Sangha Night Threefold Training 2004

An Opportunity for Periods of Committed Practice at Sangha Nights

These courses are recommended for those who wish to train in a Buddhist way of life. The 3-Fold Path (of ethics, meditation and wisdom) is the traditional Buddhist system of spiritual development leading to progressively deeper compassion and wisdom. Each year the curriculum develops so that people can continue to train in this system.

The 2004 Three-Fold Path training courses are based on the Mahayana bodhisattva ideal. The emphasis will be the cultivation of a compassionate, altruistic perspective and way of being in all aspects of one's life. Pre-register to sign up for an entire series if you would like to make a commitment to Buddhist training. Suggested donation $40 to register for an entire series OR $5/class drop-in rate

We offer two ways to participate in the Three Fold Training:

1. Signing up for the courses - an option for more intentional and committed periods of practice
2. On a drop-in basis

Buddhist training consists in learning about and practicing all three aspects of the Threefold path, but you do not need to take the courses in the order listed, and you can drop in or sign up for one or more of the courses based on your personal interests. The subject matter will be covered in a new way every year so practitioners can continue to train in this perennial path through the Threefold Training, up until enlightenment!

• Ethics Course - January 22 - March 18. Reflect on the core five precepts of Buddhism and how to practice the precepts in a thought provoking, transformative, and meaningful way. Consider the meaning of ethical precepts on a societal scale. Explore how karma comes into play in the practice of the precepts.
• Meditation Course - April 22 to June 10. An 8 week course exploring the meditations that open us up to emotional wisdom and a fearless heart of awakening, the bodhicitta. The four "brahma vihara" meditations are based around the metta bhavana (cultivation of loving kindness) taught at our 6 week introduction to meditation courses. The other brahma viharas explore compassion, joy and equanimity. Pujas, a 7-stage ritual meditation, will also be practiced to generated bodhicitta. Those signing up for the whole course have the option of arranging a personal meditation interview. This series is accompanied by a City meditation intensive week in the month of May. Completion of a 6-week introduction to meditation course a pre-requisite for signing up for the course (not required to drop-in to this series).
• Wisdom Course - Sept 30 to November 18. Explore the rich tradition of wisdom within Buddhism. Challenge your current world views and tackle questions on the nature of self, the nature of perception and the nature of reality in their conceptual and practical dimensions. Follow the Buddha's instruction about his dharma (teachings), "Come and see for yourself."
  
  The following 2004 Ethics Course options are available:
  
  
  • Signing up for an 8-week Core Buddhist Teachings Course - a good continuation if you are newer to Buddhist teachings or have completed the six-week Introduction to Buddhism Course that runs on Wednesday nights. (Suggested donation $45 - for credit card payment please add $2)
  • Signing up for the 8-week Continuation Course which is designed for those who are familiar with Buddhist teachings (Suggested donation $45 - for credit card payment please add $2)
  • Dropping in to either the Core Buddhist Teachings Course or the Continuation Wisdom Course (suggested donation $5/night)

What does signing up for Sangha Night course mean?

• Committing to attending eight weeks of Thursday night classes on the topic plus an optional puja night (puja is a ritual practice and part of the traditional Buddhist path)
• Meeting with the same group of people most Thursdays and enjoying the greater depth of practice that a consistent group allows
• An optional personal practice meeting with the course leader

What is the program for the course?

Doors open at 6:45. The evening will start at 7:00 sharp with a 40 minute meditation followed by a short tea break. In the second part of the class, presentations will be made to everyone. Most evenings the course participants will break off into a small group after the general presentation. Some evenings, as appropriate, the course participants will stay in a large group with the rest of the class. The evening will end at 9:15. Those not interested in taking the courses can enjoy Sangha Night on a drop-in basis (discussion groups are also available for those dropping-in).

The suggested donations for the courses is $45. The program is free of charge to those who make a regular monthly donation to the Center through our dana program.

How can I get more information?

Contact the Center at Info@sfbuddhistcenter.org or 415.282.2018.

Note about prices

The activities of the Bay Area Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, a nonprofit organization, are dependent on donations and the support of those attending its events and classes. We would like to offer the Dharma to anyone with interest and are happy to reduce the rates listed on this site. Please arrange reduced rates in advance.

*Note about preparation

Events followed by an asterisk* are open to all who have been introduced to the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana (Cultivation of Loving-Kindness) meditations. You can learn these meditations at our drop-in class and/or six-week meditation courses. All other events open to all.

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