Introduction to Buddhism

Tuesdays at 6.30pm

(Open to non-members)

It’s an integrated course of seven consecutive talks designed to acquaint the newcomer with the basic fundamentals of Buddhism. Each talk is designed to give an introduction to the study of the theory and practice of Buddhist teachings. The Buddhist Society considers the Introducing Buddhism course to be of special importance as it forms the foundation for its structured programme. In this context, those who have attended this course are encouraged to continue their studies by attending the First Steps in Buddhist Practice or the First Turning of the Wheel Course.

Those wishing to attend must do so from the opening talk.

Next Course begins on 13th September 2011,

10th January 2012, 13th March 2012, 29th May 2012, 11th September 2012

The course is available on CD - click below for order form and details:
| pdf file |

First Steps in Buddhist Practice

Thursdays at 6.30

(Open to members)

An experiential six week course aimed at people who have completed ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ and want to start to practice for the first time, under the guidance of an experienced teacher. The content of the course is based on The Four Foundations of Mindful Awareness. Participants are introduced to practical exercises in the class which they then practice in daily life during the six weeks. They are also asked to give feedback on their experiences from the practice during the classes. Registration is essential, via the Librarian, with a maximum of ten places.

Next Course starts: 2nd February 2012

The First Turning of the Wheel

Photo Dr Desmond Biddulph

Fridays at 6.30

(Open to members)

This course will acquaint students with some basic Buddhist texts. It is recommended for followers of all traditions and explores the teachings of early Indian Buddhism which are held in common by all Buddhist schools, and which form the foundation of all Buddhist practice. There are eight talks and you must register in advance with the Librarian. Teachers Ven. Myokun and Garry Gelade.

Next Course starts: 23rd September 2011. This course is held once a year and will return in the Autumn.

This course is held once a year and will return in the Autumn.

Correspondence Course

UK £25 - Europe £30 - Outside Europe (Airmail only) £35

The Buddhist Society's Correspondence Course is a series of twelve lessons covering the fundamental principles of Buddhism, its historical and geographical development and the characteristics of the major schools.

There is no set course work as such but students are encouraged to write to their allotted tutor with any questions that may arise or to discuss the course material in general. The course is designed to stimulate the practice of Buddhism in daily life, then to introduce basic meditation.

It is a basic and practical course, especially suitable for those who live far from London or from other Buddhist Centres and are thus unable to attend regular classes.

Course Content

• Course synopsis
• Preface
• Glossary
  

Lesson 1
What is Buddhism?:

• A Religion and a Way of Life
• Basic Principle
• A Practical Discipline
• Buddhism Morality and God
• A Tolerant Religion
• Conclusion

Lesson 2
A Brief History of Buddhism:

• The Life of Siddhartha Gautama
• The Effect of Language on the Development of Buddhism in Different Countries
• The Two Main Divisions of Buddhism
• The Spread of Buddhism in the East
• Buddhism in the West
• The Languages of Buddhism
• Practical Work

Lesson 3
The Three Signs of Being:

• Impermanence
• Unsatisfactoriness
• Insubstantiality
• The Five Aggregates
• The Three Fires
• Nirvana
• The Unborn
• Anatta and Rebirth
• Practical Work

Lesson 4
The Four Noble Truths:

• The Truth of Dukkha
• The Truth of the Origin of Dukkha
• The Truth of the Extinction of Dukkha
• The Truth of the Way that leads to the Extinction of Dukkha
• Practical Work

Lesson 5
The Noble Eightfold Path:

• The Fetters
• Right Understanding (Seeing)
• Right Thought (Motives)
• Right Speach
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness (Awareness)
• Right Concentration (Absorbtion)
• Practical Work

Lesson 6
Karma and Rebirth:

• Life to Life Rebirth
• Moment to Moment
• The Twelve Links of the Chain of Dependent Origination
• Practical Work

Lesson 7
The Theory of Meditation:

• The Purpose and Nature of Meditation
• Spurious Claims for Meditation
• Hindrances to Meditation
• Six Types of Character
• The Requirements of Meditation
• The Five Guiding Faculties
• Practical Work

Lesson 8
Some Mahayana Principles:

• The Origin of Mahayana
• The Practice of the Six Perfections
• The Arahat and the Bodhisattva
• The Buddha
• Emptiness
• Literature
• Practical Work

Lesson 9
Some Mahayana Schools:

• In China, The T'ien-tai School, The Mantra school, The Flower Garland School, The Ch'an School and The Pure Land School
• The History of Tibetan Buddhism
• Tantric Practice
• A Brief Outline Buddhism in Japan

Lesson 10
The Practice of Meditation:

• Sila or Moral Discipline
• Restraint
• Sitting Meditiation
• A Regular Practice
• Posture
• Types of Meditation, Anapanasati and Vipassana
• Conclusion

Lesson 11
Buddhism in Daily Life:

• Theory and Practice
• Following the Path Right
• Mindfulness and Right Effort
• Daily Life Practice
• Establishing a Daily Routine
• The Three Refuges
• The Five Precepts
• Conclusion

Lesson 12
Buddhism Comes to the West:

• The Introduction of Buddhism to the West
• Further Developments in Britain
• Some Conclusions
• What of the Future
• A Brief Reading List

Application Form for the Correspondence Course (pdf file)