Studying the Words of the Buddha: Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses
With Gil Fronsdal and Diana Clark
Intermittent Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
A Sati Center program
On Zoom
(IMC is not open for in-person events at this time)
First Series: August 5, 19, 26, and September 9
Please register here so we can send you future dates, the assignments, and the study guides for each class. You will also receive the Zoom link.
1st Themes: Intro to the Middle Length Discourses and Relating to the Teachings
This ongoing series will provide a progressive and systematic study of the Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikāya), one of the most important collections of the Buddha’s teachings. The series will be organized thematically with 3-4 weeks devoted to discussing discourses related to each theme.
The themes covered will be Relating to the Teachings, Faith, the Path, the Buddha, Karma, Rebirth, Effort and Training, Training in Community, Happiness and Sensuality, Mindfulness, Concentration, Wisdom, Attainments and Nibbana.
Participants will be expected to have read and reflected on the readings assigned for each class. Study guides will be provided to lay the foundation of informed readings of the texts. The classes will be devoted to both short lectures on the assigned readings and discussion.
The dates will be intermittent depending on when the instructors are available.
The series is suitable for people who have acquired a good understanding of the basic Buddhist teachings and practices. It is designed for people who have the time and motivation to read the assigned readings before class.
You will need to have access to a copy of Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi’s, The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha (Wisdom Publishing).