Introduction to Buddhism - in person course

4 Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9pm at the SFBC, May 2 to 23

Buddhism is a vision of human existence. It is also a practical guide that we can apply to every aspect of our lives.  Meditation and buddhist principles, practiced together, bring us closer to our direct experience, dissolving our misperceptions to reveal the boundless potential and precious opportunity of life. 

Central to Buddhist practice is a deep desire to understand suffering and the means to end suffering; to discover the "magic of the ordinary";  and to live in harmony with ourselves and those around us.

This introductory course aims to bring us closer to the principles of buddhist practice and experience its liberating potential. 

What you will learn:

  • Introduction: what buddhist traditions have in common
  • The relevance of the historical Buddha for us today
  • The Buddha's teachings
    • The Four Noble Truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cease of suffering, Noble Eightfold Path
    • Three marks of human existence.
    • Buddhist meditation - why meditation is important in Buddhism, and how Buddhist principles help us go deeper with meditation.
    • Working with the transformation of difficult emotions and perceptions.

There will also be time to discuss topics that arise during the course.

The course is informal, interactive, and friendly, and is open to anyone interested in Buddhism for its own sake, or as a means to support and deepen meditation practice. 

Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. Right now masks are optional

Please register by Monday 5pm May 2

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The suggested donation is $150 to $110.  Donations are very much appreciated and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. However if you are experiencing financial difficulties yourself please feel free to pay less. If you are unable to pay anything at this time you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)

Thank you!  

Booking Deadline Date: 
Monday, May 1, 2023
Event Type: 

This event is no longer open for bookings

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