This is Part 3 of a three-part 10-week course. People can join the course at the start of any of the three parts and take the other parts in following years.

Prerequisite - completion of an introductory meditation class series (or equivalent) or teacher approval.

Essential Dharma is a three-part 10 week course offering an in-depth understanding of core Buddhist teachings and meditation practices essential in the journey of awakening as taught within the Insight meditation tradition. This course is ideal for those relatively new to Buddhism who wish to gain both an overview of the Buddha's teaching and to develop experience in Buddhist practices and meditation. It is also beneficial for those students with some meditation experience who wish to refresh their knowledge of key Buddhist teachings. The primary emphasis will be on how we apply and live these teachings in our everyday lives while cultivating a present moment embodied awareness.

In each class, there will be a dharma talk on the evening's theme, a time for discussion and a period for meditation with time to ask questions about your practice. Instructions will be given for Vipassana, or insight meditation. On some evenings, there will be a guided meditation to enhance the evening's theme. Occasionally, there will also be times for interactive inquiry in pairs or small groups in order to facilitate the integration of speaking and listening.

Each class has readings and home assignments/practice to do between classes.
In Parts 1 and 3, readings will be assigned from: Seeking the Heart of Wisdom by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield.

Part 2 will draw on readings from The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Path by Jean Smith. Also recommended is Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg.
These books will be available for purchase at the class.

Ideally, people commit for all three sessions. People enjoy the support they receive from their ongoing commitment to their practice and many people feel a sense of community that builds over time. We use a 'buddy system,' whereby each student has someone in the course with whom they discuss the homework assignments and practices. People can join the course at the start of any the three sessions and take the other sessions in following years.

This course is excellent preparation for participation in the Dedicated Practitioners' Program, a two and one-half year program that is offered through Spirit Rock.

Part 3 (April 2 - June 4, 2013)
We will explore the Life of the Buddha, the Three Characteristics of Existence, the heart practices of Appreciative Joy (mudita), Equanimity (uppekha) and Generosity (dana), as well as Engaged Service.

Part 1 (will begin in Fall 2013)
We will explore the Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Metta (Lovingkindness) Practice.

Part 2 (will begin in Winter 2014)
In each class, we will explore a factor of the Eightfold Noble Path (wise understanding; wise thought or intention; wise action/ethics; wise livelihood; wise speech; wise effort or energy; wise mindfulness and wise concentration) and a class on Compassion Practice.


Registration and Payment:
Please register and pay in advance for the course. Course fee is $150/10-week session. (Fee only - no teacher donation will be requested.). Code YR3C13. Scholarships and partial work exchange are available for this class. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. To discuss scholarship options, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 488-0164 x 224.

Young Adults (18-26) and Seniors (65+ with limited and fixed income) are invited to attend this class series for $75.

Cancellation Policy for this Class: If you cancel within 2 business days of the class start date, there is a $25 cancellation fee; after the first class there is a $50 cancellation fee; after the 2nd class, there's a $75 cancellation fee. In these three situations, the remainder of the fee can be refunded upon request, or the money can be used as a credit for future daylongs or events (but not benefits) and is to be used within one year of the cancellation. There are no refunds in any form as of the third class.

We keep the lighting low here and evenings can be quite dark, especially in the winter. We recommend bringing a flashlight to events that begin or end after dark.

Online Bulletin Board for Ride Sharing

Online Registration for this event is available until 12 noon one business day before the event. If you can't attend, see our Cancellation Policy.

Even if you have been to Spirit Rock before, please review information about What to Bring to a Daylong. This link has useful information about what to wear, what to bring, how to get here, and more.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Limited Volunteer/Work Exchange opportunities, as well as scholarships, may be available for this program. If interested, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org or (415) 488-0164 x224.