Teachings offered by Ayya Santussika
Four Noble Truths
In the Buddha's first teaching after his enlightenment, he gave us the Four Noble Truths, a formula to end dukkha: dissatisfaction, discomfort, suffering. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths in many ways throughout the remaining 45 years of his life. As a primary focus at Karuna Buddhist Vihara, we investigate the meaning and application of the Four Noble Truths, so we can transform our own suffering into a source of strength and support.
Practicing the Dhamma and Meditation
As people study the Buddha's teachings and put those teachings into practice, their lives change. Practicing Dhamma principles, such as generosity (dana), the five precepts (sila), and following the Noble Eight-fold path bring greater happiness and security into our lives. We develop the ability to face life's challenges with more skill, patience and endurance.
Habits are a powerful force in our lives, dictating much of what we think, say and do each day, creating our future, building our character, leading us to or away from the highest happiness, enlightenment, Nibbāna. Any habit made conscious can be changed. At Karuna Buddhist Vihara, we use the discoveries of neuroscience and the Buddha's teachings to recognize and change our habits.
Modern neuroscience is proving that regular meditation practice not only changes the way we experience life and respond to it, but it actually rewires the brain. Most of the programs at Karuna Buddhist Vihara include some meditation. A variety of techniques from the Buddha's teachings are included with the primary focus on mindfulness of breathing.
Habits are a powerful force in our lives, dictating much of what we think, say and do each day, creating our future, building our character, leading us to or away from the highest happiness, enlightenment, Nibbāna. Any habit made conscious can be changed. At Karuna Buddhist Vihara, we use the discoveries of neuroscience and the Buddha's teachings to recognize and change our habits.
Modern neuroscience is proving that regular meditation practice not only changes the way we experience life and respond to it, but it actually rewires the brain. Most of the programs at Karuna Buddhist Vihara include some meditation. A variety of techniques from the Buddha's teachings are included with the primary focus on mindfulness of breathing.
Weekly Sutta Study at KBV, Mountain View
The earliest teachings of the Buddha are found in the Anguttara Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Digha Nikaya and some books of the Khuddaka Nikaya. We select from all of the Nikayas, providing a variety of subjects and themes for our weekly Wednesday sutta study (7pm to 9pm).
The following programs have changed due to COVID-19 and most are planned to resume when it is safe to gather again. Some of the details of these programs will also change once KBV acquires a rental space to use as a meditation center somewhere in the South Bay.
Daylong meditation retreats
We also hold daylong meditation retreats at KBV covering a variety of topics. There are meditation sessions, Dhamma talks, Q&A sessions, and a potluck lunch. They are usually held about once a month, on either Saturday or Sunday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. There is space for 20-25 meditators, with room for walking meditation in the back yard, at the park a block away, or in our finished basement.
We also hold daylong meditation retreats at KBV covering a variety of topics. There are meditation sessions, Dhamma talks, Q&A sessions, and a potluck lunch. They are usually held about once a month, on either Saturday or Sunday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. There is space for 20-25 meditators, with room for walking meditation in the back yard, at the park a block away, or in our finished basement.
Lunar Observance Nights
Although we are not able to hold a lunar observance night on every full and new moon due to other scheduled activities, we occasionally "Meditate 'til Midnight" according to the custom at the Buddha's time which has carried on until the present day in many Buddhist countries. Please see our page for more details and check our calendar or homepage for dates.
Although we are not able to hold a lunar observance night on every full and new moon due to other scheduled activities, we occasionally "Meditate 'til Midnight" according to the custom at the Buddha's time which has carried on until the present day in many Buddhist countries. Please see our page for more details and check our calendar or homepage for dates.
Eastbay Dhamma
Ayya Santussika teaches a group in the East Bay once a month. The program includes meditation and study of a particular Dhamma topic and/or book. For current information, please visit our Eastbay Dhamma page.
Ayya Santussika teaches a group in the East Bay once a month. The program includes meditation and study of a particular Dhamma topic and/or book. For current information, please visit our Eastbay Dhamma page.
Thursday Dhamma Discussion at Karuna House (formerly the San Jose Dharma Punx)
Ayya Santussika teaches at Karuna House (Friends Meeting House, 1041 Morse St, San Jose) on various Thursday evenings. Please check our calendar for the dates that Ayya will be teaching there. The program includes meditation, Dhamma talk, Q&A and discussion.
Monthly Tuesday Dhamma Talk at Wat Buddhanusorn, Fremont
Please join us once a month at Wat Buddhanusorn (36054 Niles Blvd, Fremont) for meditation and dhamma discussion. In 2016, the topic of discussions are the 4 Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. For dates and topics, please check our Monthly Tuesday Wat Buddhanusorn page.