rigpa Ireland and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Donal Byrne
Donal Byrne has been in Rigpa since 2003, instructing since 2008, studying and practicing the Mahayana (Great Vehicle) and Dzogchen (Great perfection) teachings under the guidance of Sogyal Rinpoche, Rigpa’s founder, and other masters invited to teach in Rigpa. Donal completed Rigpa’s ‘home retreat’ over 2006-11, a comprehensive series of teachings and practices of Dharma from the fundamental teachings up to the Mahayana Vajrayana (Diamond vehicle), as well as continuing to attend retreats and teachings in Dzogchen Beara, Lerab Ling and Rigpa’s Shedra (study college) up to the present day.