Dates of Workshops

Oct. 26

Nov. 23

Dec. 14

The Course

Education: Participants must read all of the required books and are expected to do all homework assignments which cover theory, history and daily practice.

Practice:  Buddhism should not be approached just on an intellectual basis but must be applied in daily life, which, through committed and diligent practice, will transform the mind and heart.  To get most out of the course, participants should try to practice deep hearing (monpo), voicing the nembutsu, sitting or walking meditation and attend sangha gatherings to hear the dharma on a regular basis.

Commitment: All participants are required to have a 75% Sunday morning attendance record for the duration of the course.  All participants are allowed just one absence from a class but homework must be delivered via e-mail or post mail before the missed class.  Attendance will be taken.

Discipline: All homework must be completed and handed in at the time of the class.

Donation:  $95 for non-members and $76 for members and the first book is included as a gift (a $19 value). 

Time & Place: The course will meet once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, after regular sangha gathering in Middletown, from 12:45 p.m. to approx.  3 p.m. Classes will be 3 hours each.

What Will Be Studied?

Some of the topics to be learned include the following:

• Shinran Shonin and the Spirit of Buddhism
• The Revolutionary Character of the Pure Land teaching
• Enlightenment and Spiritual Liberation
• Nembutsu: the Name-that-calls
• Amida Buddha and the Primal Vow
• The Spiritual Quest
• Our True and Real Life
• When a Person Dies
• Interdependence and Non-duality
• The Pure Land
• Hell
• Attainment without a Guru
• Non-violence and Peace
• Faith, Joy and Gratitude
• Buddha–nature
• How to Live the Nembutsu Way
• True Happiness
• Everyday Practice

Transformation can only happen through dedication.