The Shala Buddhist Studies

 

OCTOBER 2022-APRIL 2023 

Wednesdays | 6:30-8pm Online via Zoom
Drop ins welcome: go to our schedule to sign up
For more information email info@theshala.com


OVERVIEW

The Shala Buddhist Studies program focuses on:

  • Immersive study of Buddhist history, lineage, and philosophy.
  • Deepening your own meditation practice and applying Buddhist principles to everyday life.
  • Weekly morning group sits.

Teachers' Track

  • The Teachers' Track is offered for those interested in leading meditation or teaching others.
  • The teachers’ track is suitable for therapists, social workers, yoga teachers, educators, health care professionals, householders, and anyone seeking to integrate teaching meditation into their lives and/or professions. 
  • Time commitment: Daily meditation practice, weekly Wednesday evenings, one monthly meeting with teachers, and one monthly meeting with peers.

 

COURSE SCHEDULE  2022-2023

Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8pm, will include lecture, group discussion, and meditation practice. All sessions will be online via Zoom.

Wednesday evening dates: 

October 26
November 2, 9, 16, 30
December 7, 14, 21
January 4, 11, 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April 5

A full schedule and homework outline is available here. Here is an outline of the text. 

COURSE OUTLINE 2022-2023

Part 1: October-December: Review of Buddhist history, lineage, and foundational teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, Three Characteristics, Paramitas, and more. 

Part 2: January-April: Deep dive into The Way of the Bodhisattva* by Shantideva, a Mahayana Buddhist text from 700 A.D. This text focuses on cultivation of bodhicitta, or awakened mind, and the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. We'll explore how these teachings are relevant to our contemporary lives. 

*Note: This translation of The Way of the Bodhisattva is recommended but any translation is acceptable.

 

LINEAGE AND ORIENTATION

The Shala’s orientation toward meditation is informed by the teachings of preeminent teachers Sharon Salzberg, Pema Chodron, Joseph Goldstein, and Sebene Selassie. 

 

FACULTY

Main Teacher: Dr. Constance Kassor
Guest Teachers: Sharon Salzberg + Kate Johnson
*Schedule and faculty are subject to change.

Shala Teachers will be leading short meditations within the Wednesday evening lectures, plus incorporating the teachings into many of the free morning meditations The Shala offers weekly.

 

LINEAGE AND ORIENTATION

The Shala’s orientation toward meditation is informed by the teachings of preeminent teachers Sharon Salzberg, Pema Chodron, Joseph Goldstein, and Sebene Selassie. 

 

TUITION

Drop-in: $25 (drop-ins welcome)
Full Course: $530
Full Course + Teachers' Track: $1130
Unlimited access to all meditation classes for the duration of the training. Recordings will be available.
Scholarships offered | inquire info@theshala.com

 

TEACHERS’ TRACK IN MORE DETAIL: 

  • Experiential learning
    • Study and interpret texts
    • Write and deliver dharma talks
    • Lead sitting groups 
    • Meet in small groups for practice, practice teaching, community involvement, and home study between monthly group meetings
  • Practical skill-building
    • Apply Buddhist philosophy and practices in developing meditations for field of study or profession 
    • Develop confidence, voice, and an authentic approach to teaching 
    • Learn adaptive methods for facilitating classes for a variety of audiences
  • Flexible application
    • Explore how to bring the dharma into everyday life at work, at home, and in community
    • Expand access to underserved populations 
  •  Includes once monthly:
    • Meetings with lead teachers
    • Meetings with peers
    • Scripted meditations based on teachings from Wednesday evenings

Time commitment: Daily meditation practice, weekly Wednesday evenings, one monthly meeting with teachers, and one monthly meeting with peers.