The Middle Way(s): Exploring the Diversity and Commonality of Buddhist Practice on the Path to Freedom with Bhikkhu Vivek
Cost:
Dāna Program
This dana program is freely offered in the spirit of generosity. Any donation you can offer to the teacher and to the Sati Center to continue making these teachings available is greatly appreciated.
Online via Zoom
After his awakening, the Buddha offered a path to liberation known as the Middle Way (Majjhima Paṭipadā), most fully expressed as the Noble Eightfold Path. It is a practical and holistic path that invites us to cultivate wisdom (paññā), ethical conduct (sīla), and meditation (samādhi). While the path is clear, the way it unfolds in each person’s life is uniquely shaped by their circumstances, temperament, strengths, and challenges.
In this three-hour online session, we will explore how the Buddha and some of his foremost disciples walked the path to awakening. Did they all practice in the same way? Did they face similar obstacles? What supported their progress, and how did they ultimately realize freedom?
Drawing on selected suttas from the Pali Canon, contemporary teachings, guided meditation, and both small- and large-group discussion, we will investigate the diversity and commonality of the Buddhist path. Together, we will reflect on how these timeless examples relate to our own lives and practice.
As the Buddha’s final encouragement reminds us, we each must “work out our own liberation.” This session offers an opportunity to explore that invitation with curiosity, wisdom, and the support of a community of practitioners.
Together we will consider questions such as:
- What supports my practice and deepens my understanding?
- What habits and conditions lead me away from the path?
- What is my Middle Way?
About the Instructor:
Viveka is a Buddhist monk who teaches mindfulness practice and promotes compassionate living. He began exploring meditation in the early 90’s, attended his first retreat in 2002, and was ordained with Sayadaw U Tejaniya in 2013. Over a 20-year period, he was fortunate to train with various well-respected lay teachers in the West and Buddhist masters in Asia. Since 2018, he has been offering meditation retreats, weekly sessions, and facilitating Insight Dialogue events internationally. He is the founder of Bodhi House in Moncton, Canada.