The Course

 

Pre-requisite:  Discovering Buddhism Course 201 & 301 or with special approval

 

Education: This advanced course is gear to intensify practice and understanding. It covers the essence of the Shin Buddhist tradition, exploring the original teachings of its founder, Shinran Shonin. Furthermore, the course explores the teachings of two important and modern Shin reformers and pioneers, Shigaraki and Seki that have inspired the BFF/NABSA religious philosophy and spirituality. In addition, the course looks into the BFF of CT/NASBA’s revolutionary organizational style based on the discoveries in New Science and then discovers deeper relationships between the New Science and Buddhism in general. The question will be how does the New Science integrate with Shin Buddhism?   

 

Requirements: Participants must read all of the required 5 books and are expected to do all homework assignments and attend at least one Shin or Zen retreat. The 325 Homework constitutes reading the books and writing notes on important points (with page numbers) for discussion.

 

 

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 the last.  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.

 

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 $100 for members. 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 and held after selected Sunday morning gatherings.