Dharma Discussion - Basics of Buddhism an Overview

Event time: 
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 - 7:00pm
Location: 
Buddhist Shrine - Base of Harkness Tower in Branford College See map
Event description: 
  Compared to other religions, Buddhism has arrived in the West only recently, and many misconceptions about it persist in popular media and culture. Buddhism also is very diverse. It’s easy to feel lost or bewildered sometimes in trying to make sense of it all.
   How did this 2,500-year-old religion originate, and how has it grown and flourished? What makes it unique? Who was the Buddha? What does it mean to be a Buddhist? What are some of the core tenets and guiding principles of Buddhism – such as the Four Noble Truths; karma; suffering, impermanence, and no-self; enlightenment? What are Buddhist scriptures? What are Buddhist ethical precepts? What are different ways to meditate? What are some other significant Buddhist practices?
   Join us on October 10 to share in an open conversation around these and other questions related to the basics of Buddhism, facilitated by Reverend Kanji, and bring questions of your own. We’ll begin with a brief meditation period (beginner instruction available on request). Everyone is welcome – Buddhists of all traditions and levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, and non-Buddhists, too!
   The October 24 session will focus in more specific detail on Theravada Buddhism (“The Path of the Elders”); the November 7 session will focus on Mahayana Buddhism (“The Great Vehicle”); and the December 5 session will focus on Vajrayana Buddhism (“The Diamond Vehicle”). It is not necessary to attend each Dharma Discussion throughout the semester.