Held on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm, Discovering Buddhism courses emphasize an authentic yet culturally relevant presentation of the Buddha's teachings. There are fourteen courses in all in the series, and together they comprise an in-depth and systematic introduction to Buddhism. Taught by senior students, the classes are ideal for newcomers or for those wanting to integrate study and practice. Take one or take them all. Everyone is invited to participate regardless of certification interest.
We usually take a week off in between modules, so be sure to check the calendar or the schedule below for exact dates.
We will be offering these courses at Kadampa Center on an ongoing basis, so if you miss one the first time around you can always pick it up later. Other centers in the FPMT worldwide network of centers will be offering the same classes. The goal is to provide a consistent curriculum and quality instruction no matter what center you attend. A certificate will be awarded to anyone completing all 14 courses and completing “Special Integration Experiences” which include longer retreats and various other practices.
If you have not attended Discovering Buddhism classes before, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to be oriented to the program. The course is offered on a donation basis. There is a CD with many of the required readings for all the DB courses available in our bookstore for $20.
Course Completion Form
You can use this form for the past and ongoing courses you take for DB. If you want to qualify for the DB Certificate, you will need to submit one of these forms for each of the DB courses signed by the course leader and submit them back to Venerable Tendron. Of course, this is voluntary. You are welcome to take the DB classes without seeking the Certificate.
2010 Course Schedule
- Samsara and Nirvana
Course Leader: Don Brown
Class Dates: January 11, 18, 25, February 1 (Review and Quiz)
Practice Night: Monday, February 8 - How to Develop Bodhicitta
Course Leader: Ven. Tendron
Class Dates: February 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 (Review and Quiz)
Practice Day: Saturday, March 27 - Wisdom of Emptiness
Course Leader: Robbie Watkins
Class Dates: April 5, 12, 19, 26 (Review and Quiz)
Practice Day: Saturday, May 1 - Transforming Problems
Course Leader: Ven. Tendron
Class Dates: May 10, 17, 24, Break May 31, June 7, 14, 21 (Review and Quiz)
Practice Day: Saturday, June 26 - Introduction to Tantra
Course Leader: Don Brown
Class Dates: July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2 (Review and Quiz)
Practice Night: Monday, August 16
Kadampa Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
Affiliated with the Foundation for
the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition in the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama