Introduction To Buddhism II

COURSE PREREQUISITE: Introduction To Buddhism I

This course covers the most fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern Western individuals who are new to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of practical spirituality. This course presents the Buddhist approach to the fundamental issues and concerns of daily life. Helping you to untangle our confusion, this course leads us through some of the most basic aspects and tenets of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Offering down-to-earth guidance on how to make friends with ourselves and develop genuine compassion towards others, this course teaches you to “start where you are” by embracing rather than denying the painful aspects of our lives. Through the practical application of Buddhist psychology to modern life, this course will help you to cultivate a fearless and awakening compassionate heart.

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

1.             Work effectively with emotions.

2.             Learning the difference between love and attachment: distinguishing genuine care from unrealistic projects.

3.             Understand our “Buddha Nature” and our inherent potential for growth.

4.             Understand the Four Noble Truths

5.             Define and discuss dying, death, and the intermediate state.

6.             Understand Karma: the functioning of cause and effect.

7.             Understand shrines in the Buddhist tradition and prayer, ritual, and dedicating positive potential for all sentient beings.