with Don Isaacson

Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Pacific Time
May 16, 2019 – June 25, 2020

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.

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 Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center and at Vajrapani Institute in Boulder Creek.

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.