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?

JOURNEY TO WISDOM

Level 5: Perfection of Meditation

Traverse the stages of meditation to realize the nature of all things

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Home Meditation Courses Journey to Wisdom Level 5: Perfection of Meditation

DISCOVER THE PROFUNDITY OF MEDITATION

What You’ll Gain in Level 5: Perfection of Meditation

Rest your Focus on What Matters

Progress through nine stages of settling the mind

Uproot Ignorance and Confusion

Practice the meditations that cut through delusion

Overcome Distractions and Obstacles

Bring whatever arises in your mind to the path

Get to Know the Nature of your Mind

Set the foundation to practice profound teachings

Prerequisite: Journey to Wisdom Level 4.

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 5, the perfection of meditation

LIVE YOUR MEDITATION PRACTICE

Lay the Foundation of Wisdom

In Level 5: Perfection of Meditation, we begin to realize the results of our paramita practice, the ground for wisdom. As we soften our clinging, we experience a more contented mind and the joy of presence. In meditation, we can now rest in this gentle spaciousness, where the conditions are prime for the most profound Buddhist teachings to arise.

Free yourself from thought patterns that cloud your perception
Know the fifth paramita of meditation as both cause and result
Advance your knowledge of mindfulness and awareness teachings
Map your progress on the path with the nine stages of shamatha
Learn the practice steps and explorations of vipashyana
Explore the wisdom of the three natures, how things really exist

Experience calm abiding Purchase 9-Course Bundle

CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Ways to Get Started

Continue with the levels one-by-one, the Journey course bundle or gain full access to all our courses with a Premium Membership. Save with a Premium Membership and access an entire library of resources to inspire you on your path.

Level 5: Perfection of Meditation

$50

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Practice the union of shamatha and vipashyana

I have completed the prerequisites up to Level 4: Six Perfections

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Journey to Wisdom Course Bundle

$350

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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

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JOURNEY TO WISDOM SERIES

Your Level 5 Mind Trainers

Get to know the dharma teachers who guide you in advanced meditation practices on your Mahayana Journey

Tilmann Lhundrup

Longtime Meditation Teacher and Retreat Coach

Julia Stenzel, PhD

Meditation teacher and Buddhist professor

Lara Braitstein, PhD

Professor and Buddhist Teacher

Lama Jampa Thaye, PhD

Meditation Master and Buddhist Scholar

Maria Camara, PhD

Psychologist, Therapist & Meditation Teacher

Bart Mendel

Founder and Chief Meditation Officer

Khaydroup Podvoll

Contemplative Practitioner, Meditator & Teacher

Stephan – Consultant

Mindworks is hands down the best meditation site! The combination of thoughtful guided meditations with an excellent and diverse combination of speakers make the Journey thoroughly enjoyable and without exaggeration a life changing experience. I highly recommend that everyone should make the most of it!

Siobhán – Registered Nurse

I would like to say how much I’m enjoying the courses. I’m finding the whole process and practice illuminating, fascinating and profoundly meaningful…..thank you!