Book Selection
Jan. Buddha: the Story of an Awakened Life by
David Khedian
& The Disciples of Buddha by Zenno Ishigami
Feb. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean
Smith
Mar. Be Free Where you are and Cultivating the Mind of Love: the
Practice
of Looking Deeply in the Mahayana Buddhist Tradition
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Apr. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryo Suzuki
May Ocean: an Introduction to Shin Buddhism by Dr. Ken. Tanaka
Jun. Shin Buddhism: Bits of Rubble turned into Gold by Dr. Taitetsu Unno
Requirements for Completion
Education: This course covers history,
biography, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, basic theory, practice and spirituality. Participants must read all of the
required books and are expected to do all homework assignments. This course is a wonderful foundation for our 8 month Spiritual Maturity and Leadership Course 201, starting every October.
Practice: All participants must attend
a BFF retreat or some other approved retreat relating to Zen or Shin practice. In addition, participants are expected to practice
sitting or walking meditation, deep hearing (monpo), living the nembutsu and the Five Precepts on a regular basis.
Practice and living the nembutsu is the key for spiritual transformation.
Commitment: All participants should have
a 75% Sunday morning or regular attendance record from January to the end of June. This
is part of the sedimentation process that allows us to deeply hear the Buddha's call and fully integrate the Buddha Dharma
in daily life. 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: In order to experience spiritual
transformation and realize understanding one must be committed to the process. All homework must be completed and handed in
at the time of the class. First
homework assignment is due on the first class meeting. Furthermore, participating in buddhist community life
is equally important.
Donation:
$160 for non-members and $130 for members, the first 2 books are included as a gift (a $26 value). When available,
participants will be offered discounted prices for all books through the Buddhist Faith Fellowship. Please make donation checks
payable to the BFF.
Time & Place: The course will meet
once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, after regular sangha gathering at the Buddha House in Middletown. Classes will be 3 hours each.
Dedication:
As with many other NEIBS courses, this course is known for its comprehensive look into Buddhism. Eight books are read, studied and discussed, and the outcome is a solid introductory knowledge base of
the Buddhist tradition together with a deepen spirituality.
Many people raise the question about
commitment. We do ask for commitment but this dedication is to only have an open mind and the willingness to complete
the course. Over the years, the 101 course has had many successful graduates. You can do it too! Please join us.
Certificate (optional)
Upon completion of
all requirements, an Affirmation Ceremony will be conducted at the Buddhist Faith Fellowship in which the graduate confirms
his/her dedication to live the Buddha Dharma and the Nembutsu Way,
and is thereby formally inducted into our spiritual community, being considered a BFF Friend. Becoming a Friend includes Going for
Refuge in the Three Jewels, reciting the Bodhisattva Vows, Shin Affirmation, receiving our community's okesa (kata).
