This 3 month Buddhist Study
Course, called A Life of Awakening: the Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path,
is usually programmed to begin on October. This program offers two great books to be read and discussed,
and plenty of opportunities to practice the Shin dharma. If you are seeking spiritual transformation, your life's purpose
or are just curious and want to learn more about Shin Buddhism, you are invited to take this course. It is a wonderful foundation
for our 6 month Discovering Buddhism Course 101 that starts in January.
Not Offered This Year
Book Selection
Oct. A Life of Awakening: The Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path
by Takamaro Shigaraki
Nov. A Life of Awakening by T. Shigaraki (2nd half of
book)
Dec. Tannisho: A Shin Buddhist Classic, translated by Taitetsu Unno
The Course
Education: Participants must read all of
the required books and are expected to do all homework assignments.
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), live the nembutsu, sitting or walking meditation
and attend sangha gatherings to hear the dharma on a regular basis.
Commitment: All participants should
try to have a 75% Sunday morning attendance record from
Oct. through December. This is part of the
sedimentation process that allows us to deeply hear the Buddha's call. 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:
$85 and the first book is included as a gift (a $20 value).
The second book Tannisho is not included. 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 in Middletown, from 12:45 p.m. to approx. 3 p.m. Classes
will be 3 hours each.
Living your purpose requires commitment and a beginner's mind.
