Dates: Mondays, 6:45 to 8:45pm, Oct 30th to Dec 18th
Location: Pause Meditation Studio, 133 SW 2nd Ave #300, Portland, OR 97204
Cost: Gift economy (see below)
Registration: Via Pause Meditation (click this link to register)

 

Summary

This course is essentially an answer to the question, “how does one live like a Buddhist in a life of 21st-century responsibilities, relationships, and challenges?”  It will approach Buddhism not as a religion, an academic textbook, or a set of stripped-down secular practices, but rather as a well-rounded path for how to live well.  You’ll learn the core philosophies, meditation techniques, and behavioral practices, focusing mostly on “trying it out in your daily life” and “seeing for yourself what happens.”

The course content will revolve around the two main teachings in Buddhism: the Four Noble Truths & the Noble Eightfold Path.  We’ll also explore things like:

• How your speech, consumption choices, sexual conduct, livelihood, and other “everyday actions” are just as important as meditation for developing genuine well-being.
• How to develop and maintain love & non-reactivity amidst the challenges of daily life.
• How to sink your teeth into the deeper wisdom teachings in a way that’s practical & brings genuine peace, including the teachings on not-self, impermanence, and craving = suffering, among others.
• How all the pieces of Buddhism fit together, including the teachings on generosity, ethical conduct (i.e. the five precepts), the sublime attitudes (i.e. loving-kindness, appreciative joy, compassion, and equanimity), mindfulness of body+mind+feelings, various meditative techniques, karma, suffering, impermanence, and, ultimately, how all these work together to lead us into liberation.

 

Course Notes:

The course sessions will include a mixture of short lectures, small & large group discussions, guided meditation, and journaling exercises.  There will also be optional but highly recommended between-week readings, reflections, and guided meditations.  Attendance will be capped in order to ensure a community feel.

People of all backgrounds are welcome & respected, including atheists, Christians, the spiritually curious, longtime Buddhists, and everyone in between.  Just come with an open mind!

 

Cost & Commitment:

In staying in integrity with the 2,600-year-old Buddhist tradition, this course will be offered on the “gift economy;” aka on donation, as a practice of mutual giving and receiving.

As donation-based offerings are a bit foreign in our culture, I request that you read over this article on how to think about the financial part of donation-based courses.  I trust that whatever you donate will be the perfect amount.  No one will be turned away or judged for lack of funds!

Also, just as importantly, offered-on-donation doesn’t mean “come when you feel like it” or “only participate halfway.”  While of course life happens and you may have to miss a week or two, I’d request that you make a genuine commitment to showing up and doing the practices — that’s the only real way to turn these teachings from a good idea into something that truly makes a difference in your life.

 

Registration

This course is being hosted & managed by Pause Meditation Studio.  They are handling the registration.  You can sign up via this link.

 

Testimonials:

The following comments were submitted after the last time this course was offered.

“David’s class was amazing and so insightful. David did a great job of distilling the sometimes complicated Buddhist teachings into a useable and organized format. For the first time, I’ve been able to apply the knowledge to my own life, with an understanding of how to create an ongoing practice for myself.” ~ Krista A.

“David’s guidance has been life-changing for me. His ability to explain the teachings and practice in a simple but powerful way has allowed me to see the dharma come to life on & off the cushion.”  ~ Bill Q.

“David is a well-trained, kind, and wise teacher. He is an experienced teacher who delivers excellent content, above and beyond support, and cares about being helpful to his students.” ~ Sophie P.

“As someone new to Buddhism, I found the style of teaching and the way the class was structured to be very effective. I also gained from the comments and questions from my classmates.” ~ Anonymous