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.

JOURNEY TO LIBERATION

Level 1: Taking Refuge

Q: 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.

Q: 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?

Discover what it means to take refuge in a genuine source of support. Through Buddhist teachings, meditation and contemplation, begin to understand your mind and take responsibility for the way you meet life.

Choose How to Start

Holding an umbrella in the rain - an image of protecting all beings from suffering under the umbrella of the Buddha's activity

Home Meditation Courses Journey to Liberation Level 1: Refuge

TAKE A FIRST STEP TO TRUE FREEDOM

What You’ll Gain in Level 1: Taking Refuge

Understand the true meaning of taking refuge

Discover genuine support in the Buddha, dharma and sangha

Understand what it means to awaken

Explore freedom from attachment and habitual confusion

Begin or strengthen your meditation practice

Develop a steady foundation with guided Buddhist meditation

Get to know your own mind

Explore your own experience with openness and understanding

Prerequisite: none

Roadmap of Buddhist Fundamentals course highlighting taking refuge as the foundation of the path

WHY PRACTICE THE BUDDHIST PATH?

The 1st Stage in Your Journey to Liberation

The Journey to Liberation begins with taking refuge. We take an honest look at how we habitually seek happiness and security, why this often falls short, and what it means to turn toward the Buddha, dharma and sangha. Through Buddhist teachings and meditation, explore a path grounded in your own understanding and experience.

Explore how direct experience deepens understanding
Distinguish blind faith from intelligent faith
Connect taking refuge with responsibility for your own future
Appreciate how present-moment mindfulness can be a form of refuge
Develop your practice with Buddhist meditation instruction
Understand key Buddhist terms in the context of practice

14 days · 20 minutes a day

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CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Ways to Get Started

Start with Level 1 as a single course, choose the nine-course bundle or access all Mindworks courses with a Premium Membership. If you later decide to purchase the bundle, contact [email protected] to have your Level 1 course fee applied toward it.

Level 1: Refuge

$50

billed once

Take refuge in spiritual practice, a genuine source of meaning, well-being and connection

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Journey to Liberation 9-Course Bundle

$350

billed once – lifetime access

Commit to the Buddhist 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

Access all Mindworks online meditation courses, guided meditations and live events with Premium membership.

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Mindworks Premium Membership

$25 / month

Billed monthly

Access all Mindworks online meditation courses, guided meditations and live events with Premium membership.

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JOURNEY TO LIBERATION SERIES

Your Level 1 Mind Trainers

Learn from Mind Trainers who bring many years of Buddhist study, meditation practice and teaching to this first course. Their guidance helps you explore refuge as something to understand, contemplate and bring into your own life.

Trinlay Rinpoche

Accomplished Meditator and Buddhist Scholar

Bart Mendel

Founder and Chief Meditation Officer

Lama Jampa Thaye, PhD

Meditation Master and Buddhist Scholar

Stephen Dansiger, PsyD

PsyD, MFT, therapist and meditation teacher

Reverend Joseph Rogers

Chaplain and Meditation Instructor for Recovery

Khaydroup Podvoll

Contemplative Practitioner, 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!

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Sally – Astrologer

I LOVE Mindworks!! I can’t believe my luck in finding you. I often recommend Mindworks to enable very sensitive beings to cope with life. Just wanted you to know you created something WONDERFUL.