“Why is it so important to know the nature of our own mind? Since we all want happiness, enjoyment, peace and satisfaction, and since these things do not come from ice cream but from wisdom and the mind, we have to understand what the mind is and how it works.”

— Lama Yeshe

What is the mind, and how does it operate? What is its role in creating our experience of happiness and suffering? How can understanding the mind bring about happiness and reduce dissatisfaction? Buddhist teachings have answered these questions in astonishing detail, which are as applicable to minds today as they were in the fifth century BCE.

Venerable Fedor Stracke will serve as our guide to this rich and vast topic, of which he is a dedicated scholar. Over five weekly sessions, Ven. Fedor will offer a deep dive into specific positive mental factors, like mindfulness and compassion, and harmful mental afflictions, such as anger and attachment. To put this knowledge into practice, we will also look at how to identify various mental states, counteract our mental afflictions, and apply this knowledge–in meditation and in day-to-day situations. This five-week series will feature a rich combination of teachings, meditation practice, and discussion arising out of opportunities to ask questions and hear answers. Join us as we explore inner space!