Meditation on the 5 Skhandhas (5 aggregates)

Teacher: Ryōtoku (Online, joining from Japan)

Wed 9 April | 7.00-8.30pm AESTLocation: In person at Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus (Entry at 1 Parramatta Square), Level 4 Room 1.4.33; or
Online (Zoom link below)
Cost: Free

This talk will cover two areas:
One the basis of practice being the body and mind and their divisions into 5 distinct units (body, feelings, consciousness, perception, volition)
Meditation as divided into 5 distinct methods (mindfulness, calming, concentration, insight, absorption)
Although the skandhas can be investigated as its own practice and each of the 5 meditations can be performed independently, the purpose of the talk is to introduce a method of gradually deepening one's meditation through the 5 skandhas, utilizing each meditation in gradual progression.

About the teacher: Ryōtoku

After spending time studying Buddhism himself, Ryōtoku's introduction to Buddhist meditation was through a beginners course with the West London Buddhist Centre in 2011.
In 2013, Ryōtoku began studying Rinzai Zen, practicing kōan and zazen meditations where he undertook jukkai (receiving the precepts ceremony) that same year and later began a Zen junior teacher programme, which provided training in mindfulness and meditation.

In 2015, after continuing his studies, Ryōtoku wished to expand and understand more regarding Buddhism and began studying Tendai, where he also received jukkai and subsequently joined a two year lay leader programme.

This inspired him to begin studying at an academic level and in 2020 Ryōtoku began a Master in Buddhist Studies with the University of South Wales.

After graduating in 2023 Ryōtoku traveled to Japan and received tokudo ordination on Mt. Hiei with the Tendai tradition.

Ryōtoku is currently in Japan to complete his training and at the same time begin PhD research.

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