Inexhaustible Joy: A Sub-30 Seminar

Saturday 13th April 2024
10:00am - 1:00pm

Led by Prasannadeva

You ask me why I entered the mountain deep and cold,
Awesome, surrounded by steep peaks and grotesque rocks,
A place that is painful to climb and difficult to descend,
Wherein reside the gods of the mountain and the spirits of trees.

These are the opening lines of Kukai’s letter in the form of a poem explaining his reasons for remaining in mountain retreat when implored to return to the capital. Not just any monk, Kukai is a major figure in Japanese and World history for being founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism, as well as a master of the arts and sciences. He was a skilled poet, calligrapher, scholar, civil engineer, adviser to the Imperial Court as well as a Buddhist practitioner of the highest order.

For this Sub-30 Seminar, Prasannadeva will explore Kukai’s beautiful and profound poem ‘Letter to a Nobleman in Kyoto’ through the lens of impermanence and beauty, and we will explore how it is still relevant to us today over 1000 years after its composition.

Prasannadeva first came through the doors of the Dublin Buddhist Centre in 2012. He became a committed Buddhist in 2013 and was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2021.

Having studied Fine Art he was keen to find a context where his love of Western art, film and music was considered an important aspect of the spiritual life, regardless of whether it is an Eastern tradition or not, and felt right at home here. Prasannadeva has taught meditation courses with Trinity Meditation Society, has been involved with leading Young Buddhist events and is now leading Buddhism and meditation courses. He is currently working as Centre Manager.

Who is this for

For anyone between 18 and 30 years of age. All levels of experience welcome. No need to book in advance. Just show up for 10am, or you can come from 9.30am to have coffee and croissants beforehand!

All our Sub-30 events are offered on a donation basis but you might consider making a donation to help us to continue to provide these kinds of events.

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