Why do we need to practice spirituality?

As human beings, we all experience suffering, pain and dissatisfaction. In an effort to feel better, we typically look for solutions outside ourselves. We turn to success, material objects, people or places for happiness. We might even turn to food, alcohol or drugs. While this may offer us temporary relief, these impermanent solutions ultimately fall short. Spirituality is the only thing that can offer us genuine freedom from the inherently painful experience of being a human being.

What does it mean to be on a spiritual path?

In an effort to find meaning and purpose, or more ease, joy and clarity in life, we might experiment with spirituality in many different forms. We can meditate, practice yoga, chant, seek readings, perform rituals and more. It’s common to dabble in several different spiritual practices. By doing so, however, we generally do little more than scratch the surface of what spirituality has to offer. To be on a spiritual path is to choose one authentic religion, stay with it, and follow it to the very end.

What are the three jewels of Buddhism?

The three jewels of Buddhism are the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha. In brief, this relates to the teacher, the teachings and the community of those who have realized the teachings. To take refuge in the three jewels of Buddha, dharma and sangha is to commit yourself to the powerful spiritual practice of Buddhism. The principle teaching of Buddhism is that each of us has equal potential to become free from our pain and suffering. With the support of the three jewels, we can stay the path and realize this freedom.

What is intelligent faith?

Intelligent faith is evidence-based. This does not refer to the evidence of academic papers and research studies (although that can be helpful) but to evidence that arises from our own direct experience. In contrast to blind faith, intelligent faith is imbued with the wisdom of understanding that arises from testing and deeply exploring a practice for ourselves. In the case of Buddhism, we are invited to continuously ask, is this practice leading me closer to freedom, or further from it?

Level 1: Path of the Bodhisattva - Genuine Compassion

EMBODY GENUINE, BOUNDLESS COMPASSION

What You’ll Gain in Level 1: Path of the Bodhisattva

Practice with the Highest Motivation

Travel the bodhisattva path and awaken bodhicitta

Connect to the Natural State of Mind

Discover the key to enlightenment within you

Discover the Joy of Working for Others

Start placing your effort where it truly matters

Train in Authentic Wisdom

Abandon mistaken views and live with clarity

Prerequisite: The Journey to Liberation course series or prior dharma practice.

Dedicated dharma practitioners with sangha affiliation please write us.

Courses 1 through 9 must be taken sequentially.

Map of the Mindworks Journey to Wisdom, emphasizing level 1, Path of the Bodhisattva

WHY PRACTICE THE MAHAYANA PATH?

The 1st Stage in Your Journey to Wisdom

The benefits of practice increase exponentially when we work to attain awakening for all beings versus merely ourselves. Discover why the most sure way to reduce suffering and increase happiness is to wish it for others. Explore the three types of motivation, the practice of the four immeasurables, and the aspirations prayers of bodhicitta, wishing benefit for all beings.

Learn what being an authentic human being really means
Discover the vast inspiration of the bodhisattva on the Mahayana path
Practice with the motivation to put others before oneself
Experience the surprising effect of equanimous compassion
Understand the profound benefit of working to liberate all beings
Discover the practice of the 4 Immeasurables as the entrance to bodhicitta

CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Ways to Get Started

Whether you select Level 1 as a single course, the Journey course bundle or gain full access to all our courses with a Premium Membership, our progressive online courses will inspire your progress on your path. Not sure where to begin? Sign up for Level 1 as a single course – upon request we can apply the fee to the bundled course series later. Or, save even more today with a Premium Membership and access an entire library of resources to inspire you on your path.

Level 1: Path of the Bodhisattva

$50

billed once

Live your highest potential as one who helps others. Work to attain awakening for all beings.

I have completed the prerequisites up to Level 9: Journey to Liberation

Enroll in Course

Journey to Wisdom
9-Course Bundle

$350

billed once – lifetime access

Commit to the Mahayana path of wisdom and compassion with an in-depth 126 day course series, to bring inspiration and insight to your practice

Purchase 9-Course Bundle

Mindworks Premium Membership

$225 / year

Billed annually

Gain full access to all journeys, courses, live events and features with a premium membership

Begin Your Membership

Mindworks Premium Membership

$25 / month

Billed monthly

Gain full access to all journeys, courses, live events and features with a premium membership

Begin Your Membership

JOURNEY TO WISDOM SERIES

Your Level 1 Mind Trainers

Get to know the dharma teachers who will teach you to exchange self for others as you progress on your Mahayana Journey

Bart Mendel

Founder and Chief Meditation Officer

Lama Jampa Thaye, PhD

Meditation Master and Buddhist Scholar

Khaydroup Podvoll

Contemplative Practitioner, Meditator & Teacher

Tilmann Lhundrup

Longtime Meditation Teacher and Retreat Coach

Trungram Gyalwa, PhD

Internationally Renowned Buddhist Master & Scholar

Vinny Ferraro

Meditation Teachings from the Heart

Lama Tsony Devroux

Life-Long Meditator & Teacher

Sara-Mai Conway

Writer and Meditation Instructor

David is a happy meditator with Mindworks

David – Accountant

Thank you so much for the Journey to Liberation. I am very excited. Love your website and teachers…meditation has already changed my life. Forever grateful!

An image of a meditator on the Buddhist path for Mindworks

Brian Anderson – Management Consultant

Thanks for this wonderful content! I’m enjoying it and it’s making a difference in my life and those around me. Mindworks has done a great job of synthesizing and structuring the Buddhist path, which has been key to my progress.

Bobby – Community Engagement

Mindworks has made a profound difference to my life, especially when going through hard times. During a recent traumatic event, I was level-headed and a pillar of compassion for those around me who were also experiencing the trauma. I ascribe this to the revelations and changes that have come from my meditation practice. Thank you, Mindworks!