In a time consumed by worldwide violence, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to eradicate hatred and cultivate joy.  We may feel that helplessness, anger and fear - in the face of either personal or public difficult events - is particular to us.  But beings have been faced with this struggle throughout human history.  Buddhist sage Shantideva provides us with a method to cultivate an open heart and develop a state of being imbued with the energy of compassion and joy that is both stable and sustaining of connection with others and with life.

Mondays, Jan 4 - Feb 8 at 7.30-9.30pm

Teacher: Lauren Benjamin completed a 36-course curriculum, primarily under Lama Marut’s guidance, involving the open and esoteric texts of the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. She also studied with Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally at Diamond Mountain University and attended teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Lauren took various levels of vows and initiations from each of them along the way. In 2005, Lauren co-founded Middle Way LA and now serves as its Spiritual Advisor. She teaches at Middle Way LA and nationwide.