Reading Pali Texts as a Meditative Practice

In September 2023, Charles Hallisey taught a program for the Nagas (the combined CDL1 and Nalanda groups, who had each been coming to BCBS for many years). That program was called “Approaches to Early Buddhist Texts,” and explored reading Pali canonical texts differently for different purposes and with different results. In particular, Charles focused on reading historically, prescriptively, scripturally, and canonically.

Charles has agreed to return and teach again for the Nagas. He will begin with a review of what we did last year and will then turn to reading Pali texts as a meditative practice.

As is the practice for this group, our evenings will include time for check-ins and sitting together. While there will be sitting in the mornings and evenings, this is not a silent meditation program. Continuing the tradition of the CDL1 programs that took place at BCBS for a couple of decades, it is a study program with opportunities to deepen spiritual friendship.

Program Format: This program will include lecture and discussions in the classroom in the mornings and afternoons, with sitting and sharing in the evenings in the Dharma Hall.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning.

Experience Level:

Suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

This program is by invitation only.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel between three and eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. Registration fees are nonrefundable less than three weeks before the program starts.