Sati Center for Buddhist StudiesSupporting the study of Buddhist teachingsSutta Study Program |
Studying the Words of the Buddha:
A 10-month Exploration of the Middle Length Discourses
Taught by Gil Fronsdal
The 2,500 year-old Buddhist tradition has its origin in the realization and teachings of the Buddha. To this day the Buddha's teachings remain relevant as a guide for anyone engaged in Buddhist practice and for anyone who wants to understand the foundation from which all forms of Buddhism have grown.
We are fortunate that a large body of texts survive from the earliest times of Buddhism. Among these, the Pali Canon of the Theravada School preserves the most complete collection of these early texts. To discover what the Buddha himself taught, one must study these texts.
The surviving discourses of the Buddha contain a wealth of teachings on all aspects of Buddhist practice. However, the literary style in which these are presented often makes it difficult for new readers. In order to gain an appreciation of the discourses it is often helpful to be guided by someone who has spent much time investigating them.
In this nine-month course, Gil Fronsdal will lead a systematic study of the Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikaya), one of the most important collections of the Buddha’s teachings. Gil is an experienced Buddhist practitioner, teacher and scholar. As such, his discourse on this text will be both scholarly and practical. The course is designed for people who have already been introduced to the basics of Buddhist teachings and practice and who have the time and motivation to carefully study the assigned readings from this collection. Course participants will be expected to attend all the scheduled daylong classes and to have read and reflected on the readings assigned for that particular day. There may also be some short written assignments.
Ten classes will be organized around the themes of The Dharma, The Buddha, The Path of Practice, Karma, Right Effort, Renunciation, Meditation, The Four Noble Truths, Not-clinging, and Liberation.
Scheduled Dates for 2008-9
Fridays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - except as noted.
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September 12 October 3 October 31 November 21 January 9 |
February 6 February 28 (Saturday) April 24 May 29 June 12 |
Course Materials
The primary text for the class will be The Middle Length Discourses translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi and published by Wisdom Publication. Alternative translations will be provided in class.
Preparation
Participants should please read Middle Length Discourses number 95, 63, 58, and 21 before the first class meeting.
Location
Classes will be held at the Insight Meditation Center at 108 Birch Street in Redwood City, California. The center is located about thirty miles south of San Francisco and is a twenty-minute drive from San Francisco Airport.
Registration
To register, send an email stating your intention to participate to suttastudy@sati.org. Please provide an email address we can use to contact you as there may be additional readings or instructions provided for the course.
Cost
This course is offered on a donation basis. See our donations page for information about making a donation.
For More Information
Please contact the Sati Center at 650.223.0311 (voicemail) or suttastudy@sati.org for more information about the program