This course explores the Six Realms as states of mind we encounter in daily life. Each realm represents a particular emotional pattern or habitual confusion, but also contains an opportunity, a moment of clarity, through which confusion can transform into wisdom. By understanding these realms, we learn to work directly with our emotional experiences, responding with insight rather than reacting habitually.
Through meditation, contemplation, loving-kindness practice, and discussion, we’ll examine the energy of each realm and the practical wisdom it offers, developing greater openness and clarity in everyday situations.
Who May Attend
This course is open to anyone interested in mindfulness, personal growth, emotional intelligence, and deeper self-awareness. Whether you’re just beginning your meditation practice or are looking to enrich and deepen your established practice, you’ll find a warm, supportive, and inclusive environment in which to explore these transformative teachings.
Course Schedule
April 24: Introduction and Overview of the Six Realms
We’ll begin by getting acquainted and introducing the Six Realms as symbolic reflections of recurring emotional patterns. These realms are not distant or abstract, they show up in our everyday reactions. Understanding their structure lays the foundation for recognizing the moments where confusion can shift into clarity.
May 1: Hell Realm – Facing Aggression and Anger
The Hell Realm speaks to our experience of rage, fear, and intense inner conflict. When we meet aggression without trying to fix or escape it, we may begin to see clearly, like a mirror, and find a way out of the cycle.
May 8: Hungry Ghost Realm – Working with Desire and Longing
This realm reveals our experience of craving, emptiness, and never-enoughness. By turning toward desire itself, rather than chasing its object, we glimpse its hollowness and the unexpected fullness that comes from letting it go.
May 15: Animal Realm – Overcoming Ignorance and Habit
In this realm, we fall into numbing routines and avoid what challenges us. Here we'll explore how to wake up from habitual responses and return to the simplicity and freshness of direct experience.
May 22: Jealous God Realm – Transforming Jealousy and Competition
This realm reflects the energy of comparison, insecurity, and striving. When we see the futility of constant competition, we can begin to relax, appreciate others, and act with genuine ease and confidence.
May 29: God Realm – Navigating Pride and Complacency
The God Realm is seductive, comfort, pride, and blissful avoidance of change. We’ll explore how recognizing impermanence allows us to open to humility, space, and a deeper kind of joy.
June 5: Human Realm and Closing
The Human Realm is a place of paradox; desire and insight, struggle and wakefulness. It is also the realm of possibility. In this final session, we’ll reflect on how to work with passion without attachment and integrate the teachings into everyday life.
We will conclude with reflections and an exploration of how to carry forward the wisdom we’ve cultivated throughout this course.
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Cost
All prices are in $108 CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Suggested Tuition: CA$108
Generosity Policy applies. You will the have the option of pay what you can and applying a discount on the Registration Page should you need financial assistance. The remainder of our costs are covered by donations, creating a generosity circle.
Recommended Reading
Transcending Madness by Chögyam Trungpa
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