Literature Circle – Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s The Six Perfections

When: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm ET

We will be starting a new book on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023

We will be reading Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s ‘The Six Perfections’ and continuing with Lama Yeshe’s ‘When the Chocolate Runs Out’ in our Literature Circle this Fall. Everyone is welcome.

Lama Yeshe and his student Lama Zopa Rinpoche have played a crucial role in introducing Tibetan Buddhism to the modern world and founded the FPMT in the process. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche touched the hearts and minds of many people around the world with his unflinching compassion and wisdom. Lama Yeshe could communicate deep truths in a down-to-earth, humorous, clear, and direct way. They each had their own characteristic styles of teaching and sharing their profound wisdom with the world. Join us as we explore the teachings of these two great masters.

This group discussion will be led by Dave Gould.

Please register to attend on Zoom.

‘The Six Perfections’: The six perfections are the actions of the bodhisattvas—holy beings who have transcended selfless concerns. But they’re also skills we can and should develop right now, in our messy, ordinary lives.

In this clear, comprehensive guide to the backbone of Mahayana Buddhist practice, Lama Zopa Rinpoche walks us through each of the six perfections:

• charity
• morality
• patience
• perseverance
• concentration
• wisdom

As he carefully describes each perfection, he not only reveals the depth of its meaning and how it intertwines with each other perfection, but he also explains how to practice it fully in our everyday lives—offering concrete ways for us to be more generous, more patient, more wise. With the guidance he gives us, we can progress in our practice of the perfections until we, like the bodhisattvas, learn to cherish others above ourselves.

You can purchase the e-book or physical book from the publisher or from a bookstore such as Amazon.ca

‘When the Chocolate Runs Out’: With playful wisdom and heart-striking compassion this beautiful little book captures the essence of the teachings of Lama Yeshe.  How can we be happy even after the “chocolate” has run out? By cutting the cords of attachment, we discover the indestructible happiness that has always been—and always will be—available to us.

When the Chocolate Runs Out can be bought directly from the publisher here. Or you can also purchase a copy from Amazon.ca or another bookstore.

As a discussion group, it is useful to bring discussion questions to the gathering. Listen to Audrey on how to bring good questions to the gathering.