The Course

 

Pre-requisite:  Discovering Buddhism Course 101

 

Education: This advanced course covers the history and culture of the Shin Buddhist tradition, Mahayana dharmalogy (study of dharma), the Bodhisattva path, the Six Paramitas, the Lotus Sutra, Larger and Smaller Sutras, Tannisho, death, salvation, life's purpose, Nembutsu Way, meditation practice, the rich spirituality of the Mahayana and Shin Buddhist tradition, sangha building and management, use of ritual tools and objects, and the teaching of Buddhism in a community setting.

 

Tracks: there are two (2) tracks in the 201 program.

 

The first track is called the Enrichment Track. It is geared for those who wish to study the dharma for personal enrichment.

 

The second track is called the Leadership Track for those who wish to become a BFF/NASBA Lay Dharma teacher. It includes a second autumn semester with three additional books and an extra retreat experience of their choosing during the summer or autumn. During the program the participants with be called Lay Dharma Teachers-in-Training (LDTT).

 

Requirements: Participants must read all of the required books and are expected to do all homework assignments and must attend Shin or other Buddhist retreat of their choosing depending on their track.

  

Sangha Training for Enrichment and Leadership Tracks: All participants will learn the ins and outs of the BFF gathering format and then will set up, lead a liturgy and facilitate the discussion of at least one Sunday morning gathering and/or may facilitate a Discovering Buddhism 101 class. For the discussion, participants will choose a discussion topic of their choice.

 

Hands On: As part of their training, participants will assist in setting up and disassembling of BFF gatherings on a regular basis, and will slowly be given more responsibilities to learn the gathering format.  The use of the mindfulness bell, chants etc. will be learned and mastered.

 

Additional Workshops: the course may have 2 extra workshops that will meet immediately after Sunday morning service for 30 minutes each in order to learn and practice the use of ritual instruments and/or chants.

 

Requirements for Completion

 

Practice: All participants must attend a BFF retreat or some other approved retreat relating to Shin practice. In addition, participants are expected to practice the nembutsu, sitting or walking meditation, mindfulness, deep hearing on a regular basis.

 

Commitment: All participants should have a 75% Sunday morning attendance record from the beginning of the course to graduation day.  All participants are allowed just one absence from a class and, a possible second one for extraneous circumstances, but homework must be delivered via e-mail or post mail before the missed class.  Attendance will be taken during sangha gatherings & workshops.

 

Discipline: All homework must be completed and handed in at the time of the class. Participants must attend the classes and if offered 2 additional 30 minute workshops on chanting. No certificate will be awarded if the program requirements are not completely met.

 

Donation:  For the Enrichment Track we are asking $150 for non-members and $120 for members to cover costs, and the first book is included as a gift (a $19 value). Make donation checks payable to the BFF.

 

For the Leadership Track we are asking for an additional $75 for the autumn semester. This donation can be given in advance during the initial sign up or before the end of the spring semester. Make donation checks payable to the BFF.

 

Books: Participants may purchase their own books. Whenever possible, participants will be offered discounted prices or at cost for some books.  Make donation checks payable to the BFF.

 

Time & Place: The course will meet once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, after regular sangha gathering in Middletown.  Classes will be 2 - 3 hours each.  Plus, 2 other mini-workshops (30 minutes) may be held after selected Sunday morning gatherings. 

 

Certificate of Associate Dharma Teacher (optional)

 

201 participants may apply to become Associate Dharma Teachers by speaking with Senpai and will be required to complete the autumn course work. When all requirements are met, Lay Dharma Teacher in Training will then receive an Associate Dharma Teacher Certificate and the ministerial title of a BFF of Ct Associate Dharma Teacher (A.D.T.).

 

Graduated A.D.Ts and will have the authority to facilitate our gatherings, Buddhist Courses and Retreats, represent our community at inter-religious events and establish and lead new sanghas under the approval of the Board of Directors.

 

A special ceremony will take place in February, during a BFF of Ct Sunday morning gathering. Cost of certificate is included in the autumn semester donation.