Chan Buddhism & Meditation Classes
10 weeks each term
About the class
Buddha Jewel Monastery emphasizes both meditation practice and in-depth Dharma study. These classes provide an excellent way to systematically learn the essential principles of Zen Buddhism and put them into practice. In sutra classes we study in depth from the source, the scriptures of the Buddha.
Each class meeting is for two hours, consisting of meditation practice (inc. instruction) in the first hour, and a lecture on Buddhist principles in the second hour. Those who finish the course will be awarded a certificate which is to be qualified for the next level.
All Dharma events and classes are free of charge. We are supported by generous donations from our members. Any donation is appreciated and will benefit yourself and others.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness is a state of mind. To practice mindfulness means that the mind is conscientious, clear and lucid. Thoughts of greed and anger are quickly detected and renounced, and eventually, only righteous thoughts arise. The mind thinks of the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and the precepts; the mind is filled with compassion; the mind is not deluded and misguided. By practice in right mindfulness, we eventually have a complete understanding of the Dharma, are willing to do all good without a sense of the “self” doing the deed, or the “other” benefiting from the deed, finally reaching enlightenment.
Meditation Methods
In the meditation class, we introduce fundamental meditation methods that train our mind to be focused and calm, and some important concepts about meditation to help keep our practice on the right path to achieve its benefits and goals.
Class Curriculum
A progressive curriculum integrating meditation practice, Buddhist teachings, and their application in daily life.
Level I
- Mindfulness & Meditation
- Karma and Causality
- The Buddha
- Three Jewels & Three Refuges
- Four Tenets of Chung Tai
- Five Precepts & Ten Wholesome Deeds
- Vegetarianism & Buddhism
- Suffering
- The Causes of Suffering
- Nirvana
- The Noble Eightfold Path
Level II
- The Bodhisattva Ideal
- Compassion Contemplation
- Six Perfections: Charity, Moral Conduct, Tolerance, Diligence, Meditation, and Wisdom
- Introduction to Mahayana
- Four Immeasurable Minds
- Four Ways of Fellowship
- Four Foundations of Mindfulness
- Three Links of Cultivation
- Being Here & Letting Go
- Samantabhadra’s Ten Practices
Level III
- Dependent Arising & Twelve Links of Interdependence
- Karma, Emptiness & Middle Way
- Self, No-Self & Middle Way
- Introduction to Chan Patriarchs
- The Essence of Mahayana Practice
- Introduction to Buddhist Schools
- Types of Dhyana Practices
- Gradual Cultivation & Sudden Enlightenment
- Sixfold Buddhahood
- Sutra of the Eight Realizations of Great Beings
Sutra Study
80 weeks total
課程主題及重點內容
循序漸進學習靜坐、佛法教理及日常生活實踐， 培養定力與智慧。
初級班
- 禪修的意義與方法（解脫煩惱從定心開始）
- 佛（解脫煩惱的根本）
- 釋迦牟尼佛（解脫煩惱的圓滿例證與過程）
- 四聖諦（解脫煩惱的人生真理）
- 八正道（邁向自在人生的大道）
- 皈依三寶的意義（回到心靈之家）
- 中台四箴行（成功者共通特質）
- 五戒十善（人生必修的學分）
- 十法界（從「心」選擇自己的世界）
中級班
- 四威儀（聖者之身教）
- 慈悲觀：七周緣慈（聖者之心念）
- 慈悲觀：四無量心（生活中的慈悲）
- 十二因緣（改變心念與習氣的方法）
- 菩薩（啟發心中的悲智願行）
- 六波羅蜜（莊嚴淨土的菩薩法門）
- 四攝法（廣結善緣最有效的法門）
- 普賢十大願（圓滿生命內涵的願行）
高級班
- 禪宗法脈、中台行處、禪與淨
- 十宗簡介、五時八教、六即佛
- 《達磨二入四行觀》研討
- 禪那綱要、修禪的方便、九住心
- 三十七助道品：四念處、四正勤、四如意足、五根、五力、七覺支、八正道
- 《佛說八大人覺經》研討
研經班
共80週
Children Meditation Class
Respect. Kindness. Harmony .truthfulness
Class meeting is for one hour, consisting of meditation practice and a story time on Buddhist principles.
Parents are invited to join this class.
The is designed for children ages 5-13 to discover their inner wisdom and develop a positive outlook on life. Students learn to sharpen their awareness and concentration and to appreciate the gifts of this world.
General Guidelines
- All students should maintain a healthy lifestyle with sound body and mind.
- All Dharma events and classes are free of charge. We are supported by generous donations from our members. Any donation is appreciated and will benefit yourself and others.
- To maintain the purity of the monastery, all solicitation and business related activities are prohibited.
- Please wear comfortable and modest attire (long sleeves and long pants). Socks are required.
- Those who finish the course will receive a certificate and be qualified for the next level.