Learn About Buddhism

See also What is Buddhism?

We offer these introductory Buddhism classes:

Buddhism courses :: Weekend introduction to Buddhism

Six-Week Buddhism Course

Six consecutive Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:15pm
Cost $145 - $95* + 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. Topics include: the historical Buddha; an overview of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism as expressed in the Threefold path of ethics, meditation and wisdom; conditionality and interconnectedness; and the Four Noble Truths. 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.)

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.

*A note about fees and donations
Unless otherwise stated, all fees and donations go toward operating costs of the San Francisco Buddhist Center, a nonprofit organization. Teaching at this Center is done by volunteers. For events with a sliding scale, please pay what you can afford within that range, or contact us in advance to arrange a further reduced rate. The suggested donation given for most of our regular events is there as a guide and you should feel free to pay more if you can and less if you need to. Make checks out to the "FWBO" (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order.) Please give your name and the reason for your donation. Thank you!