November 5, 2020 @ 6:00 PM PST

The centuries following the Buddha’s death around 486 BCE saw a proliferation of schools that expanded his teachings about the cause of suffering and the way to emancipation, or enlightenment, into a weighty canon of doctrinal embellishment and exegesis. The purpose of this course is to provide a general overview of basic Buddhist philosophy and practice within a historical, sociological, and philosophical framework within the evolution of Buddhism from inception, to the later schools including the Mahayana.

This course will further discuss the implications of the development of Buddhist philosophy across northern and southeast Asia. Information gathered from this course will provide useful information toward understanding Buddhist concepts and terms. It is not the purpose of this course to “convert” anyone to Buddhism nor engage in the discussion of, or provide a forum to debate personal religious perspectives or values. Further, it is not the purpose of this course to discuss the comparative merits of eastern and western religious traditions.

Teacher's Bio: I am a Buddhist Priest within the tradition of Buddhism known as Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (True Pure Land Buddhist Teachings - Temple of the Primal Vow.) My undergraduate education consists of a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Religious Studies from California State University Fullerton. Following my studies at Cal State, I attended the Institute of Buddhist Studies followed by the Monterey Institute of International Studies Japanese language program. Once in Kyoto, Japan, I attended Ryukoku University and Chuo Bukkyo-u Gakuin (Central Japan Buddhist Academy) where I studied for a total of three years. I received my ordinations from Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan which included first ordination (entry into the priesthood) followed by a second ordination (license to teach Buddhism.) I also received a third ordination known as the overseas teaching license. I have served for a total of 20 years in various temples in the mainland United States and Hawaii. Prior to my adventures in Religious Studies, I worked for Ericsson Business Communications in Anaheim, CA and for Lockheed Space Operations at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I am a big fan of Jazz, pulp fiction, and good food.

Style of Offering : Lecture and discussion.

Max Number of Attendees: 500

Date and Time : 11/05/2020 6 pm pst

Signup Deadline: None

Introduction to Buddhism - A non-sectarian approach

November 5, 2020 @ 6:00 PM PST