Online Community Classes
How do I register for classes?
All community classes are free and open to the public (donations are welcome). Most classes do require online registration.
Fall 2023-Spring 2024 Class List
|
We are studying the Third Assembly of the Shurangama Mantra by looking at the Tang dynasty text by Masters Paramiti and Bu-kong (Amoghasiddhi) as well as 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. Questions 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.
|
|
The Avatamsaka Sutra and the Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store: we will look at the Earth Store Sutra in the context of the Avatamsaka formation of Buddhist cosmology.
[Update] Class will resume on August 23, 2023. |
|
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. |
|
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 resumption: TBA |