Approaching the Buddhist Path

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice

with Don Isaacson

Thursdays, 7:00pm–8:30pm
May 16–30, 2019
Jun 27, Jul 11
Aug 29–Sep 12
Oct 3–Nov 7
Nov 21–Dec 19
Jan 9–30, 2020
Feb 20-27

In this class we will study the second of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s series of books intended for Western and contemporary Asian students. The first book gave a way to approach the Buddhist Path. This second volume describes the foundation of Buddhist practice. It covers important topics which will guide us, help us stay focused on worthwhile subjects and build a firm foundation for a healthy Dharma practice.

"May I read, reflect and meditate on the Buddha's teachings so that I can become a kind, compassionate and wise person.Through this may I be of benefit to all living beings, and in the long term, may I become a fully awakened Buddha."
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Drop by anytime — there is no need to have taken prior classes in this series.

Don Isaacson is an advanced Dharma student having followed the FPMT Basic Program courses in person for many years, and the FPMT Masters Program online, 2008 to 2013. Don currently serves on the Board of Directors at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel and at Vajrapani Institute in Boulder Creek.

We will be using the following text:
The Foundation of Buddhist Practice by Dalai Lama & Thubten Chodron.
(Available at Wisdom Publications, Amazon and at the Ocean of Compassion bookstore.)

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice contains the important teachings that will help us establish a flourishing Dharma practice, beginning with the four seals shared by all Buddhist philosophies, and moves on to an explanation of the reliable cognition that allows us to evaluate the veracity of the Buddha’s teachings.
The book provides many other essential Buddhist teachings, including:

the relationship of a spiritual mentor and student, clarifying misunderstandings about this topic and showing how to properly rely on a spiritual mentor in a healthy, appropriate, and beneficial manner;
how to structure a meditation session;
dying and rebirth, unpacking the often difficult-to-understand topic of multiple lives and explaining how to prepare for death and aid someone who is dying;
a fruitful explanation of karma and its results;
and much more.

His Holiness’s illumination of key Buddhist ideas will support Western and contemporary Asian students in engaging with this rich tradition.

Our ability to continue offering these teachings is dependent on the generosity of donors. If you find this online content useful and you are not already attending the teachings in person, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kind support.

Registration at the door: $15–$25 per class. Members of a certain level get courses for free (see the membership program for details). Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds — please contact us to make arrangements.