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, Tannisho, death, salvation, life's purpose, nembutsu and meditation practice, the rich spirituality
of the Mahayana and Shin Buddhist tradition, new science and Buddhism, sangha building and management based on new science,
use of ritual tools and objects, and the teaching of Buddhism in a community setting.
Requirements: Participants must read all
of the required 8 books and are expected to do all homework assignments and
attend at least one Shin or Zen retreat.
Leadership Training: 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. For the discussion, participants will choose a discussion topic of their choice.
Furthermore, since
the course is also about spiritual leadership, participants will need to facilitate a Sunday morning dharma discussion or
talk and/or may facilitate a Discovering Buddhism 101 class. During the program the participants with be called Lay Dharma
Teachers-in-Training (LDTT).
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 Zen or Shin practice. In addition, participants are expected to practice
the nembutsu, sitting or walking meditation, mindfulness, deep hearing and the Five Precepts 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 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:
$150 for non-members and $120 for
members, and the first book is included as a gift (a $19 value). If possible, participants will be offered discounted prices
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.
Spiritual Maturity and Leadership Certificate
Upon completion of
all the requirements, in July, a graduation ceremony takes place during a BFF Sunday morning gathering, in which BFF Spiritual
Maturity & Leadership Certificate will be awarded. Cost of certificate is
included in the initial donation.
Certificate of Associate Dharma Teacher (optional)
201 participants may
apply to become Associate Dharma Teachers and may be required to complete further course work. When all requirements are met, Lay Dharma Teachers in Training will then receive an Associate Dharma
Teacher Certificate and the ministerial title of a BFF 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.
