How does the mind transform from a condition of clinging, identifying, and suffering to the knowledge and experience of liberation? As part of the answer to this question the Buddha taught a path of training that unfolds gradually, each step leading onward and supporting subsequent steps which leads to liberation.
In this four-week live, online course, we will explore and practice with two suttas from the Middle Length Discourses [Majjhima Nikāya] (MN 27 and 39) that describe this gradual training. These suttas offer similar versions of this path, but within different contexts.
Our interactive sessions will include discussions, teachings, and practices that help us contemplate and work with the Buddhist path in our own life. This course is part of the Sati Center’s “Study & Practice” series.
When: Four Saturday mornings, Nov 2, 9, 16, and 23, 8:30-10:00am Pacific time
Where: Sessions will be held via the free video conferencing software Zoom. To find more information about Zoom, check https://zoom.us/meetings.
Teachers: David Lorey, Diana Clark, Kim Allen and Ying Chen
Course materials:
MN 27: The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant’s Footprint (Cūlahatthipadopama Sutta)
MN 39: The Greater Discourse at Assapura (Mahā-Assapura Sutta).
There are several online versions of these suttas:
- MN 27 (Bodhi translation): https://suttacentral.net/mn27/en/bodhi
- MN 27 (Sujato translation): https://suttacentral.net/mn27/en/sujato
- MN 39 (Sujato translation): https://suttacentral.net/mn39/en/sujato
(Longer term, you may want to consider purchasing The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha (Wisdom Publications).)
Unlike other Sati Center online sutta study classes, this course will not have study guides, but instead it will provide an opportunity to study and practice with suttas with a community in real time. Currently, there is not a plan to record the sessions so they will not be available for viewing at a different time.
Technology Requirements: To participate in this course you will need access to the following:
- a computer with speakers, microphone and a video camers
- (tablets, phones and chromebooks are not recommended)
- a reliable, high-speed internet connection
- Zoom (free video conferencing software; see above)
Registration: If you are able to attend all four sessions, please register by Oct 31 by sending an email to practicecourses.saticenter@gmail.com with your name and location. We will accept the first 20 applicants.