Online Community Classes
How do I register for classes?
All community classes are free and open to the public (donations are welcome). Some classes do require online registration. In addition, some classes require prior retreat enrollment.
2022 Class List
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Avatamsaka Sutra, Chapter 12, Worthy Leader
Bhikshuni Heng Chih Wednesday 4:15pm-5:45pm [Available online for previous retreat attendees] |
At the request of Manjushri Bodhisattva, Worthy Leader Bodhisattva shares his insights on how to generate merit and virtue. As our merit and virtue develop, we gain confidence. This confidence enables us to recognize our potential and resolve to become fully awakened beings—Buddhas.
This is an online course with bilingual slides (English and Chinese) presenting and illustrating the Worthy Leader chapter from the Avatamsaka Sutra with Master Hua’s commentary. It will accompany explanations offered by Dharma Master Heng Chih (spoken in English). Class finish December 15, 2021, resumes on January 19, 2022. |
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Shurangama Mantra Review
Bhikshuni Heng Chih Tuesday 4:15-5:45pm [Available online for previous retreat attendees] |
We will continue with the Fifth Assembly of the Shurangama Mantra, looking at the Tang dynasty text by Masters Paramiti and Bu-kong (Amoghasiddhi), studying the Qing dynasty text by Master Xu-fa, and then exploring in detail Venerable Master Hua’s verse and prose commentaries on each set of syllables. Question and comments from the on-line and in-class participants are welcome as we learn the meaning and functions of the mantra syllables, define technical terms, consider the content of relevant Buddhist lists, and share pertinent experiences in practice. Class finish December 14, 2021, resumes on January 18, 2022.
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Buddhism for the Modern Mind
Douglas Powers Wed 7:45-9:00 PM [Available online for previous retreat attendees] |
In January, we will do a meditation session for a few weeks. We will read Red Pine's Zen Roots: The First Thousand Years and Master Hua's Chan Dharma talks.
Starting in February, we will study the Vimalakirti Sutra (IITBT). Unlike most sutras, the central figure in the Vimalakirti Sutra is a layman and a householder named Vimalakirti. Vimalakirti epitomizes the ideal lay believer. He is a bodhisattva who teaches gods, Arhats and laypeople by using "skill in means" to teach them about the nature of emptiness, enlightenment and nonduality. Class will resume on January 5, 2022 |
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Ongoing translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra project. Everyone is welcome to attend and translate together as a group. The class will focus on translation from Buddhist Chinese into English, with consideration of Sanskrit meanings when available. We will investigate precedents set by historical translators and integrate contemporary perspectives, including a variety of texts and commentaries, as we continue to refine our translation of the Sutra.
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Avatamsaka Sutra, Chapter 9, Light Enlightenment
Dr. Martin Verhoeven Friday 7:30-9:00PM Berkeley Buddhist Monastery [Live stream on Youtube] |
The Avatamsaka Sutra, or Flower Ornament Sutra describes a cosmos of infinite realms upon realms, mutually containing one another. The text touches on various topics such as the Bodhisattva path, the interpenetration of phenomena (dharmas), the visionary powers of meditation and the equality of things in emptiness. Class will end on December 10, 2021. Will resume in February 11th, 2022.
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