Introduction to Buddhism 101

Arrival of the Aryan peoples and formation of the Caste System.

One cannot over look the direct influence of Brahmanism and other non-Buddhist traditions that the Buddha studied on Buddhism.

As Buddhist this is the most inspirational and timeless story to inspire us to walk the path of our Founder Sakyamuni Buddha.

This traditional method of recalling the eight major events in the Buddha's life and practice.  Is a wonderful tool, to support our practice and determination.

Yes, the Buddha was born into this world.  This wonderful story that has inspired important events and art in our Buddhist practice.  Through this story we can see our own birthright of enlightenment and the importance of our goals in life.

As a prince we can see that the grass is not always greener on the other side.  In understanding the concept of the middle way, we should examine this imbalance through prince Siddhartha's life.

The major decision that every seeker needs to make.  To leave behind what we know and enter into the unknown to find clarity and insight.  The true "seeking mind".

Religious training is the way we believe we can find answers to the "Why".  The place where the rubber hits the road.

Enlightenment, the goal of the spiritually inclined.  The effort of Prince Siddhartha has manifested in this moment of clarity.

What happened during the Buddha's first teaching?  The most basic concepts of Buddhist practice taught during this compassionate action of turning the wheel of the Dharma are the building blocks of any Buddhist study.

The Middle Way of neither extreme served as the base for the rededication to correct practice leading to enlightenment.

This is by far the most famous and well known teaching of the Buddha and gives us a way to know how we can begin to walk to path towards realization and why.

Through these Seals, we are able to see if a practice or belief is in harmony with the awakening of our teacher.

The idea of No-Self is perhaps the most difficult realization in ones life and the most freeing.

A conclusion to the Buddha's First Teaching after enlightenment.

In this lecture, we will talk about the Buddha traveling and people joining the Buddhist community (Sangha) as disciples.

In this lecture we will talk about the Buddha's final journey before passing away.  What did this mean for the Buddhist Sangha and his many disciples?

In this lecture, we will talk about the meaning of the Buddha's Nirvana and passing away for his teaching and the Sangha community.

Like many religious figures, there is a lot of research and study as to understand the exact date of the Sakyamuni Buddha.  Here, I give you the current research and understanding on this subject.

In this lecture, we will discuss the grouping and organization of the Buddha's teachings from the lectures received from his disciples during his lifetime. 

There is a lot of discussion around this subject and it has changed based on new findings just over the last thirty years.  I will lecture on the many ideas of why the Sangha seems to have split into two distinct Vehicles and what this means for practitioners.