Discovering Buddhism
How to Meditate
with Gus Cutz
Wednesdays, Mar 19, 26, Apr 2 & 9, 7–9pm EDT ONLINE
Wed Apr 16, 7–9pm EDT IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Optional Review Session: Wed Apr 23, 7–9pm EDT ONLINE
In this module, we will discuss the definition and purpose of meditation and learn basic meditation skills, including how to sit properly, how to set up a meditation session, the different types of meditation techniques, and how to recognize and deal with obstacles in meditation.
We will also explore questions such as:
- What do motivation and dedication mean, and why are they important elements of meditation practice?
- What are the antidotes to obstacles in meditation, such as restlessness, distraction, sleepiness, expectations about the practice, and regret?
- What is the meaning of impermanence according to the Buddhist teachings, and how can understanding of this be used to counteract afflictions such as attachment and anger?
This is the second in a series of 14 modules covering the complete Buddhist path to enlightenment. Students may join at any point in the cycle. Discovering Buddhism is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of fundamental Buddhist concepts. The program is designed to provide an experiential taste of the Buddha’s teachings and the skills we need to make our lives most meaningful. Each module includes teachings, meditations, readings, assessment questions, and a short retreat. For more information on the Discovering Buddhism program, please click here.
Important Note
April 16 will be an in-person and online event. Please review our latest Covid-19 policy if you are attending in person. For online, the events will be administered using Zoom*. The other sessions will be online only.
After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.
*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.
Registration / Schedule
Note: Registration will be available soon.
The course is 5-weeks.
Suggested: $20 per session, or $90 for all 5-weeks of the course
Other offering options: free to $30
The review session or assessment on Wed Apr 23 is optional. Discovering Buddhism Daylong Retreat will be on Sun Apr 6, 10:30am—3:30pm.
The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member benefits will apply automatically if you have a membership in MindBody.
Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. To protect your privacy, we recommend being conscious about any personal information you share during the sessions. To further enhance anonymity, you may want to consider turning off video or naming yourself using abbreviations.
Time zone: US Eastern Daylight Time (GMT/UTC-4)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Additional Materials
If you are a registered student, you will have access to readings and recordings on a password protected page. Please refer to the confirmation email (or receipt email) for the page link and password. Please email registration@shantidevanyc.org if you have questions about accessing this page.
Discovering Buddhism Certification
FPMT certification is available for those who complete all the components of the course. The completion certificate confirms the satisfaction of having accomplished a comprehensive engagement with the path to enlightenment and is symbolic of your commitment to spiritual awakening.
About the Teacher
Gustavo Cutz is an FPMT-certified teacher with some 25 years of Buddhist practice and study. Gus previously worked as an editor at Wisdom Publications in Boston. He worked with Geshe Thubten Soepa on interpreting and summarizing Geshe-la’s teachings on several topics, such as the Four Noble Truths, the eight worldly concerns, and the six perfections until Geshe-la passed away in 2022. Gus has a doctorate from Rutgers University and works as a clinical psychologist on Long Island.
Gus has volunteered with Shantideva Center since 2008, facilitating and teaching Discovering Buddhism since 2012. With his deft mastery of a vast bibliography, Gus approaches Discovering Buddhism as a rigorous and comprehensive seminar. At the same time, Gus teaches with a light touch, warmly encouraging questions and valuing student understanding of the material. Gus brings the Buddha’s teachings to life with an appealing sense of humor, personal anecdotes, and vivid metaphors.
Gus also teaches the Debate Club at Shantideva Center in addition to teaching dharma topics at other spiritual centers.
