[ FORMAL STUDY COURSES - FALL/WINTER 2005]

These courses are designed as a teacher-training program and are open to anyone willing to make a serious commitment to their studies. Students receive readings at each class and are required to submit homework and take quizzes. Attendance of at least 10 out of the 12 sessions is required, and auditing is not permitted. All 18 Formal Study Courses must be completed to be eligible to participate in the Asian Classics Institute’s future tantric track teachings. Please call the appropriate number listed below to register.

James Connor (3K)The Principle Teachings of Buddhism
Ever wanted to know what the monks and nuns were studying in Tibet? This course explains the entire Buddhist Path, using the same monastic textbooks the Dalai Lama read when he was a student. It's an intensive course with readings, homework, meditations, and yikes--even quizzes. Teacher James Connor promises the 6 weeks will be tough but rewarding. Students can expect to walk away with a complete understanding of the Buddhist path to bliss and what they must do to attain all the steps on the path to enlightenment. This Course is the first in a sequence of 18 courses formulated by Geshe Michael Roach based on his 22 years of study in a Tibetan Monastery. The Course offers an excellent overview of the entire Buddhist path; all subsequent Courses elaborate upon the ideas presented in this Course. This Course is based upon The Three Principal Paths (Lamtso Namsum) by Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419), with the commentary of Pabongka Rinpoche (1878-1941). Topics include: Who is a qualified teacher, how to take a lama, what is Buddha nature, what is authentic Dharma, what are samsara and renunciation, the principles of karma, the problems of human life, bodhichitta and its benefits, how to generate bodhichitta, the two levels of reality, what is the correct view of ultimate reality according to each of the four schools of thought, and the relationship between karma and ultimate reality. Classes are on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:30-9:30pm. Dates: July 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, August1, 4, 8, 11, 15 (Review), and 8/18 (Final).
To register or for more information: contact course1nyc@gmail.com or call: (212) 475 6650. Location: 114 Liberty Street, #10. Directions: 4,5 to Wall Street Stop. Walk back up Broadway to Liberty Street. Left on Liberty Street. 2,3, A, C to Fulton Street. Walk 2 blocks west to Church Street. Left on Church and a right on Liberty Street. 1 to Cortlandt Street. Walk 1 block south on Church Street to Liberty. Right on Liberty Street.
Map: Map of Location

Bob Chilton (1K)Buddhist Refuge
What does it mean to be a Buddhist? What does going for refuge involve? What are the objects of refuge? This course describes the Buddhist path and the results that one can attain by following that path. It is based upon The Ornament of Realizations (Abhisamaya Alamkara) of Maitreya and Master Asanga (350 AD) and is taught by Bob Chilton on Mondays from 7-9pm at the Three Jewels, 61 Fourth Avenue at 9th Street, Third floor. To register contact acip@well,com or 516-558-7046. Dates: September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21.

Michael Wick (1K)Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Part I
A thorough explanation of the six perfections of a bodhisattva, this Course is based upon a Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicharyavatara) by Master Shantideva (700 AD). This is considered to be the best book ever written for learning the code of life of a bodhisattva, and is extremely useful for attaining complete spiritual happiness while living a normal life. Taught by Michael Wick on Tuesdays from 7-9pm at The Three Jewels, 61 Fourth Avenue at 9th Street, Third floor. To register contact bodhiny@earthlink.net. Dates: October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27, January 3.

Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Part II
This Course is the second in a three-part series based upon A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharya Avatara) by Master Shantideva (700 AD), and the commentary Entry Point for Children of the Victorious Buddhas (Gyalse Juk-ngok) by Gyaltsab Je (1364-1432). Topics include: an explanation of the perfection of patience, the perfection of joyful effort, and the perfection of meditative concentration; the results of anger; how to make a habit of not getting angry; how joyous effort supports the other five perfections; obstacles to joyous effort; obstacles to meditation; how selfishness produces pain; reasons to treat others as well as yourself; the source of all the world's pain; compassion as a prerequisite for successful meditative concentration; meditation as a prerequisite for wisdom; where you, your world, and all of your experiences come from; and Buddha nature. It is recommended that you study Part I prior to studying Part II. Rob Kresch teaches at the Three Jewels, 61 Fourth Avenue at 9th Street, Third floor, on Saturdays from 10am-12. To register contact RobtKresch@aol.com or 917-282-9613. Dates: September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 26.