The Essence of Buddhism: The Evolution of View, Meditation and Conduct in the Three Yanas
WMC Intermediate Level Course
Wednesdays 7 – 9 PM
September 11* – December 18, 2024
(except Oct. 30th and Nov. 27th)
Online - Zoom Only
Led by Derek Kolleeny and Colleagues
Suggested Offering $160
WMC maintains a policy of making our programs affordable to all. Those with limited income, please note our student/fixed income rate at registration step.
*Note revised start date.
This Intermediate-level course will survey the entire range of Buddhism’s development into what are called the three yanas, or "vehicles" of Tibetan Buddhism — Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana — viewing these as the stages of development that individuals follow along the Buddhist path. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, and the wonderful book by Traleg Rinpoche, The Essence of Buddhism, serves as a handbook for the various meditative approaches of Buddhist practice.
We will begin by reviewing the fundamentals: the Four Noble Truths, ethical conduct, karma, and meditation. Based upon that foundation, we can then understand and practice the expansive vision of the Mahayana, including fundamental concepts such as the bodhisattva ideal and path, compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature. Finally, we approach the indestructible path of the Vajrayana with its transformative vision of Tantra based upon esoteric yogic practices. The final chapters present the transcendent view of Mahamudra which dispenses with all dualistic fixations and directly realizes the natural freedom of the mind itself.
The prerequisite for attending this intermediate course is the completion of the WMC Foundation course Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha, or comparable study and practice, as determined in consultation with the course facilitator. You may email Derek to do so using this link.