Brahma viharas as taught by the Buddha – A sutta-based approach

Speaker: Nguyễn Trung Công (Joining online from Hanoi, Vietnam)

Wed 5 Jul | 7-8.30pm AEST

Location: In person at Metta Centre (Bankstown) or Online (Zoom link below)

Cost: Free

Many people regard loving-kindness (Metta) meditation as a distinctive traditional Buddhist practice and often treat it as a supplement to Vipassana meditation. However, even in the time of Buddha, other spiritual sects employed this kind of divine abiding for mental development. So, what distinguishes between Buddha’s approach to Metta meditation (as part of Brahma viharas) and other traditions? Did Buddha recommend Brahma viharas only as a supplementary practice? We will discuss those differences in the Buddha’s words by exploring the Mettasagahata sutta (SN46.54).

About the speaker: Cong’s fascination with spirituality and meditation began at a young age, but it was not until January 2013 when it blossomed after he enrolled in a 10-day Vipassana course by S. N Goenka. It was so impactful, thus he has since committed time to participate in retreats, and serve and support oneself and others in practicing Vipassana meditation.

Attending Bhante Vimaralamsi’s TWIM course was the breakthrough in his Eightfold Noble Path. The experience during the retreat was so deep & profound, thus it transformed his perspective on Dhamma and how to meditate. He started understanding the beauty, the simplicity and yet depth within Early Buddhism texts. In addition, he has realised the differences of Buddha’s words with regard to what he had learned and practiced previously.

From early 2020, with kind support by David Johnson, Cong started translating Dhamma books and organising online & offline TWIM retreats for Vietnamese friends. He has facilitated ongoing TWIM retreats, TWIM workshops, Buddha sutta study group in Vietnam since then.

With experience of working in the training & education field, Cong uses his expertise to bring joy and ease to guiding others in meditation and the Eightfold Noble Path. He now lives with his small family in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Hybrid event: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive session in person at the Metta Centre or online by clicking on this link to access the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83506489824?pwd=cmpNQ1ljSmFVYURLWVN1dWllYUN1dz09 Alternatively, you can dial in from your telephone (call charges apply): +61 2 8015 6011 | Meeting ID: 835 0648 9824| Passcode: 718905