Sub30 Seminar | An Existential Encounter: the Dhaniya Sutta

1 – 4 dec | led by Saddhanandi + Akasajoti

The Dhaniya Sutta is a very early text within the Buddhist canon, from a time before the teachings began to be systematically formulated. As such, it is direct, essential, and existential. It is a description of an encounter between the enlightened individual and the unenlightened individual. The Buddha meets Dhaniya, a land-owner who has constructed a sense of security in his life which is challenged as the sutta unfolds and is ultimately exposed as unreliable. As the two characters engage in a direct and vigorous communication, we begin to see the effect of this confrontation and the transformation that it brings about. The whole text is very simple and gradually carries us into the profound heart of Buddhist wisdom teachings; addressing the nature of real confidence, reliance and security within the precariousness and fragility of our human life. 

Saddhanandi will lead us in study of verses from the Dhaniya Sutta itself as well as material from an early seminar led by Sangharakshita to draw out themes still relevant today: contrasting the nature of bondage and the nature of liberation, and showing us how we can live a life of real freedom. Through discussion, meditation and ritual we’ll endeavour to activate these truth teachings on deeper levels within ourselves. 

Turn the November Sub30 weekend into a 6-day retreat by staying on to study a foundational Buddhist text with experienced study leaders, in a seminar-style setting of 6-12 people. Although we can read Buddhist books and watch dharma teachers on YouTube, things will often open up much more fully, deeply and clearly when studying the dharma alongside others. Come along to awaken your longing for the truth.