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 2019 Class List
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Three Texts on Consciousness Only
Douglas Powers Wed, 3:45-5:15 PM Old DRBU Conf Rm |
In this class, we will study 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. Class starts August 28.
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Shurangama Mantra Review
Bhikshuni Heng Chih Tue 3:30-5:00PM Old DRBU Conf Rm [Available online] |
Class cancelled for this semester. Will resume late January, 2020.
We are now studying 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. |
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Shurangama Sutra Study
Douglas Powers Every other Wed 7:45-9:00 PM Old DRBU Conf Rm [Available online] |
Ongoing class of the Shurangama Sutra where the Buddha explains how the illusory world comes into being through our delusion. This semester, we will focus on the Fifty Skandha-Demon States. Class starts August 28.
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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 10/12/19 to 10/20/19 BH and Old DRBU Conf Rm |
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 October 12.
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Taiji Quan
Bhikshuni Jin Xiang Mon/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. Mixed-level class; one new movement will be taught each week. Women only. Class starts September 2.
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Amitabha Retreat
Douglas Powers 12/7/19 - 12/15/19 BH and Old DRBU Conf Rm |
Reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha is a meditative technique of the Pure Land tradition. Chan (Zen) meditation masters have long advocated the Pure Land as an essential & complementary practice to Chan meditation. The simplicity and accessibility of this technique belies its profound effectiveness, which is why the Pure Land practice is the most widely practiced form of meditation in Asia. During this retreat, we will investigate the long Amitabha Sutra in the evenings. Orientation for newcomers starts on the evening of December 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 September 20.
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