Beyond Mindfulness: a Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice

Beyond Mindfulness, A System for Training the Mind

All schools of Buddhism acknowledge that if we are to “awaken” in this lifetime, our aim is to cultivate and develop the eight-fold path. Mindfulness plays a significant role in this.

In recent years, mindfulness has exploded across the global landscape as a tool for self-improvement.

Despite the current trends and hype, mindfulness practice can be limited if it does not have a specific aim.

As a system of training the mind, the development of mindfulness must also be guided by right effort and concentration. When balanced accordingly, we begin to understand our human potential, which allows us to move towards a genuine happiness.

During this online course you will learn how to apply the skills of mindfulness and right effort directly within your everyday life. You will be supported by a realistic framework to better serve your life and practice.

Module 1 – Understanding the Key Components of Mindful Awareness: Effort, Mindfulness and Concentration

This introductory module will focus on the components of effort, mindfulness and concentration as key support faculties. This will set up the groundwork that will allow you to move from confidence in your practice, to wisdom as a result of your practice.

The practice component of this module will be the development of focused attention.

The objective of this first module is to develop stability of mind.

Module 2 – Opening to Mindfulness

This module introduces the four foundations of mindfulness, also known as satipatthana.

The practice component will introduce the tools of labelling and noting as a means for developing introspective awareness.

The objective here is for further continuity and stability of mindfulness while also being aware of multiple objects as they arise and pass.

Module 3 – The Four Great Efforts: To prevent, overcome, develop and maintain

We will discover how to work with the ideas of “wholesome” and “unwholesome” states of mind.

Borrowing from the emotional intelligence movement of “constructive” and “destructive” mental states, emotions and attitudes will be outlined and explained.

We will learn how to identify hindrances as they arise in real time, and how to overcome them.

Module 4 – Recognizing and Developing Constructive States of Mind

This module explores how to develop and maintain constructive mental states and attitudes. We will see how the seven awakening factors are developed, while the hindrances are overcome.

This process is brought into fruition by balancing: effort, mindfulness and concentration.

In this module emphasis will be placed on developing an attitude of metta (kindness), as we experience the ongoing trial and error of this endeavor.

Module 5 – Mindfulness and Emotion

In this module we will take a close look at the practice and theory of emotional intelligence.

We will learn the science of emotion as it relates to Dharma practice. We will explore how the role of citta relates to the entire psycho-emotional process.

We will see how the four stages of emotional intelligence can be explored and developed through the “practice lens” of citta, and its role within the third foundation of mindfulness.

Module 6 – Equanimity and Genuine Happiness

Here we will explore the heart practices, also known as the Brahma-Viharas, and their role in developing constructive mental states, attitudes and emotions.

We will integrate the heart practices into the foundations of mindfulness to develop a singular practice, often identified as Metta-Vipassana.

The aim of this module and the whole 6 weeks is to integrate these practices into all aspects of your life. Developing balance as you embrace the joys and challenges of working towards an awakened life.

On-Demand Course Details

6 Hours of video teaching

Filmed in high definition with only you in mind, having an intimate and personal feel that will keep you engaged as your body, mind and heart tune in.

6 Guided Meditations

Dave offers a guided audio meditation for each module to support you to experientially connect with the teachings

Downloadable Course Notes

Each module includes a pdf download of detailed notes and summary of the teachings

30 Day Refund Guarantee

If you're unsatisfied with the course for any reason, please contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

About Dave Smith

Dave Smith is an internationally recognized Buddhist meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, and published author. His background is rooted in the Insight Meditation tradition and he has taught many times at Sangha Live. He was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. He has extensive experience bringing meditative interventions into jails, prisons, youth detention centers and addiction treatment facilities.

Dave teaches residential meditation retreats and classes, provides trainings and consulting in both secular and Buddhist contexts, and works with students through his meditation mentoring program. He recently founded the Secular Dharma Foundation and lives in Paonia, Colorado. Click here to learn more about Dave Smith.

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