Exploring Buddhism Module 1: Exploring the Mind with Don Handrick

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS COURSE – The next Exploring Buddhism Module will begin November 2nd, 2021

TUESDAYS, 6:00pm – 7:30pm PDT 
September 7,  2021 – October 12, 2021

* This course will be offered ONLINE via Zoom – a link will be emailed to you upon completion of registration *

ABOUT COURSE

The Buddha said that the source of all happiness and suffering is the mind. In light of this fundamental teaching, it is essential that we develop an extensive understanding of the mind, then utilize that knowledge to create the causes for our own and other’s well-being.

In this module, we will look at what the mind is and how it works, as presented in both Buddhism and science. We will explore the different ways to distinguish and classify various kinds of consciousness; and investigate how to reduce destructive states of mind, and generate the constructive ones which can lead us on the path to enlightenment.

PREREQUISITES

Previous study of (at minimum) some modules of Discovering Buddhism, either in a center or online, is highly recommended before enrolling in this program. Students will also be required to fill out a survey (the link will be sent to you in your confirmation email) prior to the starting the class.

Students are welcome to review the class syllabus for more information on topics that will be covered.

ABOUT TEACHER

Don Handrick is a touring teacher for the FPMT, sharing the Dharma with centers and study groups in North America and other parts of the world, both in-person and online. From 2006 through 2020, he served as the resident teacher at Thubten Norbu Ling, in Santa Fe, NM. During that time, he also taught regularly at for Ksitigarbha Tibetan Buddhist Center in Taos, NM, and volunteered for the Liberation Prison Project, teaching Buddhism once a month at a prison in nearby Santa Rosa. Beginning in 2016, Don became a touring teacher forhalf of each year, visiting and teaching at other centers around the world. Since 2012 he has been an active member of the Interfaith Leadership Alliance of Santa Fe.

Don has received teachings from many esteemed lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ribur Rinpoche, Choden Rinpoche, and Khensur Jampa Tegchok. In 1998 he attended the FPMT’s Masters Program of Buddhist Studies in Sutra and Tantra, a seven-year residential study program conducted at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute in Tuscany, Italy. He successfully completed all five subjects of this program in 2004, receiving an FPMT final certificate with high honors.  In 2015, he had the honor of being selected to lead the renowned November Course, a one month teaching and meditation retreat held annually at Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal.

ABOUT THE NEW FPMT EXPLORING BUDDHISM PROGRAM

Exploring Buddhism is a new program currently being developed by FPMT to serve as a bridge between Discovering Buddhism and the Basic Program. It is designed to help students of Buddhism delve more deeply into a broad array of topics that form a solid foundation for furthering one’s study and practice.  The program will initially be run as a pilot program in FPMT centers to further test and refine the curriculum.

Registration:
Advanced registration for this program is required, and registration will be closed after the first two sessions. Once you register, you’ll receive the Zoom link to join the class.