O monks and wise men,
Do not accept my words
Out of respect for me;
but just like the gold is tested
by melting, scraping and smoothing,
test what I have said
and accept it only then.
Šakyamuni Buddha
   











 		 
 
   P r o g r a m  o f  S t u d y
 
What did the Buddha Teach
A six-week course on the basic teachings of Buddhism common to all later schools, the principles derived from them, and on the use of these principles in daily life. The course is aimed primarily at those who have not met with a rich Buddhist tradition before. The course is intended to provide a general introduction into Buddhism's history, philosophy, culture, and practice. Along with an outline of the different schools of Buddhism and divergences of Buddhist thought, the course will also deal with the Buddha's life, meaning of the Three Jewels, the Four Noble Truths and development of Boddhi mind.

      The great matter of life and death
"Discovering our own face before birth" and "insight into our true nature" are among many expressions that have been used in Chan school to point at the place and the method that can solve the great question of life and death. This cycle of lectures will provide the basic frame of reference in Chan that is encapsulated in the expression "a special transmission outside the scriptures, no dependence upon words or letters, direct pointing to human mind, and attainment of Buddhahood". The lectures will deal with the origins and ramifications of this most influential spiritual stream in the Far East with special reference to the most eminent teachers and specific methods of (non) practice employed.

What is Mind
The main practice of Buddhism that leads to spiritual insight and dissolution of existential conflicts at all levels of being is the practice of meditation. Mediation is not only sitting with the eyes closed, but a thoroughly investigated and carefully described path to transform contents of our consciousness. Generations of Buddhist teachers had focused their attention on meditation, passing on to us invaluable knowledge on the nature of mind, the way it operates, and the alteration of its contents, as well as on how it is able to hide or to reveal reality. This knowledge, which may loosely be called a "Buddhist psychology", will be presented and explained through works of some of the greatest Mahayana teachers.

Public Talks
The public talks will deal with relevant contemporary topics from the Buddhist perspective and will be held on the first Thursday of every month, at seven in the evening. These events are open to everyone and will be an opportunity to obtain information about the activities of the Buddhist Center, especially for persons who would like to learn about how they could participate in the program of study and practice.

  • Program of study
  • Program of practice
  • Chan retreats
  • Special programs
  • Calendar 2001/2002

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