Program Description:
In this year-long program, we will explore the profound Buddhist teachings of dependent origination and emptiness through the practices and understandings in the book, Seeing That Frees by Rob Burbea, supplemented by sutta readings and heart practices. This exploration will be held within the container of community that we will co-create together. We will also gear this exploration toward practicing in our day-to-day lives and making all of this relevant to our daily lives.
The basic structure of this 12-month program will be as follows:
Monthly sessions will set the practice focus for the month.
Monthly homework will consist of reading a section of Seeing That Frees and engaging in assigned meditative practices. You will also have the option of engaging in a sutta contemplation and listening to a dharma talk. The meditative practices will be a combination of wisdom and heart practices. Note: Participants will need to purchase or share Seeing That Frees. The sutta contemplation and dharma talk will be optional.
Participants will be in a monthly group to support this exploration through discussion.
Participants will be invited to reflect on their explorations through written responses to monthly questions. This is intended to help participants deepen their exploration through contemplation.
Prerequisites:
- Regular meditation practice
- 12+ days retreat experience (may include residential and nonresidential/online retreats)
- Minimum of 3 years of practice
- Commitment to deepening practice
- Willingness to remain engaged in the program for the entire year by attending all monthly sessions and small group meetings
- Purchasing the book Seeing That Frees
- Maintaining a journal
Please read through the program assumptions here.
If you do not meet these prerequisites and would like to be considered for the program, please email Brian at brian_lesage@hotmail.com
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: First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET
Meeting Dates: August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, 2024; January 1, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, 2025
In addition, one Small Group gathering per month. Times and dates to be determined closer to the beginning of the program.
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 $100 cancellation fee.
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.
