Basic Studies
Offered every year

The Four Noble Truths
This course examines the primary teachings of the Buddha and their implications for living in today's world. These universal and timeless truths not only show us the source of our anxiety, but also point the way to sorrow's end.

No Prerequisite
Instructor:  Steve Hagen
Next offered:  September 9 through October 14, 2008
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text:  Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

For the students' convenience, the following class handouts are available for download in pdf format:
  Syllabus
  The Three Forms of Dukkha
  The Five Aggregates
To purchase this Course on CD, click Here

 

The Eightfold Noble Path
This course looks closely at the fourth Noble Truth of the Buddha and lays out a practical and effective way to deal with the world as we find it. It is the art of seeing — a way to peace and sanity that is total freedom of mind.

No Prerequisite
Recommended to follow The Four Noble Truths
Instructor:  Lee Register
Next offered:  October 28 through December 2, 2008
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text:  Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

For the students' convenience, the following class handouts are available for download in pdf format:
  Syllabus
  The Eightfold Path - From The Buddha’s Way by H. Saddhatissa
Please note: Dr. Saddhatissa is no longer alive and his book The Buddha's Way is out of print. If anyone knows how to contact the rights-holder to that book, please let us know.
To purchase this Course on CD, click Here

Please note:
Steve Hagen is the instructor on the CD version.

 

Dependent Arising and the Unlocatable Self
This course focuses on the two most profound, liberating, and unique teachings of the Buddha — the interdependence of all things and the emptiness of self. Presented here simply and clearly, these teachings are as vital today as they were 2,500 years ago.

Prerequisite:  Either The Four Noble Truths or The Eightfold Noble Path
Please note: This course is a prerequisite for all advanced studies at Dharma Field.
Instructor:  Bev Forsman
Next offered:  January 6 through February 10, 2009
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text:  Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

For the students' convenience, the following class handouts are available for download in pdf format:
  Syllabus
  Kaccayanagotta Sutta
Supplemental reading:
  Ergo Sum? Excerpt from Steve Hagen's book How the World Can Be the Way It Is
To purchase this Course on CD, click Here

Please note:
Steve Hagen is the instructor on the CD version.

 

The Precepts of the One Mind
The Buddhist precepts are not moralistic rules that people are expected to obey. Rather, they constitute the practice of enlightenment, and a commitment to living in accordance with Truth and Reality.

Prerequisite:  Either The Four Noble Truths or The Eightfold Noble Path
Instructor:  Norm Randolph
Next offered:  February 24 through March 31, 2009
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Handouts will be provided at no charge.

For the students' convenience, the following class handout is available for download in pdf format:
  The Precepts
 To purchase this Course on CD, click Here

Please note:
Steve Hagen is the instructor on the CD version.

 

The Practice of Meditation
This is a how-to course which focuses on insight meditation and mindfulness. Topics include the foundations of mindfulness, dealing with problems in meditation, and bringing meditation into your everyday life.

No prerequisite
Instructor:  Steve Hagen
Class dates:  April 15 through May 20, 2008
Next offered: April 14 through May 19, 2009
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text:  Meditation Now or Never by Steve Hagen

For the students' convenience, the syllabus is available for download in pdf format:
  Syllabus
To purchase this Course on CD, click Here