Buddhism For Beginners
Free Course
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Overview of the Course
Buddhism for Beginners is a free introductory course conduct in English Language for the curious and open-minded. It is suitable for newcomers as well as those already familiar with Buddhism.
Over eight weeks, you will explore the liberating teachings of the Buddha and discover how to apply this beautiful wisdom in your daily life.
Classes are held in person at our monastery and online via Zoom:
We encourage in-person attendance where possible. Out of respect for the monastic code followed by Theravada monks, female participants are asked to attend with a male companion. Online attendance via Zoom is open to everyone.
Location:
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
71 Monbulk Road, Mount Evelyn, Victoria 3976
Zoom link: Will be email upon registration.
Course Structure
The course runs for 8 weekly sessions, each 1 hour 45 minutes:
60 minutes: Class discussion
30 minutes: Meditation practice
15 minutes: Q&A and wrap-up
What You Will Learn
Who the Buddha was, why he is called “the Buddha”, and what he discovered and taught
How to bring these teachings into your everyday life
Practical meditation techniques to cultivate a calm, stable, and happy mind
For more information
Send an email to: english-programs@mahamevnawa.org.au
Course Contents
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In this class we will look at who the Buddha was. Why and how did he become a Buddha?
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class we will take a look at the noble eightfold path: the way to end all suffering, and as this path starts with right view, we will investigate what right view is.
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class we’ll investigate the right intentions. The second step in the path. What is right intention?
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class we will make clear how the Buddha defined a virtuous life. How to speak, how to conduct ourself in a way that is supporting the development of wisdom?
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class, the focus is on making the right effort in developing meditation and how to prevent and remove obstructive qualities from the mind and how to cultivate the qualities conducive for the development of concentration.
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class we’ll discuss the techniques for meditation as taught by the Buddha and the concentration that results from that.
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class we will investigate the five aggregates of clinging. They are said to be that what makes up a living being. The question for this class is: what is a being?
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
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In this class we will shortly reflect on what we have learned throughout the course.
Also we will see how the Buddha advised us to choose a teacher that can be a support in the journey to get to know and apply his teachings
How does this benefit us?
Meditation and questions.
Questions & Answers
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You can use the word Bhante. Meaning venerable sir. It is the traditional way of addressing monks in Buddhist Countries.
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Dress should be modest, decent and comfortable.
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These are live sessions and currently we are not planning to record any sessions.
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Missing a class won’t affect your understanding of later sessions, as each class includes some revision of earlier material. That said, we encourage you to attend as many classes as you can to get the most out of the course.
If you miss a class, you can still follow the rest of the course, as sessions build in some review. That said, we encourage you to attend as many classes as you can to get the most out of the course.
