English Dharma ClassConducted by Venerables

YEAR 1
In the first eight lessons of Module 1, we introduce the life story of Sakyamuni Buddha: from his birth and life as a prince to his renunciation, then to Enlightenment and how the Buddha taught the Dharma until he entered Parinirvana at the age of 80. In the last two lessons of Module 1, we will address some immediate concerns such as common misconceptions in Buddhism and differentiating between Buddhist and non Buddhist practices.

In Module 2, we focus on the core principles in Buddhism, namely the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path. Then in the light of the Four Noble Truths and Noble EightFold Path, we will discuss the idea of “happiness”. After getting a good feel of these key teachings, we end the semester by discussing the characteristics of Buddhism.

In Module 3, we introduce the Triple Gem — the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as refuge, and then take a step further to learn about good and evil, and how to observe morality as the foundation of one’s practice. We would then end the year by reading the Sigalovada Sutta, where the Buddha mentioned clearly how a layperson should lead his life, so that it is meaningful and would bring about happiness.

YEAR 2

In Module 1, we introduce more Buddhist principles Rebirth and the Six Realms of Existence, Karma, the Concept of ‘I’, the Three Marks of Existence, Dependent Origination and the Eight Worldly Conditions, with the objective to give students more understanding on the tenets of Buddhist teachings.

In the first half of Module 2, we track the development of Buddhism after Parinirvana of the Buddha. We will cover the Buddhist Councils and the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia and East Asia, giving students an idea about the development of Buddhism in these countries. In the second half of the semester, we will discuss about the Four Immeasurables and how to cultivate these qualities in our everyday life. And we will also learn about the 38 Blessings in the Mangala Sutta.

Module 3 , In the following semester, we introduce the Arahat Ideal and the Bodhisattva ideal. We would explore the way to Nirvana through the Arahat ideal, first by understanding the Three Poisons and Five Hindrances, then knowing how to develop concentration and ultimately how to attain the Four Stages of Sainthood. To introduce the Bodhisattva ideal, we continue to explore the historical development of Buddhism, looking into the rise of the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. And finally, we would discuss about the Bodhisattva ideal and the practice of the Six Perfections before we end the year.

:: YEAR 1
10 Sessions
2 - 4pm, Sun
KMSPKS Dharna Hall
Offering: $30 (per module)

Module 1 – 24th February to 4th May ‘08 (No class on 6th April)
Module 2 – 1st June to 3rd August ’08
Module 3 – 7th September to 23rd November (No class on 14th September & 26th October)

:: YEAR 2
10 Sessions
7:30pm – 9:00pm, Thur
VHCMH Level 1,
Classroom 5 & 6
Offering: $30

Module 1 – 28th February to 15th May ‘08 (No class on 3rd April & 1st May)
Module 2 – 29th May to 31st July ’08 (No class on 3rd July)
Module 3 – 11th September to 13th November ‘08

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