Learn About Buddhism

See also What is Buddhism?

The San Francisco Buddhist Center FWBO offers these introductory classes:

Buddhism courses :: Weekend introduction to Buddhism

Six-Week Buddhism Course

Six consecutive Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:15pm
Cost $135 - $90* + course text book $10 (Introducing Buddhism by Chris Pauling or Vadanya)
This course is offered 3 times a year. For start-dates, please see the calendar
Class size is usually 10-15 people

How can we in the West understand and apply Buddhist teachings emanating 2,500 years ago from a very different culture and historical period? This course, offered three times a year, is not a lecture series but a practical, discussion-oriented exploration of some core principles of Buddhism and how they can meaningfully effect the way we live. For start-dates, please see the calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.) Each class begins with a short led meditation.

Pre-registration and a deposit are required for this course. (How to register for SFBC events.)

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

• The origins of Buddhism and the life of the historical Buddha
• A review of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism including the Threefold path (ethics, meditation and wisdom) and personal development
• A survey of how Buddhist teachings have been expressed in different cultures

Introduction to Buddhism Days

One-Day Saturday course, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $50 - $35 sliding scale*
Offered once or twice a year.
Class size is 5-15 people

Buddhism is an experientially-based religion that provides a set of practical tools (meditation, ethical precepts, etc.) that help us develop a greater understanding of our lives and the world around us. As opposed to belief-based systems, Buddhism puts an emphasis on deepening our personal experience of seeing things clearly. Introductory days provide an overview of the life of the Buddha, basic Buddhist teachings and an opportunity for questions and discussion. The class will include a short period of meditation for which no advance training is required. If there is a weekend introduction to Buddhism scheduled, it will be in the current calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.)

When dates are scheduled they are listed on the calendar.