Buddhist psychology helps us develop inner strength and equilibrium, deconstruct toxic habit cycles, and withstand the pressures of social media to not just survive, but flourish in this complex modern world.

This short and pithy course is perfect for our times. The Buddha’s wisdom not only helps us to overcome modern-day pressures, but also shines light on universal human problems. There is no need to be a Buddhist, or even religious, to benefit from this wisdom.

The course focuses on how to overcome the six factors identified by the Buddha that stimulate our disturbing emotions. When they all come together we have the ‘perfect storm’ for stress and unhappiness.

The good news is that we can get started on any one of these, creating a window of opportunity to develop inner peace and stability. Discover what we can do to guard against these six factors, and how to develop your natural potential to become a more balanced and peaceful human being. In this way we will in turn be able to contribute to the welfare of our community and to the world, in a sustaining and energizing way.

Topics

Session 1. Society and Media

How pressures from society, peer group and media overwhelm us, and strategies to overcome these pressures. Where to put our trust, how to discern correct teachings from the spin, and the ultimate checklist: four qualities of a valid refuge.

Sessions 2. Seed and Object

Distinguish between root causes (which we can control), and conditions (which we often cannot control). Recognize the power that certain objects and places have over us, and harness the benefit of holy places to inspire and energize.

Session 3. Inappropriate Attention

The tyranny of the reifying view! Why love so quickly can turn to hate, how attachment and aversion exaggerate and distort our emotions, and what we can do about them, so we are free to really enjoy things.

Session 4. Three Higher Trainings

The three essentials we need to become a good human being: wisdom, concentration and ethics. They don’t necessarily come naturally, so how to get started, how they compliment and support each other and our development.

Session 5. Power of Habit

Neurology of a toxic habit cycle and how to deconstruct it, tame the monster, and develop a cycle of natural flourishing. Simple techniques to counter negative habits, with topical case studies to bring it all home!

Session 6. Social Media

Society plus media – the sum is bigger than the parts! Special advice for withstanding the social media juggernaut. Distinguish between compassion and empathy so as to not ‘burn out’, and develop equanimity for a peaceful world.