2025 VIRTUAL VERSION:
This course is about DISCOURSE.
This is not necessarily about DHARMA TALKS (but very well could be).
If you have a voice and wish to articulate experiential insight from paper to spoken word, you are more than welcome.
Vietnamese master Thích Nhất Hạnh says the following about Dharma talks:
“A Dharma talk must always be appropriate in two ways: it must accord perfectly with the spirit of the Dharma and it must also respond perfectly to the situation in which it is given. If it only corresponds perfectly with the teachings but does not meet the needs of the listeners, it's not a good Dharma talk; it's not appropriate.”
2 sessions/2.5hrs each – VIRTUAL ONLY
limited space for ample attention. enquire soon!
MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS: £100
any questions or concerns if it’s suitable? [email protected]
Sunday’s: 23 February + 2 March
4pm-6:30pm GMT (2.5hrs)
For the 2025 virtual version of this course: 1000 word (or less) essay on one of the Three Poisons (mental afflictions): ignorance, attachment, aversion according to Buddhist teachings. Please email the essay ahead of the first session. Participants may also be asked to submit a bullet point format which will be used as the foundation for the 5 minute “talk” to be shared with all participants.
In these sessions, we will workshop approaches and practices that would invite resonance and insight from the learned to the applied. That said, beyond a teaching capacity, it can also facilitate communication in interpersonal relationships to be clearer, more confident and engaging.
No need to be a skilled orator, performance-ship definitely not required, as a matter of fact, leave it out. Must simply embody a willingness to communicate with personal insight, honesty and integrity. Everything is a remix, originality not imperative. More information will be shared upon booking.
More information will be sent to registered participants around 1st February to offer guidance on preliminary process of essay submission and bullet point format. Please book early, if possible, to allow for time to fulfil pre-course materials. Preparation is key to be able to eventually be more responsive in the moment.
“Insightful, powerful, and effective—Cat openly shares her decades of experience in communicating with wider audiences, offering practical, down-to-earth guidance. Rooted in spiritual teachings (with the research itself being deeply enriching), the skills learned extend far beyond the yoga class.”
“Cat’s classes always leave me looking at the world through a different lens, so when I saw the discourse offering, I jumped at the chance. It was invaluable receiving direct feedback from Cat and the group on how to deliver a talk in a way that is interesting and approachable to a wide spectrum of people. Even though I was nervous, Cat has a special way of making everyone feel at ease, seen and supported and it’s helped me so much in my teaching already.
“This went far beyond simply learning technical skills. The workshop discussions that followed were invaluable. Cat encouraged us to think more expansively and inclusively, helping us recognise the kaleidoscopic potential of our words. Cat facilitated chats that demonstrated how our intent can shift in meaning depending on context, tone, or perspective, highlighting the complexity, dynamism, and diversity that shape how others interpret what we say.”
|
