SPRING RAIN SANGHA
DHARMA HOME STUDY PROGRAM
2009/2010

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 Nov. 1, 2009. The two books we will be studying this year are: “An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics” by Peter Harvey and “The Noble Eightfold Path” by Bhikkhu Bodhi. Both of these can be found at Snow Lion book 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 the 2009/10 program.

To Register:

Please fill in the on-line application and send payment of $85 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 then meet to discuss the readings and then present key points of their discussion

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―3:00 Group discussions
3:00―3:30 Groups present key points of their discussion
3:30―4:00 Teachers’ comments, close with sitting

Suggested topics for reflection and presentations

• In point form, present a brief summary of the readings
• Explain how these readings fit into the overall scheme of the Buddha’s teaching
• What did you find most helpful in the readings?
• How did these readings impact your life/practice?

Readings to be completed for each session:

Text #1 “An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics” by Peter Harvey
Text#2 “The Noble Eightfold Path” by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Session #1 – November 1, 2009

Text #1 pp.1-59 “The Shared Foundations of Buddhist Ethics”
Text #2 “Right View” and “Right Intention”

Session #2 – November 29, 2009

Text #1 pp. 60-122 “Key Buddhist Values”
Text #2 “Right Speech” “Right Action” “Right Livelihood”

Session #3 – December 20, 2009

Text #1 pp. 150-186 “Attitude To and Treatment of the Natural World”
Text #2 pp. 187-238 “Economic Ethics”

Session #4 – January 24, 2010

Text #1 pp. 239-285 “War and Peace”
Text #2 “Right Effort” “Right Mindfulness”

Session #5 – February 28, 2010

Text #1 pp. 286-310 “Suicide and Euthanasia”
           pp. 311-352 “Abortion and Contraception”
Text #2 “Right Concentration”

Session #6 – March 28, 2010

Text #1 pp. 353-410“Sexual Equality”
Text #2 “The Development of Wisdom”