Course Details:

19 November 2024

19 November 2024

26 November 2024

Week 1 – Is Buddhism still relevant in the modern world, is it a philosophy, a practice or a religion?

Week 2 – Is there a right way to practice, is it better to be Theravada or Mahayana?

Week 3 – Is enlightenment the same as going to heaven?

Week 4 – How to know if Buddhism is for you.

Each talk will stand alone. You can choose which ones you’d like to attend.

These talks will be held in person at the Library only. Please register so we know the numbers attending the Library.

Teacher profile

Giles Barton commenced meditation practice in 1992 and has taken part in many retreats, including two three-month silent retreats at Bodhinyana  monastery with Ajahn Brahm. He is a regular teacher at the Buddhist library and actively supports NSW Buddhist communities. Giles has facilitated retreats for young people and adults, presented at the 2000 Australian Suicide prevention conference and contributed a chapter to the book Spirited Practices, about spirituality in the helping professions. His past career has included working in a children’s oncology unit and volunteering with teenagers with cancer (CanTeen). He then moved to specialise in child and adolescent psychiatry, the field he continues to work in as a Clinical Coordinator for a local health district. Giles has a post graduate diploma in child and adolescent development and Masters in Behavioural Science (Distinction) for research into adolescent spirituality.

All Sessions are by Donation (Dana) to the Buddhist Library. All donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible.

Dana is the traditional practice of generosity, the extending of one’s goodwill, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give is shared equally with the teacher and the Buddhist Library. This helps to maintain the Library and supports the teacher so that they may offer more teachings on the Dhamma in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma