As part of a month-long series of programs on religion in December, the Deschutes Public Library is pleased to announce two presentations on Buddhism: “The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism” on Tuesday, December 6^th in the Brooks Room of the Downtown Bend Public Library at 6:30 pm and “Wisdom and Compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition” on Saturday, December 10 at the East Bend Public Library at 3:00 pm. Both programs are free and open to the public.

In the first presentation, “The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism”Michael Stevens of the Natural Mind Dharma Center speaks on the foundation of Buddhist thought and awareness. The Four Noble Truths identify the difficulties we experience, their cause, their cessation, and a pathway to realizing freedom from habitual emotional reactions. For the second presentation “Wisdom & Compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition” Michael Stevens will discuss the unique approach used by the Tibetan Buddhist tradition (made popular by the Dalai Lama) in waking up to our true nature of wisdom and compassion that is often obscured by habitual thoughts and mental distractions.

Michael Scott Stevens is the founder and director of the Natural Mind Dharma Center in Bend. He has a degree in Religious Studies and an extensive background in psychology, meditation, yoga, and nature studies. Michael’s connection with Buddhism spans nearly thirty-five years and he is the author of the book “Being an Ordinary Buddha: Practicing the Natural Mind”.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschtueslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Lisa at 541/312-1034.