4-week Beginner's Intensive
The Three Principle Aspects of the Path
This is a short yet comprehensive introduction to the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism - Renunciation, Bodhicitta and the Correct View. Renunciation is the wish to definitely emerge from this cycle of suffering. Bodhicitta is the wish to become enlightened so as to free all beings from their sufferings. The Correct View understands both the ultimate and the conventional nature of reality, and is the only way to completely cut our bondage to cyclic existence. More....

About this Course
This is a 'crash course' in the fundamental principles of Buddhism. These evenings are ideal for first time students new to Buddhism or to meditation. The class includes a talk, guided meditation, and time for questions and discussion. You can borrow the tape to catch up if you miss a class, free of charge.

Lead by Ven. Tsepel (The American nun who leads the Discovering Buddhism courses at Chenrezig Institute)

4 Tuesday Evenings
(July 22 - August 19) (N.B. no class on August 5 because we are reciting a sutra)
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm (arrive any time after 6 pm)
$5/$10 suggested donation per evening (to help cover petrol costs and make an offering to the nun)

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Beginner's Introduction Course
Foundation Course
This is a 9-week introduction to fundamental Buddhist principles with an emphasis on immediate application in our everyday life. We explore some of the key elements of Buddhist teaching, so as to be able to live with an open heart and a clear mind. Includes an topics such as:

• how to meditate and set up a daily practice
• the nature of our mind and Buddha nature
• arguments for and against reincarnation
• generating faith based on reasoning and logic
• how and why we take refuge in the Buddha and his teachings
• developing self-esteem by valuing our human life
• how to prepare for death and help others at death time
• Developing the causes of happiness and uprooting the causes of suffering

Each class also has a practical element where we learn how to sit comfortably, how to prostrate, how to make offerings or set up an altar. We also learn the meaning and reason for doing these things.

About the Class
This introductory class is ideal for first time students new to meditation or to Buddhism. You do not have to be a Buddhist to attend. Although the classes are sequential, each class is designed to 'stand alone' and be immediately useful, so you can join at any time. They include a short guided meditation, a talk, readings and the opportunity for questions.

About the Teacher Miffi Maxmillion

Tuesday Evenings
(August 26 - October 28)
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm (arrive any time after 6.00 pm)
$5 suggested donation

DAY Thursday Mornings
(June 26 - August 14, 2008)
10.30 am - 12.30 pm (arrive from 10.00 am)
$5 suggested donation

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Beginner's Short Course
The Meaning of Life
An explanation of the picture drawn by the Buddha—the Wheel of Life. It shows how all our problems arise and what we can do to stop them. It depicts the 12 Links, the 4 Noble Truths, how karma and disturbing emotions work to keep us bound in cyclic existence, and how we can liberate ourselves and others. All the Buddha’s teachings are encapsulated in this one evocative image.

About the Class
Each participant will receive a copy of the picture and an interactive CD of the Wheel of Life. This introductory class is ideal for first time students new to Buddhism. You do not have to be a Buddhist to attend.

About the Teacher Eddie Peet

DAY For 2 Thursday mornings only!
(21 & 28 August)
10.30 am - 12.30 am (arrive any time after 10.00 am)
$5 suggested donation (plus a suggested $10 donation for cost of materials)

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Discovering Buddhism
Awakening the limitless potential of your mind, achieving all peace and happiness
This intermediate class in Buddhist philosophy and practice runs over 3 years, but you can join at the beginning of any unit. The classes are fairly structured and aim to give participants a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. They also give us an experiential taste of the Buddha's teachings, meditation retreat experience, and the skills we need to make our lives most meaningful. This course is an essential basis for undertaking more advanced study like the Buddhist Studies Program (BSP).

Who Can Come?
You can officially join up for one subject, for some, or for all of them, and receive the notes, readings and assessment. Or you can come on an informal basis and attend classes when you can. This is an intermediate class, so we suggest you attend at least one unit of the beginner's classes before trying this one out!

How to pass the class?
As long as you come to all the classes and activities there is no way you can fail! Even if you miss a class you can catch up by listening to the sound files in our Member's Area of the website. This three year course has a total of 14 subject areas. Each subject includes 6-10 weeks of classes, a one day retreat, and concludes with an exam or an interview with Eddie. In addition some units have extra activities like the "Liberation" game, Nyung-Ne's and Lam Rim retreats.

Read our FAQ's sheet on Discovering Buddhism

Download the outline of all 13 topics in the course

UNIT 3: Presenting the Path
(Wednesday Evenings from 25th June, 2008)
Get an overview of the entire Tibetan Buddhist path to awakening. Hear about the life story of the Buddha and study the basic teachings of Buddhism. Discover the unique and comprehensive system for putting philosophy into practice in the Lam Rim, or 'graduated path to enlightenment.'

UNIT 4: The Spiritual Teacher
(Wednesday Evenings from 24th September, 2008)
Take the time to investigate the role of the teacher on the spiritual path.: the need for a teacher, the qualities of a teacher, the qualities of a student, and how to realte to a teacher for greatest benefit in one's spiritual life. Consider the challenges we face when thinking of entering into a "guru-disciple' relationship and learn how to overcome these skilfully.

UNIT 7: Refuge in the Three Jewels
(Tuesday Mornings from 15th July, 2008)
Get informed about what it means to take refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, his teachings of the Dharma, and the spiritual community of the Sangha). Learn the essential practices of refuge, and how to know if we have it right. Find out more about the advantage of taking lay vows and their role in enhancing our spiritual growth.

UNIT 8: Establishing a Daily Practice
(Tuesday Mornings from 16th September, 2008)
Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice. Using Lama Zopa Rinpoche's "A Daily MEditation Practice" as a guide, become familiar with the elements necessary to generate realisations the mind. Also, receive some tips for making every action of the day meaningful.

About the Teacher Eddie Peet

Wednesday Evenings
7.00 pm - 8.30 pm (arrive any time after 6.00 pm)
$5 suggested donation

DAY Tuesday Mornings
10.30 am - 12.00 pm (arrive from 10.00 am)
$5 suggested donation

Bookings 1 week in advance if you join formally and want the notes.
$30 - $50 suggested one-off donation per unit if you join up
(This helps pay for the photocopies)

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On-going Study Group
Lam Rim Chen Mo
This intermediate class is an in-depth study of Lama Tsong Khapa's Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. The Lam Rim is the collected teachings and practices of the Buddha presented in methodical way, in the order we are to practice them if we want to reach enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. The classes are based on Geshe Tashi Tsering's commentary given during the BSP at Chenrezig Institute in 2004. We will also regularly refer to Geshe Sopa's commentary Steps on the Path.

About the Class
This is an ideal class for those who have completed the Discovering Buddhism course, but it is also suitable for the committed beginner. You can join at any time, but please contact us for copies of the course notes. The study-group will run over 4 years, completing one BSP unit per year. Each week we email out the homework and notes for coming class. When we meet on the Sunday we listen to the teaching, discuss homework, answer review questions, and study mind-maps and further reading from other commentaries.

About the Teacher Eddie Peet

DAY Sunday Mornings (please confirm dates on calendar)
10.30 am - 1.30 pm (BYO lunch)
$5 suggested donation per class
(Class notes are available in the Member's Area of the website)