The Cornerstones of Awakening

Cultivating an awakened heart

It is said in Buddhism that one must balance study and practice in order to advance on the Bodhisattva Path. In this four-session audio series Susan Shannon takes a deeper dive into the opportunities for expanding our practice by utilizing the tools offered to us in these main tenets of Buddhist teachings, all core to Shantideva’s teachings:

  • The King of Prayers, aka Seven Branch Prayer
  • The Six Perfections (paramitas)—generosity, ethical self-discipline, patience, joyful perseverance, meditation and wisdom
  • The Four Immeasurables (Brahma Viharas): equanimity, compassion, loving-kindness and sympathetic joy

Susan explains each one of these, and how they are activated through the engagement of body, speech, and mind into specific spiritual practices.

Together these teachings cultivate the causes and conditions that lead to fruition of an Awakened Heart, for the betterment of all sentient beings.

These four two-hour sessions are audio recordings.


Your Instructor


Susan Shannon
Susan Shannon

Susan Shannon, M. Div. is a seeker, teacher, earth and animal steward, and devotee of the heart. She has worked in the fields of Emotional Literacy and Restorative Justice for over 20 years, incorporating over 45 years of Buddhist practice and study from the Tibetan tradition. She’s worked with various diverse populations all her life including inmates, Tibetan refugees, the homeless, the differently-abled, at-risk youth, and has served as the Buddhist Chaplain to the men in San Quentin State Prison and Death Row. She currently resides in the San Juan Islands where she writes, provides spiritual coaching and tends her land.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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