Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple

Home | About Us | Japan Earthquake Relief | Calendar | Services | Special Events | News Articles | Buddhist Temple Scholarship | Temple Movie Night | Dharma School | Buddhist Women's Association | Dharma Education Center | UC Santa Cruz Buddhist Fellowship | FAQs | Glossary of Terms | Site Map and Directions to Temple | Contact Us

Dharma Education Center

The Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Dharma Education Center sponsors classes on general Buddhism as an introduction to those new to Buddhism as well as classes on Jodoshinshu and specific topics related to Buddhism.   
 
All class donations are $50 for non-members and $25 for members. 

COURSES OFFERED AT THE MONTEREY PENINSULA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

  • Introduction to Buddhism -

    This course will provide for the student a basic introduction to general Buddhism.  Students will learn about the history, culture and rituals contained within the Buddhist religion.  Topics will include the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, the development of Buddhism and the eventual spread to the west.  We will examine what is known as the six paramitas, the six realms of existence and the Buddhist view of life and death.  Contained within the traditions, rituals and culture of Buddhism are wonderful life lessons and tools we will learn for everyday living.  As we examine Buddhism we will also examine its relevance in our everyday lives.

  • Introduction to Shinshu-
This course will examine the development of the Pure Land tradition tracing it's roots from Shakyamuni Buddha to Shinran Shonin whose works reveal the true intent of Shakyamuni Buddha's appearance in the world.  We will view Shinshu from a historical perspective and also examine Shinshu in our lives as lay persons.  

  • Shinran His Life and His Work
This course will exam the life of Shinran Shonin the founder of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) school of Buddhism.  We will review the historical background in which Shinran lived and it's influence on his thought.  In the second half of the class we will introduce some of Shinran's most important works including his magnus opus the Kyogyoshinsho (Essentials of Teaching, Practice, Faith and Attainment).

  • Buddhism and Relationships

    This course will provide for the student a basic introduction to general Buddhism.  Students will learn about the history, culture and rituals contained within the Buddhist religion.  Topics will include the life of Shakyamuni Buddha his Four Noble Truths and the Six Paramitas.  We will examine the transmission of the Dharma thorough the Seven Masters and the life of Shinran Shonin.   We will also examine Buddhism within the traditions, rituals and cultures of India, China and Japan all the while seeing the wonderful life lessons and tools we will learn for everyday living. In the second half of the class we will examine its relevance in our everyday lives. We will look at the Buddhist view of human life, the life of lay follower and the many relationships we encounter and the joy and sorrow they create.

  • Buddhism Around the World

    This course will provide for the student an overview of the history of Buddhism and its emergence from India to Asia and the West.  We will examine some of the cultural influences Buddhism has adapted into its teaching and some of the resultant differences in practices, customs and rituals.

  • TRADITIONS & RITUAL IN JODOSHINSHU

This course will cover the history of the True Pure Land Tradition (Jodoshinshu) in Japan and the United States.  We will cover the rituals, traditions and customs associated with Jodoshinshu including, chanting, rites of passage, holidays and festivals associated with Jodoshinshu.

Students who take this class will gain a basic understanding of the Shinshu tradition and its history both in Japan.  Students will acquire a working knowledge of the traditions and practices unique to Jodoshinshu in America and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the chanting, rituals, holidays and symbolism associated with Jodoshinshu.  Finally students will learn about specific rites of passage and their importance in our daily life.


Registration can be done by leaving your name and email address or mailing address at (831) 531-8399. You can also download registration form found attached to the course and mail to the temple at:

1155 Noche Buena Street

Seaside, CA  93955  

webassets/Peacock.JPG

For online classes, seminars and special events follow the link to the Institute of Buddhist Studies.

You can also find activities and classes at the Jodoshinshu Center for Buddhist Education



For more information email: montereydec@gmail.com
 

Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple 1155 Noche Buena Street, Seaside, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 333-6584 Message:  (831) 394-0119 Fax: (831) 394-6439