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In this six part series, we will go over together some of the main points of three Noble Mahayana Sutras, the Vimalakarti, the Transcendent Wisdom, and the Flower Ornament, reading, elucidating, and meditating on key passages. We will follow this by moving on to three key scientific treatises (shastra) that focus on critical insights, experiences, and ethical practices, essential for transforming one’s own mind: Nagarjuna’s Jewel Rosary, Maitreya/Asanga’s Ultimate Tantra, and, the old faithful, Shantideva’s Entering the Enlightened Life. We look at passages from these six masterpieces in order to inspire students and practitioners to make the study of such key records of the experiences of the Buddha and his successors a regular practice, as they go on to dwell in them at greater length, “reading with both mind and body,” as the Zen masters have recommended.

RECOMMENDED READINGS:

For first class: Vimalakirti

For second class, Heart Sutra translation in Essential Tibetan Buddhism (a page or two) and E. Conze, Perfection of Wisdom on 8,000 Lines and Its Verse summary (probably out of print, but should search out on web)

For third class: Thomas Cleary, Flower Ornament Sutra

For fourth class: Ratnavali by Joe Loizzo or Hopkins Precious Garland (Introduction, Prologue; Chapter 4 & 9)      

For fifth class: J. Takasaki, Analysis of the Germ of the Jewels
E. Obermiller, Sublime Science of Maitreya.

For sixth class: Batchelor’s Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. Padmakara group’s Way of the Bodhisattva.

Single Class: General:$25 / Members:$22.50        

Wednesday, March 6; 7-9PM 

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Wednesday, March 13, 7-9PM        

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Wednesday, March 20; 7-9PM     

Wednesday, March 27; 7-9PM       
Recommended reading - Ratnavali by Joe Loizzo or Hopkins Precious Garland (Introduction, Prologue; Chapter 4 & 9)

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Wednesday, April 3; 7-9PM        

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Wednesday, April 10; 7-9PM 

SERIES - Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27; April 3 & 10

Presenters:

Robert A.F. Thurman, Ph.D. is a professor on Indo-Tibetan Studies at Columbia University, President of Tibet House US, the translator of many philosophical treatises and sutras, and author of numerous books.

See above