This class will be focused on deepening of practice and experiential insight into dhamma teachings.  What do teachings like The Four Noble Truths, Taking Refuge, Brahma Vihara Practice, or The Four Foundations of Mindfulness really mean? How do they support each other? And how do we integrate this dhamma into practice and our practice into our daily lives? Each class will include sitting, discussion of reading and dhamma , and a go-around practice discussion. My intention is to support your deepening practice, and to help you find, understand and nurture supports for practice. I also hope to see the class become a support community, with "practice buddies" to help you each hold to your commitments to practice through encouragement.

You are all experienced students. This is a Level 3 class. That means I expect you all to have a daily practice, and to be ready to explore these deeper areas of Dhamma.

We will not finish the book in this one semester. There is a possibility that we can continue this class next semester if there is sufficient interest. Please do start the reading for class one. We will also be using the Mala Recitation as part of our daily practice. Please also print out and bring it with you to class.

Class 1 - Sept. 23 - Basics Reading: pages 21 to 60

6:30 sit

7:00 Go around; introductions and sharing of practice

7:50 stretch

8:00 discussion of reading and practice (may include an opening talk from Aaron)

9:00 reading the mala recitation

9:30 end

sati

Marker Bead: I remember the practice of sati (presence):

53rd bead: To be present with the breath.

54th bead: To be present with the proper object as it presents itself.

55th bead To be present with the proper attitude: Whatever arises, I will not fixate on it. I will let my mind be free and spacious, resting in pure awareness.

Intention bead: In this way will I train myself.

Class 2 – Oct 7 - Taking refuge: Reading: pages 61 to 71

6:30 sit

7:00 talk

7:30 stretch

7:45 go around, sharing and discussion.

9:30 end

Taking refuge in Buddha is taking refuge in the Awakened mind, the Awareness Mind. Taking refuge in the Dhamma is resting in things as they are. Taking refuge in sangha is, in part, knowing that all beings live in the same conditions as we do, conditions of impermanence and dukkha. How do we bring these refuges into our practice and into our everyday lives and live them, use them as full support for our spiritual work?

Taking refuge in dhamma relates to the teachings of anatta and anicca. What do these mean in our lives?

Center Bead:

This recitation ever deepens my understanding of the three jewels: Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

Marker Bead: I take refuge:

1st bead: Buddham saranam gacchami, dutiyampi, tatiyampi, svaha.

(I turn to the Perfect Nature of Truth for guidance, again, and yet again.)

2nd bead: Dhammam saranam gacchami, dutiyampi, tatiyampi, svaha.

(I turn to the Teachings for guidance, again, and yet again.)

3rd bead: Sangham saranam gacchami, dutiyampi, tatiyampi svaha.

(I turn to the Holy Sangha for guidance, again, and yet again.)

Intention bead: In this way will I train myself.

Bodhi Bead:

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa. (Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.) Homage to all buddhas, past, present, and future.

Marker Bead: I remember Buddha, the sage Sakyamuni.

4th bead: Buddha is also the awakened nature inherent in all things. Awakened nature is within me; my mind is the true Buddha.

5th bead: This Buddha mind is inherently free and already liberated. To know this awakened nature and live the awakened life is the balance to which I aspire.

6th bead: Awakened nature is present everywhere. Resting there, all karma is released, yet my mind and body are still accountable.

Intention bead: In this way will I train myself.

Class 3 – Oct 21 -Four noble truths:

Reading: page 73- 107

6:30 sit

7:00 talk

7:30 stretch

7:45 go around, sharing and discussion.

9:30 end

Dhamma Bead:

Homage to the dhamma, the path that leads to freedom.

Marker Bead: I remember the four noble truths:

7th bead: Dukkha, the noble truth of suffering.

8th bead: Dukkha Samudaya, the noble truth of the origin of suffering.

9th bead: Dukkha Nirodha, the noble truth of the extinction of suffering.

10th bead: Dukkha Nirodha, Gamini, Patipada, the noble truth of the path that leads to the extinction of suffering.

11th bead: As long as the four noble truths are not understood, we will wander in sorrow and ignorance. Liberation begins with understanding.

Retreat - Oct 24-26 (optional but we will be focusing on the class material)

Probable topics listed, but we'll stay open and see where we most need to go.

Class 4 – Nov. 4 - Eightfold Path -sila/ precepts

Marker Bead: I remember the Eightfold Path:

12th bead: Compassionate view dissipates delusion.

13th bead: Compassionate aspiration benefits all beings.

14th bead: Compassionate speech supports clarity and lovingkindness.

15th bead: Compassionate action brings no regret.

16th bead: Compassionate livelihood harms no one.

17th bead: Compassionate endeavor results in goodness.

18th bead: Compassionate mindfulness stays the Path.

19th bead: Compassionate awareness leads to Nirvana.

Intention bead: In this way will I train myself.

Class 5 – Nov. 18 - Eightfold Path - wisdom

Class 6 – Dec. 2 - factors of enlightenment/ spiritual faculties

Class 7 – Dec. 16 - brahma viharas