Community Classes
How do I register for classes?
All community classes are free and open to the public. We welcome participants from the local Ukiah area and people of all faiths and backgrounds. Please email extension@drbu.edu to notify us if you'd like to attend.
Fall 2020 Class List
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This classic, by Tiantai Master Zhiyi, explains the six practices crucial to success in traditional Indian Buddhist breath (anapana) and calming-and-insight (samatha-vipasyana) meditation.
Correctly implemented, these six "gates" lead the practitioner to realize the third of the Four Noble Truths (cessation), of which the "sublimity" referenced in the title is one of the four canonically-described practice aspects. |
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Shurangama Mantra Review
Bhikshuni Heng Chih Tue 3:30-5:00PM [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. Last class on Nov. 24, 2020. Classes will resume Feb. 2, 2021.
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Buddhism for the Modern Mind
Douglas Powers Wed 7:45-9:00 PM [Available online for previous retreat attendees] |
Ongoing class applying Buddhist philosophy to modern life. Class will focus on the "Ten Grounds" chapter from the Avatamsaka Sutra with Master Hua's commentary. The "Ten Grounds" describe the stages of a Bodhisattva's development to Buddhahood.
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Canonical Text Translation: Avatamsaka Sutra
Bhikshu Heng Sure Mon 12:30-2:00 PM UB LC |
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
Dr. Martin Verhoeven Friday 7:30-9:00PM Resuming March 5, 2021. Berkeley Buddhist Monastery [Available online] |
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. Classes begin February 5, 2021.
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