Overcoming Anger: Developing Patience
"Many people think that to be patient is a sign of weakness. I think that is a mistake. It is anger that is a sign of weakness."
Overcoming anger: Developing Patience
Andy Wistreich and Shan Tate
Saturday 1st August 10.30 – 4.30 (with breaks)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84595902976?pwd=d2dnVkZ6ZERYek53djBLRGJPWFU4UT09
Password: 320707
All very welcome
“Anger is the most destructive force in the universe. It destroys our inner peace and causes us to inflict irrational verbal and physical abuse upon our family and friends, to destroy our possessions, and even to destroy our own bodies through excessive drinking, smoking, reckless behaviour, or suicide. Anger makes even the most handsome face look ugly; it harms our physical health; and it leads to isolation and loneliness because nobody can bear to be near us anymore.”
Ven Thubten Gyatso (Adrian Feldman) The Perfect Mirror – Reflections on Truth and Illusion
“… we should be reminded that every war in the world started in the mind, with a thought of greed or anger, that then grew and grew, increased more and more, and eventually inflamed a group of people… But at the root of all that violence and suffering, there’s a single thought in one mind… So we should not underestimate the power of the mind to conjure immense suffering, and at the same time, to free oneself from that same suffering. We shouldn’t think that when we engage in real and profound personal transformation, that will have no impact. So I invite you not to lose the courage in the power of your own transformation and that of your communities.”
Matthieu Ricard, private talk given in 2016
We know that anger is a terrible force, and see evidence all around of its power in our world today. So what can we do? Developing patience is a good place to start. Following guidelines that have been used successfully for over a thousand years, we can actively develop the qualities needed to face the challenges in modern life, and to be of greatest help to those around us.
This course is suitable for all who have an interest in making a positive difference in their lives, communities, and world.
Andy will be referring to the text ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ by Shantideva, trans. Batchelor, pub. LTWA. You can download it here: chapter_06_patience_booklet.
Andy is registered with FPMT to teach up to the level of Basic Programme, and to lead retreats. His commitment to spreading the Buddha’s teachings is firmly based in his concern for the planet and the beings who share it. Shan was a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist and has worked for many years with young people with mental health and well-being difficulties and their families. Shan leads Buddhist meditations and facilitates dharma discussions in a variety of settings.
“May the frightened cease to be afraid,
And those bound be free.
May the weak find power,
And may their hearts join in friendship”Shantideva, A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life