Program Description:
This is a study and practice program exploring the teachings of Theravada traditions and making them relevant to our contemporary lives. This program is a three-month commitment to practice, study, and community.
The topics that will be explored are:
Class 1 [Feb 28] – Introduction to the program
Class 2 [Mar 13] – Embodying sangha and understanding its importance
Class 3 [Mar 27] – Historical and social contexts of contemporary Buddhism
Class 4 [Apr 10] – What do you hold to be authoritative? – Uncovering assumptions about what we trust on the path of the dharma
Class 5 [Apr 24] – Understanding the depth and dimensionality of devotion and ritual as contemporary practitioners
Class 6 [May 8] – Self: Understanding the importance of a healthy sense of self and how it is embedded in classical Theravada teachings
Class 7 [May 22] – Not-self: Understanding a commonly misunderstood teaching for our contemporary lives
Components included (materials will be shared on the Canvas Online Learning platform):
- Video presentations
- Self-reflection practices that include sharing written reflections with one’s small group
- Additional study material that will include readings and/or podcasts
- Live online gatherings with the teachers to deepen and explore the topics of each month
Time commitment and participation expectation: 8 hours a month plus regular meditation (at least 30 minutes of Daily Meditation Practice – 5 days a week), two group meetings per month (2 hours each)
Prerequisites:
Two weeks of residential, teacher-led, silent insight meditation retreats and familiarity with foundational Buddhist teachings including:
- Four Noble Truths
- Eightfold Path
- Brahmaviharas
- Five Precepts
- Four Foundations of Mindfulness
If you do not meet these prerequisites but are interested in joining the program, please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org describing what you plan to do to prepare for the program before registering.
This program is hosted on Zoom and closed captions are available. You can check the time of the group sessions in your timezone here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com. The schedule of Zoom meetings for this program (shown in US Eastern Time) is as follows:
Meeting Time: Every other Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM ET
Meeting Dates: February 28, March 13, 27, April 10, 24, May 8, 22
Please note that sessions will not be recorded.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration fees for all online programs are nonrefundable after the program start date. Cancellations prior to the program start date incur a $25 cancellation fee. Application-based and online path programs incur a $50 cancellation fee in 2023 and a $100 cancellation fee beginning 2024.
DEI:
As we work to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we invite feedback/suggestions you may have regarding ways that we can make participation in the program more accessible and welcoming. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.
