Over 2500 years ago, in the uplands of India, a man of noble birth sacrificed his comfortable and affluent lifestyle and took up the life of a homeless wanderer and seeker. This man known as Siddhartha Guatama sought to discover the truth of human existence beyond suffering and death. He sought out and studied with highly regarded spiritual teachers but found their teachings lacking. He undertook great personal suffering and hardship to bring himself to realization. However, he discovered that one could not reach the end of suffering through denial of life. Instead, he sat beneath a tree, alongside a river, and looked deeply into his mind and his assumptions about the world and himself. In doing so, he saw through the ignorance that separated him from reality. He saw reality at its most profound depths and in doing so refuted the prevailing philosophical and religious tenets which, instead of freeing human beings, helped perpetuate suffering and bondage. Having obtained this realization he arose as a fully enlightened Buddha or awakened one. The teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, known as the Dharma, help to free human beings from the endless suffering of birth, life and death; the perpetual cycle known as samsara. Many people were drawn to this man and his teachings. This early sangha or community of practitioners studied, practiced and realized his teachings. In addition, they helped to hold and pass on the teachings so that today we can benefit from his realization.

For this class please obtain a copy of The Awakened One: A Life of the Buddha, by Sherap Chodzin Kohn. Reading chapters 1 and 2 will prepare you for the first class meeting.

Cost: General public $120; members $100. Registration begins 30 min. before initial class meeting.

Schedule: Five Thursday evening classes April 3- May 1, one Saturday intensive, April 26, 9:00am-5:00pm. Thursday evening classes begin with shamatha practice at 7:00pm. We will try to be done by 9:00pm.

For further information please contact Andrew Barber at 303-733-2993 or by email.