Discovering Buddhism
When we study Buddhism, we are studying ourselves, the nature of our own minds. Instead of focusing on some supreme being, Buddhism emphasizes more practical matters such as how to lead our lives, how to integrate our minds, and how to keep our everyday lives peaceful and healthy. In other words, Buddhism always accentuates experiential knowledge-wisdom rather than some dogmatic view. –Lama Thubten Yeshe
For new and intermediate students, Discovering Buddhism is a lively and interactive fourteen-module (approximately two-year) program designed to give students a firm foundation in the Buddhist path. This program is based on topics like the mind, death, and karma, rather than specific texts, and taught from the perspective of practical application to daily life. Participants receive an experiential taste of the stages of the Buddhist path through reading, discussion and meditation. Classes are usually one to two months in length. This program is designed so that the student can take any class without having taken any previous classes in the series and drop-ins are welcome. The full program is offered every 2 years or so, depending on teacher availability.
For more information about this program or current classes contact office@tsechenling.org.
Course Listing
Discovering Buddhism: Presenting the Path
An Overview of the Buddha's Life and Path to Enlightenment |
Starts Thursday, January 12, 7:00 pm
Weekly through March 1
Teacher:
Ven. Lobsang Chökyi
Location:
Tse Chen Ling Center
Introductory level. This course looks at the specifics of Shakyamuni Buddha's life story and how to use it as a spiritual guide. Students will learn about the progressive step-like structure of the lam-rim, its origin in the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, and about the three scopes. More importantly, we'll explore where you fit at your current stage of spiritual development, what to do next, and how you get from here to enlightenment. Seven weeks. Practice Day is Mar 10.
"The mind of a buddha can't be transplanted into you. Peace, happiness, and satisfaction have to come from your own mind." Lama Zopa Rinopche
Suggested donation: Class fee $105: members $78.75 (work exchange available).
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Fees
Discovering Buddhism fees help to cover facilities, materials,
administration and other expenses. To assist those who cannot
afford our fees, a flexible work exchange program is available.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Registration
To assist our staff in the planning and preparation of materials,
we ask that students register in advance of each course. Simply
call the Center at (415) 621-4215 or email office@tsechenling.org
and provide your name, contact information and class information.
Certificate
Students completing the 14 subject areas in the Discovering
Buddhism program will receive a Certificate. Within each subject,
students are expected to attend lectures, engage in meditation,
complete outside homework and reading assignments and engage in
group and individual practice retreat. Outside reading materials
are assigned with each course. In addition, students will be expected
to read two texts as part of the overall Discovering Buddhism
curriculum. These two texts are "Wishfulfilling Golden
Sun" by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
and "Liberation
in the Palm of Your Hand" by Pabongka Rinpoche. Students
interested in obtaining a certificate of completion will be required
to read these texts over the two year program.
Contact
For further information about the Discovering Buddhism Program,
please email office@tsechenling.org
or call (415) 621-4215. |
