- Buddhism Classes Outline
Introduction to Buddhism – Level 1
Practicing Buddhism - Intermediate Level 2
Intermediate Level 3 - Sutra study
Advance Level 4 - Sutra study - Amitabha Sutra
Advance Level 4 - Sutra study
- Introduction to Buddhism – Level 1
Reference Text: “The Core Teaching “by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
The objective of this Level is to give students a brief introduction to the history and development of Buddhism as well as an outline of the different forms of Buddhism practiced today.
Basic Dharma theory covered includes Buddhist ethics and etiquette as well as the topics dealt with in the reference book. The importance of meditation is stressed. The benefits students can Expect after incorporating the teachings into their lives is discussed at length. Students are encouraged to question and think deeply about all aspects of Buddhism. The reference book is available from the Temple Shop and should be purchased prior to the start of classes.
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- Practicing Buddhism - Intermediate Level 2
Reference Text: “Buddhism Core Ideas” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
The objective of this Level is to build on the foundations covered in the Introductory Level one and to start to dig deeper to investigate and study the concepts that Buddha taught to help the student develop the skills central to understanding the teachings of the Buddha. Opportunity to relate to our everyday life and to participate in the discussion to benefit our understanding using the text will help us open our mind to Buddhist practice.
Meditation states, Prajna Wisdom, The Six Paramitas and the practices of repentance
and sharing are some of the topics covered during this course. It is essential that
students have the text “ Buddhism Core Ideas” that is available from the Temple
Shop as background reading will enable the student to get the most out of the
course.
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- Intermediate Level 3 - Sutra study -
Reference Text: “Buddhism Pure & Simple”, A Commentary on the Sutra by
Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
This Sutra is characterized by its brevity, clarity and completeness and covers the main ideas of Mahayana Buddhism. Its greatness lies in its emphasis on the importance of life in this world. The discussion will help the student understand how the Buddha intended his teachings to be used. It offers all of the wisdom we will ever need to steer our lives away from confusion and fear towards the peace and security of the other side.
The reference book is available from the Temple Shop and should be purchased prior to the start of classes.
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- Level 4 - Sutra study - Amitabha Sutra
This level is an on-going level which aims to teach Buddhism in accordance with a selected Sutra. Meanwhile the famous liturgy “Thrice Yearning and Chanting of Amitabha Buddha“ was adopted for the teaching of Amitabha Sutra.
While understanding Buddhism is important, the real benefit of Buddhism can only be derived from practice. Therefore this level is designed to strike a balance between understanding and practice with particular emphasis on practice to ensure the pragmatic characteristics of this level. Anyone having completed Level 1 or 2 can attend this class. Being an on-going class, students of diversified background are expected. The lecturer will make all attempts to ensure each attendant will have their share of benefit in every single class.
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- Level 4 Sutra Study - Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra
- The Heart Sutra is unlike any other sutra in the Buddhist canon. It is by far the most popular sutra read today and contains some of the Buddha’s most profound teachings.
- The English word ‘heart’ actually comes from the Sanskrit hrdaya, and, as it is used in the title, has many of the same connotations as both the Chinese and Sanskrit, which indicate that it is the essence, or fundament of a topic (as in the phrase “the heart of the matter”). For Buddhists, the Heart Sutra presents the essence of the Buddha’s teachings on prajna, the highest form of wisdom attained by enlightened beings, and the means to its perfection (paramita). As such, it is praised for its precision and brevity in handling such a profound topic.
- This study will explore the deeper meanings of the sutra and provide the opportunity to explore how best to work towards a deeper understanding.
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