Exploring Buddhism Course: The Wheel of Life

Our new Exploring Buddhism course is a six session course for exploring a key Buddhist concept in detail, suitable for people new to Buddhism as well. The topic for the first course is the Wheel of Life. Our spiritual director Za Choeje Rinpoche will teach the first session of each course. The following sessions will be taught by our sister centre Emaho Foundation's resident teacher Geshe Lobsang Chophel, with a final session of student presentation and Q&A with Geshe-la. The course is available in person at the centre free of charge using the centre's Zoom account (donations appreciated), otherwise you will have to register through Emaho Foundation to join from home.

The Wheel of Life is a diagram that encapsulates several core concepts of the Buddha's teachings. It illustrates the psychology of the six realms of existence, the cyclic nature of the highs and lows in life, the 12 links of dependent origination, impermanence, and the three mental afflictions that are at the root of our dissatisfaction and suffering.

Without an understanding to guide us in this cyclic existence, we create problems for ourselves and others. The Buddha drew the Wheel of Life to help us understand the nature of life. He categorized the process of cyclic life into the 12 links of dependent origination. Learning about and contemplating these simple yet powerful teachings can give us the clarity and insight we need to balance our life and enjoy the ride without struggling over the struggle.