Introduction to Buddhism

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	Introduction to Buddhism   Starts January 3 through May 1, 2012 Tuesdays 7 - 9 pm   For more information contact Study Co-Director Jonathan Swann

Flying in the face of the received wisdom and customs of his day, Prince Siddhartha fled his father's palace and the "good life" in search of a more reliable basis for living in peace and happiness. On his way, he left no stone unturned. He sharply questioned worldly and spiritual authorities, debunked spiritual charlatans, gave the lie to dogma and superstition, and eventually abandoned institutionalized learning altogether. Ultimately he challenged all shared assumptions of what it means to "live" or "be happy"--even his own. He was a "rebel" in the most thorough and meaningful sense of the word.

At the end of his journey, as the Buddha Shakyamuni, he realized what he discovered could not be given to others. But he was able to offer a view of human existence and set of investigative techniques for touching and activating the intelligence and peace that each of us possesses. He left us a science of mind that puts all conventional wisdom to the test. This science of mind is rigorous, it is focused, and best of all it is teachable.

Join us as we begin our two-year study of this science of mind. The first-year courses in the Nalandabodhi Study Path--Introduction (winter-spring) and Hinayana (spring and fall)--present the foundational teachings of Buddhism.

Introduction is a four-course series which covers the life of the Buddha, Buddhism and cultural trappings, the nature of suffering and the path of freedom from suffering, the Buddhist perspective of a science of mind and meditation, the four noble truths, karma, and the four foundations of mindfulness.

At Nalandabodhi classes, interaction among all participants--students and facilitator--is emphasized over lecture format. Discussion based on comments and questions by all present are viewed as the most effective and enjoyable way to learn.

If you're looking for some useful techniques for experiencing the peace of your own innate intelligence, with a bit of company along the way, or if you are simply curious to learn more about Buddhism as a science of mind, this series may be for you. Check it out at:

Nalandabodhi New York

NBNY is a study and practice center under the direction of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author of " Wild Awakening," "Mind Beyond Death," and "Rebel Buddha". The New York center is part of the world-wide Nalandabodhi community dedicated to bringing the genuine lineage of Tibetan Buddhism to the modern Western community.

In accordance with the vision of contributing to an authentic transmission of the Buddhadharma, a genuine science of mind and pursuit of insight, The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has designed a complete, progressive curriculum providing in-depth training in study, reflection and meditation.