Meditation Instruction and the Practice of The Four Immeasurables: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Empathetic Joy and Equanimity - November 28, 2023

Meditation Instruction and the Practice of The Four Immeasurables: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Empathetic Joy and Equanimity

Public Talk by Geshe Lhakdor

Date: November 28, 2023

Time: 7-9 PM

Cost:  Free and Open to the Public, donations to help support costs are welcomed

Location: His Holiness 14^th Dalai Lama Library and Learning Center

Livestream:  His Holiness 14^th Dalali Lama Library and Learning Center Facebook Page

Geshe Lhakdor served as translator for His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama from 1989 to 2005.  Since 2005 he has been the Director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, India. 

Buddhism offers powerful meditation methods for transforming one’s mind and bringing about lasting, sustainable happiness and well-being. Scientific research has shown one can experience many positive mental and emotional benefits in practicing these methods without having to be a Buddhist or adhere to any specific Buddhist beliefs.  Thus, we invite people of all faiths as well as persons with no religious affiliation to attend this talk to learn how to cultivate qualities of mind that can help us all during these troubled times.

Two general classes of meditation will be discussed: meditative absorption or stabilizing meditation and analytical or discursive meditation.  In stabilizing meditation, the meditator focuses mindfulness or attention on a particular object such as the breath to help quiet the mind and bring it to rest in a state of ease and calm.  In discursive meditation, the meditator engages in a series of reflections on a particular topic with the aim of dwelling deeply on the conclusion of the reflection.  When these two methods are used in combination, they can help bring significant shifts in one’s mental state and mindset.  During this evening talk Geshe Lakdhor will provide instructions on both of these methods, using meditation on the Four Immeasurables as the basis for instruction on analytical/discursive meditation. 

The Four Immeasurables are loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity. Immeasurable loving-kindness is the wish that all beings have lasting happiness and the causes of happiness.  Immeasurable compassion is the wish that all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.  Immeasurable joy takes delight in the success and happiness of others.  Immeasurable equanimity helps us let go of the bias and partiality that manifests as attachment towards some individuals and aversion towards others.  The cultivation of these qualities enables us to develop more positive relationships with those who are close to us, those whom we encounter as strangers, as well as those to whom we feel aversion. Geshe Lhakdor will provide an introduction to each of these qualities and describe the meditation practices used to cultivate them.

Biography:

Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, Director - Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Born in Yakra, Ngari, Western Tibet in 1956.
 

Education:
1995  Geshe Degree (Doctor of Divinity) from Drepung Loseling Monastic University, India
1989 Master of Madhyamika, Institute of Buddhist Dialectics,
1982 Master of Prajnaparamita, Institute of Buddhist Dialectics
1982  MA, English, Punjab University, Chandigarh MPhil, University of Delhi
1980  BA, Panjab University, Chandigarh Work Experience, Administrative Positions
2015 - vice-chairman of the Buddhist Women's Educational Society,
2015  - a governing body member of the Gaden Phodrang Trust of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
2015 - Chairman of the Council of Tibetan Education March 2015 - a founding member of teaching secular ethics in Education.
2008 - Chairman, Commission for Glossary of Standardised Terms, Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration
2008 - Honorary Professor of Psychology, University of Delhi
2005 - Director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, IN
2002 - Honorary Professor of University of British Columbia, Canada
2001 - Trustee, Foundation for Universal Responsibility est. HH Dalai Lama
2000 - Advisory Board of the Institute of Tibetan Classics, Montreal, Canada
1997 - Director, Central Archive of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
1989—2005 Translator and Religious Assistant, Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; accompanied HHDL to over 30 countries in America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia.  
1986--89  Secretary, Translator and Researcher, Tibet House, Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi

Publications, Translations, Commentaries
1. Shantideva's Compendium of Precepts (Shikshasamucchaya)
2. The Three Essential Meanings (Nyingpo Donsum)
3. Tsongkhapa's Three Principal Aspects of Path
4. Words of Manjushri by the Fifth Dalai lama (into English)
5. Versified Lamrim by Dvagpo Ngawang Drakpa (Into English)
6. Universe in a Single Atom (into Tibetan)
Co-translator, co-editor, co-producer (partial list)
1. The Way to Freedom, by HH Dalai Lama, HarperCollins (USA)
2. The Joy of Living and Dying in Peace by HH Dalai Lama, HarperCollins
3. Awakening the Mind and Lightening the Heart by HH Dalai Lama, HarperCollins
4. Stages of Meditation by HH Dalai Lama, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca NY, USA
5. His Holiness's Commentary of Nagarjuna's Fundamental Wisdom (into Tibetan)
6. Kindness, Clarity and Insight by HH Dalai Lama (into Tibetan)
7. His Holiness's Commentary on Nagarjuna's Letter to the Friend (into Tibetan)
8. His Holiness's Extensive Commentary on Thogme Zangpo's 37 Bodhisattav