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 community.classes@drbux.org to notify us if you'd like to attend.
Spring 2019 Class List
Updated: For the Shurangama Mantra Review class with Bhikshuni Heng Chih, there have been a change. There will be no classes March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, and 16. Classes will be held on April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, concluding on the 18.
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Maitreya Bodhisattva's Teaching on the Mind
Doug Powers Wed 3:45-5:15 PM UB Conf Rm (starts January 23, 2019) |
How do we mis-perceive reality? How does this lead to suffering and afflictions? What is the way out? Maitreya Bodhisattva teaches on the nature of the mind and the removal of delusions in the text, Maitreya’s Distinguishing the Middle from the Extremes (Madhyāntavibhāga). Topics include: the way things appear, the characteristics of liberation, obstruction, antidotes, and the various stages to awakening. Class starts August 29.
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Shurangama Mantra Review
Bhikshuni Heng Chih Tue 4:30-5:45 UB Conf Rm (starts on February 12, 2019) [Available online] |
The focus will be on the Shurangama mantra. The mantra will be explored sequentially, with the function and significance of syllables, lines, phrases, and passages being briefly explained. There will be group chanting of the sections focused upon, and an opportunity for discussion of key points outlined in each presentation and/or time allowed for Q and A about the evening’s topic.
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Shurangama Sutra Study
Doug Powers Every other Wed 7:45-9:00 PM (starts on January 23, 2019) [Available online] |
This class will focus on volume 4 of the Shurangama Sutra where the Buddha explains how the illusory world comes into being through our delusion. Because of our dualistic way of seeing the world, we seek outside, grasp conditioned phenomena, and suffer from various afflictions. After describing this process, the Buddha asks twenty-five sages to share their Dharma practices to awakening. For students interested in understanding how to practice grounded in the direct experiences of Bodhisattvas and Arhats, the Shurangama Sutra is an essential guide. Class starts August 29.
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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 and everyone is welcome to attend and translate with everyone 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 March 23-March 31 BH and UB 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. From 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 start on the evening of October 20.
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Taiji Quan
Bhikshuni Jin Xiang Mon/Wed 5:00-6:00 PM (Starts on August 27) 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 August 27.
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