BUDDHIST STUDY CLASS
For those who wish in-depth study, we have classes on most Mondays at 2:15 p.m. and Fridays at 7:45 p.m. Check the calendar prior to coming to ensure the class will be held. These sessions run for one hour and cover various topics in Buddhist philosophy, history and spirituality.
We look at new material each session so you can join the discussion at any time and do not have to have been at the previous week's study class to understand the proceedings. Attendees are usually provided xerographic copies of Buddhist articles for our use in these classes. Our sensei writes about one third of the material himself (see the table below).
The study classes are preceded by a “Tai Chi Chuan as Exercise” class that runs from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm on Mondays and 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Fridays. Attendance at both classes is usually small, with a person or two staying after the tai chi for the Buddhist studies and a few people coming just for the Buddhist study class.
We hope you may wish to join us for these classes. All are welcome. You do not have to be a member of the temple to attend and there is no charge for the Monday and Friday classes on Buddhist studies or for the Tai Chi as exercise class.
TOPIC |
DESCRIPTION/MATERIALS |
Nembutsu |
We don't need to be Enlightened to appreciate saying the Nembutsu. Once we start looking into the meaning of the Nembutsu, it is natural that questions arise.The Humble Confidence of Being in Touch with the Great Mystery |
|---|---|
Forgiveness |
If we say what is most distinctive about Amida Buddha as we look at 'him' in terms of the ultimate concerns of other religions it must surely be 'his' absolute forgiveness. |
Shared Language |
As American Buddhists we cannot help but define ourselves in contrast to Christian believers. The abilitiy to make ourselves understood is both helped and hampered by some shared terminologyLanguage We Share |
Tariki (Other Power) |
Tariki literally means "other power". Another translation is "spiritual power beyond the known self".Other Power, Power Through Others, and the Broader Dimensions of Self |
Spiritual Illumination |
We search for spiritual illumination, for a center, for direction in our lives and we find what we are looking for and yet .....Right Moment |
Poisonous Behaviors |
Poisonous behaviors, greed, hatred, and delusion interfere with what is necessary to see the truth and to act in harmony with itSafe Enough to See the Truth |
Suicide |
For Buddhists, suicide is a neutral reality. Although ending one's own life is not necessarily immoral, we advise against it in almost any foreseeable case.Buddhist Concerns Regarding Suicide |
Documents are in .pdf format -- Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader )
