On Monday and Tuesday evenings, from September through May, Dharma Field offers courses on Zen Buddhism and related topics.
To take courses online here for more information.
To take courses online here for more information.
Classes
Current CoursesMondays Mar 1 to Apr 5
Critical Reading as Skillful Means Time: 7:45–8:45 pm led by Steve Matuszak learn more
In our age of information overload, it can be hard to know what we’re reading, especially given the outright lies being circulated, along with our very human tendency to read and hear things the way we want rather than pay attention to what’s actually being said. To compound matters, we join in—criticizing or praising an article, perhaps even recirculating it, for saying something it isn’t actually saying, adding to more confusion. This course will draw upon the teachings of the Buddhadharma that remind us to watch our leaning mind and also upon some of the strategies that instructor Steve Matuszak taught in college-level English classes about engaged reading practices that can help us slow down and see what texts are really saying (and what they’re not).
NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class. 
CLASS AUDIO:
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online click icon to access the talks. Tuesdays Feb 23 to Mar 30
What the Buddha Taught: Wisdom Time: 7:45–8:45 pm led by Steve Matuszak learn more
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 simply and clearly, these teachings are as vital today as they were 2,500 years ago.
What the Buddha Taught: Wisdom is the third in a series of classes on the foundation teachings of the Buddha. It will be followed by courses on ethics and meditation this winter and spring. These in turn will provide a basis for further study in the sutras and Zen Buddhism. This course is recommended for all studies at Dharma Field that are not part of the What the Buddha Taught series. RECOMMENDED: Completion of either The Four Noble Truths or The Eightfold Noble Path TEXT: Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen Syllabus Kaccayanagotta Sutta NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class. Seniors, students: Enter SEN OR STU in the discount coupon box at checkout for $5 discount. 
CLASS AUDIO:
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online click icon to access the talks. |
Upcoming Courses2021 Curriculum
Classes will only be offered exclusively via Zoom until further notice Mondays Jan 4 – Feb 8 The Heart Sutra (Steve Hagen) Mar 1 – Apr 5 Critical Reading as Skillful Means (Steve Matuszak) May 3 – May 24 Belief—The Basis of Insanity (Steve Hagen) Tuesdays Jan 19 – Feb 9 No Beginning, No End (Jed Larson) Feb 23 – Mar 30 What the Buddha Taught: Wisdom (Steve Matuszak) Apr 20 – May 11 Excerpts from the Flower Garland Sutra (Mary Sullivan) Jun 1 – Jul 6 What the Buddha Taught: The Clear and Obvious Way (Steve Hagen) Jul 20 – Aug 24 What the Buddha Taught: Meditation (Steve Matuszak) |
Courses Recently Completed
Mondays Jan 4 to Feb 8
The Heart Sutra
Time: 7:45–8:45 pm
led by Steve Hagen
The Heart Sutra
Time: 7:45–8:45 pm
led by Steve Hagen
learn more
The Heart Sutra presents the essence of Mahayana wisdom teachings. It cuts through the conceptualized misinterpretations of the Buddha’s original teachings that arose after his death. It clarifies the essential nature of Reality and points to an authentic way of life.
Led by Steve Hagen
NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class.
Text: Handout can be found on our Zen Texts & Essays page
Led by Steve Hagen
NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class.
Text: Handout can be found on our Zen Texts & Essays page
CLASS AUDIO:
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online click icon to access the talks.
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online click icon to access the talks.
Tuesdays Jan 19 to Feb 9
No Beginning, No End
Time: 7:45–8:45 pm
led by Jed Larson
No Beginning, No End
Time: 7:45–8:45 pm
led by Jed Larson
learn more
Katagiri Roshi told us that living life based on ideas is a "flat beer" life. For example, we spend a lot of time pondering the past, yet the past is not happening right now, it's just a memory. Meanwhile, we miss the true experience that only happens right here and now, the timeless reality of no-beginning-no-end.
The Baizhang quote "there is no connection between your senses and the outside world" sounds perplexing. Our belief of "the outside world" is something that runs in the background during our daily activity. Biazhang indicates that it is indeed possible to see through the belief in such a framework, and to understand how we inadvertently put our focus and trust in ideas and overlook immediate experience. Join in on this course, as we inquire further into the "ins and outs", and beginnings/ends of Zen teachings from a variety of sources: Dogen, Suzuki, Baizhang and others.
NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class.
Seniors, students: Enter SEN OR STU in the discount coupon box at checkout for $5 discount.
The Baizhang quote "there is no connection between your senses and the outside world" sounds perplexing. Our belief of "the outside world" is something that runs in the background during our daily activity. Biazhang indicates that it is indeed possible to see through the belief in such a framework, and to understand how we inadvertently put our focus and trust in ideas and overlook immediate experience. Join in on this course, as we inquire further into the "ins and outs", and beginnings/ends of Zen teachings from a variety of sources: Dogen, Suzuki, Baizhang and others.
NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class.
Seniors, students: Enter SEN OR STU in the discount coupon box at checkout for $5 discount.
CLASS AUDIO:
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online click icon to access the talks.
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online click icon to access the talks.
Online Courses
TAKING A CLASS ONLINE
Dharma Field offers its current Classes for people living outside the area, as well as for locals who are not able to attend in person. Please bear in mind, however, that our teachers highly recommend that local participants attend in person if possible.
All classes are recorded and posted online later in the week. Classes can be streamed directly from our site, or they can be downloaded to your device (as mp3). Most handouts are available online as well.
If you missed a registration for a recent class, we normally keep them online after the class has ended. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
TO REGISTER…
All classes are recorded and posted online later in the week. Classes can be streamed directly from our site, or they can be downloaded to your device (as mp3). Most handouts are available online as well.
If you missed a registration for a recent class, we normally keep them online after the class has ended. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
TO REGISTER…