The Foundations of Self-Healing and Contemplative Life

Course One in the Four-year Program of Sustainable Happiness with Joe Loizzo

Mindfulness does not mean just being present in the here and now, but using presence of mind to stop the wheel of survival and start thriving in awareness, kindness, and freedom. This first class of the Nalanda Institute Four-Year Program in Sustainable Happiness covers the foundations of contemplative self-healing in the Buddhist tradition: the healing insights of Buddha’s four noble truths; the four applications of mindfulness practice; and the life-strategies of loving-kindness, right livelihood, and non-violent social activism. It unpacks these foundations in terms of current breakthroughs in the neuroscience of stress and trauma, as well as the revolutionary findings of neuroplasticity and the transformative brain effects of meditation. Weaving ancient wisdom and modern science together, it focuses on how to build a contemplative life in the world, comparing the Buddha’s eightfold path with the eight limbed path of yoga, as well as modern paths like psychotherapy, recovery, and creativity.

This course is open on a drop-in basis for those who meet the prerequisites. Certificate-track students must meet prescribed requirements.

A day-long retreat is scheduled at the end of the course on November 4 which may be taken separately. Find out more about the retreat.

Faculty: Joe Loizzo

Dates: Monday evenings. September 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7–9pm EST

Attendance/Registration Options:

•  Attend in-person at Tibet House US

Tuition: $25 per session or $135 for all six classes (Entitles students to the class page with handouts, syllabus, and downloadable audio of all classes.)

Registration, in person: Register here or pay at the door.

Location: Tibet House US, 22 West 15th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)

• Live stream webcast


Tuition: $7 per session or $40 for all six classes. (Entitles students to remotely watch classes on their computers and mobile devices, but does not provide access to the class page.)

Registration, live streaming: Register here.

• Study-at-Home (may be combined with live streaming option)

If you are unable to attend in person, our study-at-home option is available. It offers students access to the course page with handouts, syllabus, and downloadable audio of all classes. We ask for a donation of $50 to $100 for each current semester-long course.

Donation: You may make a study-at-home donation by following this link.