Date & Time: 5 Thursdays (every other Thursday); May 13, 27, June 10, 24, July 8; 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: Dana Day (By Donation) $0-$108. Code SF2G21.

Please Note: This retreat is offered online only. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

Description:
The discourses of the Buddha, called suttas, are one of the world’s most majestic collections of spiritual teaching. They record many styles of teaching, from inspiring poetry to psychological guidance, social theory, and philosophical masterpieces that address the deepest human fears, hopes, and potential.

In this study and practice series, we dive into the beauty and richness of the Buddha’s teachings, reading texts from the Pāli Canon, the body of ancient texts preserved by Theravāda Buddhist cultures in South and Southeast Asia, in accessible English translations.

In this series, we explore the life of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gotama, reading two different accounts of his practice and search for awakening and liberation. And we’ll read a majestic text from the Long Discourses that shows the importance of both ethics and concentration practice as supports for insight. Discourses include:

“The Noble Search” (MN26)
“The Longer Discourse With Saccaka” (MN36)
“The Fruits of the Ascetic Life” (DN2)

*Please Note: Though the classes in the series will build on each other, attendance at all five classes is not required. Participation in the first series (March-May 2021) is also not required.