JOURNEY TO LIBERATION

Level 1: Taking Refuge

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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?

Taking responsibility for a clear mind is the foundation of the Buddhist path

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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

Recognize that which is a genuine source of support

Realize what it means to fully awaken

Let go of attachments and better flow with what is

Begin or strengthen your meditation practice

Learn Buddhist meditation with the M7 program

Courageously turn your attention inward

Make the choice to know and befriend your own mind

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, a wish to seek shelter from our often painful or unsatisfactory lives. Learn why our habitual sources of refuge fail, and where to go instead for genuine, lasting support. Your journey of Buddhist study begins with authentic meditation practices, enhanced by foundational Buddhist philosophy.

Understand why Buddhism prioritizes direct experience over faith
Learn how to discern between blind faith and intelligent faith
Relate taking refuge to taking responsibility for our own future
Appreciate why present-moment mindfulness is a form of refuge
Advance your meditation practice with expert Buddhist instruction
Gain an understanding of key Buddhist terms and philosophies

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.

Level 1: Refuge

$50

billed once

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

Enroll in Course

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

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 LIBERATION SERIES

Your Level 1 Mind Trainers

Get to know the dharma teachers who will lead you to new possibilities as you progress on your Journey of Liberation.

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

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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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