Dharma Basics Study Group: Intro to Buddhism

Facilitated by Suzanne Lucas, Community Dharma Leader & Senior Student

Open to students of all traditions and levels.

6-Session Series
Tuesdays | February 11 to March 18
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM Pacific
Online Only

Whether you are curious to learn more about the basics of Buddhism or an advanced practitioner who’d love a thoughtful review, this study group is a great way to learn more about Buddhism or refresh your knowledge in a friendly, fun way. The group is also designed for volunteer homework buddies with the Buddhist Prison Ministry, meeting two of the four requirements for being a volunteer.

At every point in the path, studying the “basics” of Buddhism is always relevant. Just like a house, if you strengthen the foundations, it will continue to support who you are as well as how your realization and understanding can bring benefit during these trying times. 

Meeting together as a study group, not a lecture class, offers a comfortable opportunity to join with others to discuss and review the foundational teachings of Buddhism laid out as chapters in “An Introduction to Buddhism Workbook” written by Rev. Susan Shannon, the teacher of Sukhasiddhi Foundation’s Awake in the World series of classes and founder of the Buddhist Prison Ministry project. The workbook was written using an interfaith lens with accessible language for the incarcerated population, making it very approachable.

Whether interested in being a homework buddy in the Buddhist Prison Ministry project or just learning about the basics of Buddhism, you’ll find that studying the foundational teachings through the lens of applying them in a prison setting will certainly fuel a more meaningful integration of what it means to be a Buddhist Practitioner in the ‘free world.’ 

Each week will include a brief meditation, topic review and discussion of the integration questions—all serving to deepen your relationship to the dharma and each other. Suzanne Lucas, coordinator of our service project to support Buddhist Prison Ministry, will invite senior students to share their lived experience with the teachings as well as seasoned prison ministry volunteers to offer how learning from the incarcerated sangha has enhanced their own practice.

Fee Options:

Sukhasiddhi Members: No Fee

Buddhist Prison Ministry Volunteers: No Fee

Other study participants (choose the level you wish to contribute):
$50
$75
$108