Buddhism Made Easy: a Practical Introduction

A Series of Four Stand-alone Classes
Based on Buddhism for Dummies
presented by its author, Jon Landaw
Sunday, 11:15am – 1:00pm
June 28, 2015
August 2
August 23
September 20
Drawing from selected chapters of his popular introduction to Buddhist thought and practice, Jon Landaw will present a series of four Sunday morning talks at Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center during the summer of 2015.

Although they are designed to form a cohesive series, each of the talks is complete in itself, and they are all open to everyone: those who are completely new to Buddhism, advanced students, and everyone in between. People who are interested may attend any one, two, three or all four of these sessions as they wish. Questions are welcome and encouraged.
Session 1 – June 28
Understanding Your Mind, the Creator of Your Experience
  • In this session we will focus on the central role consciousness plays in shaping our experience
  • Identifying those states of mind that keep us trapped in dissatisfaction, as well as those that free us from limitation and enable us to flourish
  • Uncovering our fundamentally pure nature
  • Cultivating love and compassion and opening our heart

Session 2 – August 2
Practicing Meditation
  • Dispelling misconceptions about meditation
  • Identifying the three progressive wisdoms of meditative growth
  • Calming and focusing the mind
  • Setting up a daily meditation practice

Session 3 – August 23
The Life and Essential Teachings of the Buddha
  • What motivated Prince Siddhartha to find a solution to the riddle of unsatisfactory (cyclic) existence
  • Buddha’s discovery of the middle way and the four noble truths
  • The three trainings leading to liberation: following ethical behavior, developing single-pointed concentration, gaining insightful wisdom 
  • Integrating compassion and wisdom as the path to full spiritual awakening 

Session 4 – September 20
The Growth and Spread of Buddhism
  • Surveying the development of Buddhist thought and practice in India
  • How the different Buddhist traditions developed in response to the different cultures into which they spread
  • East meets West: the dynamic encounter between ancient wisdom and the modern world
  • Challenges that arise as we try to integrate the practice of Buddhism into our everyday life
Jon Landaw
Jon Landaw
Jon Landaw was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1944. He received his A.B. degree in English Literature from Dartmouth College in 1965 and spent three years teaching English as a Second Language with the Peace Corps in Iran (1966-69).

Jon worked as English editor for the Translation Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (1972-77) producing numerous texts under the guidance of Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey. As a student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche since the mid-1970's, he has edited numerous works for Wisdom Publications, including “Wisdom Energy” and “Introduction to Tantra.” He is also the author of “Prince Siddhartha,” a biography of Buddha for children, “Images of Enlightenment,” published by Snow Lion in 1993 and “Buddhism for Dummies”. As an instructor of Buddhist meditation, he has taught in numerous Dharma centers throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.

Jon is known for his ability to present traditional Buddhist ideas in ways that are accessible and relevant for everyday life.  He and his wife currently live in Capitola.
Our ability to continue offering these teachings is dependent on the generosity of donors. If you find this online content useful and you are not already attending the teachings in person, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kind support.
Registration at the Door: $15 per class or $50 for the entire course (four classes) if paid in full on the first day of class.

Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Please contact us to make arrangements.

A limited number of Buddhism for Dummies books will be available to students at a discounted price.