Course 1 in the Sustainable Happiness Program with Dr. Joe Loizzo

Part of Nalanda Institute’s Offerings for Uncertain Times

Encore Presentation

Given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the constants in our lives have shifted or are under challenge. We all find ourselves more directly confronted with our mortality, living with an unnatural degree of social isolation, and poignantly reminded of our total interdependence.

Whether you’re one the front lines as a first responder, providing some critical service, supporting others as a caregiver, teacher or family member, or just taking good care of yourself, loved ones and neighbors, this crisis naturally stirs our survival fears and challenges our highest aspirations. At the same time, we know our mentors would encourage us to turn the very real adversity of this pandemic to advantage, by delving more deeply into our reflection and practice.

We offer this first course in our Sustainable Happiness Program as a chance to reground yourself in the basic science and healing arts the Buddha taught, and so reboot your resilience in these uncertain times. Please take advantage of it for your own sake and for the good of all.

This course is offered freely. A donation of any kind is warmly welcomed.

Course Description

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 course of the Nalanda Institute’s Sustainable Happiness Program 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, the course focuses on how to build a contemplative life in the world, comparing the Buddha’s eight-fold path with the eight-limbed path of yoga, as well as modern paths like psychotherapy, recovery, and creativity.