Join the Chaplain’s Office and Yale Sangha for a Dharma Discussion with Kanji Ruhl.
BASICS OF BUDDHISM #1: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BUDDHISM OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
This is the first in a five-part series of Dharma Discussions for spring semester exploring the geographical regions of Buddhism and their distinctive traditions, in response to requests from Yale Buddhist Sangha members for more information on the fundamentals of Buddhism. The second discussion will focus on East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam) and Mahayana Buddhism; the third, on Tibet and Vajrayana Buddhism; the fourth, on contemporary America and its diverse Buddhist traditions; and the fifth session will be a final summation. It is not necessary to attend every Dharma Discussion.
From its historical and cultural roots in India, the form of Buddhism known today as Theravada – “the Doctrine of the Elders” – spread southward into Sri Lanka and eastward into the region now comprised of Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, establishing an extraordinarily rich social and spiritual tradition. How did this expansion occur in the centuries following the death of the historical Buddha, and what were the doctrinal issues involved? What are some of the significant traits of Theravada Buddhism? What do the Buddhist cultures of Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand share in common?
Join us for an introductory overview of topics ranging from Pali canon to stupas, from laity to arhats, from sutras to Buddha relics, from stream-enterers to non-returners, from cosmologies of gods and ghosts to insight meditation and more. If some of these characteristics of Southeast Asian Buddhism are unfamiliar to you, so much the better. We’ll explore them together in a lively conversation facilitated by Reverend Kanji, and – most important – we’ll share how some of the principles and practices of Southeast Asian Buddhism may (or may not) be relevant to our own spiritual lives.
Everyone is welcome – beginner and experienced practitioners of all Buddhist traditions, and non-Buddhists, too! There will be a brief meditation period (beginner instruction available).