Dharma Study Program
For those who are serious about liberation — or “the unshakable deliverance of the heart” (as the Buddha called it) — the importance of having a solid grounding in Dharma teachings cannot be overemphasized.
The 2022-2023 Dharma Study Program (also referred to as the Home Study Program) begins October 1, 2022. We meet via Zoom once a month until March, on Saturdays. This year’s book is Ajahn Amaro’s Mind Is What Matters. Please download a copy from the Amaravati website. If you wish you can have a copy printed at a local print shop.
Registration and more details below.
Here is some feedback on previous years’ Dharma Study Programs:
- “How wonderful to investigate the Dharma… I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.”
- “Being able to study…with a group of like-minded friends was extremely helpful. The light, joyful, open atmosphere was very pleasant.”
- “I really feel I got a taste of the Dharma… The balance of meditation, group discussions, questions and answers, and socializing was ideal.”
Preparation
If you wish to participate in the Dharma Study Program, we ask you to:
- Meditate regularly.
- Uphold the Five Precepts and try to integrate them into your daily life.
- Complete the readings and attend the study group meetings.
Mind Is What Matters, by Ajahn Amaro
Mind Is What Matters, brings attention to attitude. It points to the enormous difference our attitude makes as the mind receives and processes experience, and it points to that aspect of Dhamma practice of making everything our teacher.
If we are wise, everything will teach us: the weather, our memories, our physical condition, the environment, the people around us. For everything to be our teacher in this way hinges on our attitude; it all depends on how our mind holds the experience of the present moment.
Dates and Readings, 2022-2023
- October 1, 2022: Introduction and Chapter 1, Going Nowhere (pp.12-34)
- November 5: Chapter 2, Where Does the World End? (pp. 35-45); Rohitassa Sutta (will be sent as an attachment)
- December 3: Chapter 3, Genesis and Offspring, and Chapter 4, Loving the Place the Music Takes You To (pp. 46-69)
- January 7, 2023: Chapter 5, The Way of Analysis and the Unanalysable, and Chapter 6, Respect and Harmony (pp. 70-102)
- February 4: Chapter 7, ‘Do the Right Thing’ (pp. 103-127)
- March 4: A reading will be sent out to participants in February
Schedule
At each session, a volunteer offers a presentation of the assigned reading.
Participants are divided into groups to discuss the readings. Some suggested topics for discussion are:
- What did you find most helpful in the readings?
- How did these readings impact your practice and life?
9:00 – 9:50 Saturday Morning Meditation (regular Saturday morning Zoom link)
10:00 – 10:30 Presentation of the readings (Dharma Study participants sign in to new Zoom link)
10:30 – 11:30 Group discussions
11:30 – 12:30 Opportunity for groups to ask questions or make comments; close with sitting
Registration
You will be sent the Zoom link when your registration is received.
- Regular: $90
- SIMT supporter: $70