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.
Spring 2020 Class List
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The course will consist of eight classes. Bhikkhu Bodhi will cover chapter VII of the A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, which discusses the different groups of defilements, the factors that contribute to enlightenment, and the constituents of reality according ot the philosophy of early Buddhism. Cancelled due to COVID-19.
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In this class, we will continue with the three texts from the Yogacara school or Mind-Only school: The Demonstration of Consciousness Only, The Thirty Verses on Consciousness Only, and The Treatise in Twenty Verses on Consciousness Only. This semester we will focus on the chapters on the 10 Grounds, bodhi and nirvana.
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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. Classes resume January 28.
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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 two texts: Nagarjuna on the Six Perfections and Ārya
Asanga’s Bodhisattvabhūmi. |
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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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Guanyin Retreat
Douglas Powers 3/7/20 to 3/15/20 BH and Old DRBU Conf Rm Cancelled due to COVID-19 |
Guan Shi Yin [or simply “Guan Yin”] Bodhisattva represents Great Compassion. Her name literally means Contemplator of the Sounds of the World, as she listens deeply to the sounds of all living beings and responds accordingly. By reciting her name, we tap into our own inherent capacity for kindness and compassion. This one-week retreat includes chanting, walking, bowing, and sitting meditation as well as discussions and lectures to explain the practice. Orientation for newcomers starts on the evening of March 7.
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Avatamsaka Sutra
Dr. Martin Verhoeven Friday 7:30-9:00PM 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. Class starts January 31.
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Taiji Quan
Bhikshuni Jin Xiang Tues/Thurs 5:00-6:00 PM IITBT Open to women only |
Instruction in the practice and theory of the 13 basic movements of Tai Ji Quan as an exercise for improving and maintaining health as well as a form of meditation through movement. The 64 variations of the basic 13 movements will be explained in detail, with an emphasis on the “mind-body” technique for enhancing and directing the flow of qi (vital energy). Stretching exercises are an important part of the class as a warm-up before the Tai Ji movements. One new movement will be taught each week. Mixed-level class. Women only. Class starts January 28.
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