Wakening the Heart: An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhist Meditation

Instructor: Lama Linda
Dates: June 11 - July 2
New Link to Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87469872916?pwd=dW45sm68Mj6aOeNWT2TYvJk32Wo4OX.1
Meeting ID: 874 6987 2916 Password: 108108

Join us for an Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism, a beginner-friendly meditation class exploring the foundational principles and practices of this compassionate path. Learn about the Bodhisattva ideal, the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, and explore the Six Paramitas—generosity, ethical coolness, patience, joyful effort, meditation, and wisdom. We will introduce key Mahayana views such as emptiness and interdependence, along with practical meditation techniques like loving-kindness, Heart Sutra chanting, and Zazen to cultivate deep awareness and an open heart. Each session combines guided meditation, Dharma teachings, and group discussion, providing both theoretical understanding and direct experience. No prior experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to explore. Whether you're new to meditation or curious about Mahayana Buddhism, this class offers a welcoming space to begin your journey.

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Classes are offered on the ancient basis of Dana, also known as "give from the heart" or "pay what you choose." This allows you to pay according to your heart, and to what you value. Dana can be sent by e-transfer to dana@awakenintoronto.org or by PayPal to https://paypal.me/awakeningintoronto

Teacher Bio: Lama Linda (Linda Hochstetler) has studied both mindfulness meditation and Vajrayana Buddhism for more than a quarter century. She trained in mindfulness meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 90s and studied under Namgyal Rinpoche (the first Canadian-born Rinpoche) from 1995 until his death in 2003. She has received permission to teach in the Namgyal lineage and studied Vajrayana Buddhism with Qapel (Doug Duncan) who resided at Clear Sky Meditation and Retreat Centre in Cranbrook, BC, before his death in 2024. Lama Linda is a registered social worker with a specialty in illness, dying and death. Along with a thriving private practice she has written and been interviewed on the subject of dying and death. In 2021 she authored her first book - 21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End of Life. She is a mother, wife, and friend to many, and encourages students to use their relationships to love deeply and explore dharma fully. She enjoys weaving together her Buddhist practices with Western psychotherapeutic practices to help students make transformative changes in their lives.[ www.lindahochstetler.com](http://www.lindahochstetler.com/).