Foundations of Chan in the Nikayas/Agamas

Presented by Ashley M. Starts Thursday, February 08, 2024

Course Dates and Times:
Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted), 6:30-8pm, via Zoom only

Course Details:
This course presents important Buddhist principles and shows how they are described or discussed in the Early Buddhist Texts (the Pali Nikayas and the Chinese Agamas). It covers a wide range of topics, including generosity, ethics, aggregates, karma, dealing with anger, mindfulness and meditation practices, emptiness, the evils of comparison, how to deal with thoughts, bias against others, and much more. Although these texts may also serve as the basis for other Buddhist traditions, the focus will be on how they relate to Chan practice and concepts presented by Guo Gu.

Participants should read the assigned texts (links are provided below) prior to each class. The class will begin with a brief meditation period to clear the mind, then there will be a short presentation, followed by discussion about the topic. Participants are encouraged to share their reflections or questions raised by the suttas of the week.

Anyone may attend any class; it is not required that a person attend all of them. The class is offered freely and does not require any commitment. However, because the class is designed to develop a strong foundation for practice, practitioners are encouraged to attend as often as possible.

Sign Up Here: https://courses.tallahasseechan.org/foundations-of-chan-nikaya-agama