Earth Dharma: The Guidance of Ancient Wisdom 

A four-week series

With Kate Munding 

Saturdays, September 5th - September 26th

10 am - 12 pm PT 

On Zoom only

Zoom   Link:   https://zoom.us/j/4869062176?pwd=dWtsaXBCVTdGVTFHR3BJSWFVU2VTUT09

 

 

This is a four-week course designed to help ground participants in the earth-based practices from which Buddhism emerged. This is a synthesis of Buddha Dharma and what I'm calling Earth Dharma, or the ancient knowledge that becomes receivable when we align with the truths of the natural world. The Buddha's teachings on inner freedom were given in the context of a deep connection with the planet. The path of the Buddha included living in harmony with the natural world: that which is seen and not seen . This course is based on a theory that lay Buddhist practitioners struggle in their practice in these modern times, partly because we are greatly disconnected from the natural world and the guidance it has to offer. These four weeks will be an introduction to better embody Earth Dharma in one's life, helping amplify the teachings of the Buddha and more easily incorporate them into daily life. There is no question that we are in heartbreaking times that require a shift in our consciousness and reconnection with the planet. This is the medicine for our own lives as well as for our world. 

 

As part of this program, we'll follow a month of the moon's cycle and the four elements practice. Both ancient understandings that predated the Buddha and were adopted into the Buddhist tradition. 

Here is what we'll be doing each week:

 

9/5 Last Quarter Moon - We'll focus on earth practices that help ground and reconnect us to the planet. We'll look at the nature of our separateness and how it's connected to our cycles of Dukkha. We'll end with practices that encourage our minds to start recognizing what is not serving our path towards greater understanding and happiness. 

 

9/12 New Moon - This is a time when the moon begins its new cycle, offering a metaphorical reminder to clarify our intentions related to our spiritual lives. In this class, we'll work with wise intention and practice with the water element, connecting with its qualities of cohesion and flow.  

 

9/19 First Quarter Moon - Woven throughout the suttas are examples of how the Buddha and his community were aware of and often supported by spirit guides, devas, and the earth archetype herself. Getting curious about this more dimensional aspect of our spiritual world and connecting to the greater support that is all around us is a beautiful initiation into the intersection of Buddhist Dharma and the more ancient earth-based practices. We'll spend time in this class discussing some of the references to these guides and doing a series of practices to open our hearts to their teachings. We will also use the air element this week. 

 

9/26 Full Moon - The full moon is a common symbol in Buddhism, representing the Buddha and enlightenment. It is said that the Buddha was born, fully awakened, and died on full moons. We'll take the opportunity to practice with the brightening and regenerative qualities of the fire element, conduct a ceremony together, and reflect on what has come to fruition through our practice over the past four weeks.