SPRING RAIN SANGHA
DHARMA HOME STUDY PROGRAM
2010/2011

For those who are serious about liberation--”the heart's sure release” (as the Buddha called it)--the importance of having a solid grounding in Dharma teachings cannot be overemphasized.

The feedback about Spring Rain Sangha's first year of the Dharma Home Study Program is very positive. Here's a sampling:

• 'How wonderful to investigate the Dharma. The readings were very well chosen. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.'
• 'Being able to study the Dharma with a group of like-minded friends was extremely helpful. The light, joyful, open atmosphere was very pleasant.'
• 'I really feel I got a taste of the Dharma. The study program helped me understand Dharma as never before. The balance of meditation, group discussions, questions and answers and socializing was ideal.'

Our next six month semester will begin on Sunday, October 31, 2010. The book we will be studying this year is: Basic Teachings of the Buddha by Glenn Wallis. This book can be ordered online or found at the Snow Lion Meditation Store in Toronto.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION 

• daily meditation
• uphold the Five Precepts and try to integrate them into our daily life
• complete the readings and attend the monthly study group meetings
• attend at least two multi-day SRS retreats per year

READINGS

Those who have not participated in our past Home Study programs will find Bhante Gunaratana's Eight Mindful Steps To Happiness helpful in preparing for this year's program.

To Register:

Please fill in the on-line application and send payment of $80 to cover the cost of rental facilities for the course. Course fee does not include cost of books required. Mail application to:

Spring Rain Sangha
P.O. Box 68565 Walmer Post Office
360A Bloor St. West
Toronto, On. M5S 1X1

COURSE STRUCTURE

Format and Schedule for meetings :

• Participants will be divided into groups
• At each session one group will randomly be chosen to do a presentation of the assigned readings
• Individual groups will meet to discuss the readings. Some suggested topics for discussion:
  1. What did you find most helpful in the readings?
  2. How did these readings impact your practice and life?

12:00―1:00 Taking of Precepts and Sitting Meditation
1:00―1:30 One group is selected to present a review of the readings
1:30―2:00 Tea break
2:00―2:50 Group discussions
3:00―4:00 Opportunity for groups to briefly ask questions on topics that they would like clarified. Teachers' comments, close with sitting.

Note: Home Study participants are asked to participate in the Death and Dying workshop led by Brad Hunter and John Pollard January 27 – 29, 2011
(Sittings: Thursday and Friday evening and all-day sitting on Saturday)

Readings to be completed for each session:

Text: “Basic Teachings of the Buddha” by Glenn Wallis (Modern Library, 2007)

There will be some supplemental readings announced later.

Session #1 – October 31, 2010

Introduction, pp. xi-xlvi

Session #2 – November 28, 2010

“The Texts”, Suttas 1-3, pp. 2-21
“Guide to Reading the Texts”, Suttas 1-3, pp. 71-91

Session #3 – December 18, 2010 (Saturday class, for Session 3 only)

“The Texts”, Suttas 4-8, pp. 22-35
“Guide to Reading the Texts”, Suttas 4-8, pp. 92-110

Session #4 – February 28, 2011

“The Texts”, Suttas 9-12, pp. 36-46
“Guide to Reading the Texts”, Suttas 9-12, pp. 111-144

Session #5 – March 27, 2011

“The Texts”, Suttas 13-16, pp. 47-67
“Guide to Reading the Texts”, Suttas 13-16, pp. 145-170