Fall 08 Course Schedule/Outline

CUNY Workshop on Humanistic Buddhism
Instructed by Venerable Dr. Yifa
September 16-November 18
Tuesdays 6pm-8pm
(limited to approximately 20 participants with commitment for attendance)
Course Description:
The Humanistic Buddhist movement pioneered by Venerable Master Hsing Yun of the Fo Guang Shan Monastery has been one of the most compelling and powerful religious movements of the twentieth century. In addition to discussing fundamental concepts of Buddhism and the history of the Humanistic Buddhist movement, this course will examine both Humanistic Buddhist philosophy and praxis, exploring ways in which Humanistic Buddhist principles can be applied in the modern West. Reading materials will include actual Buddhist sutras as well as secondary sources.

Each lecture will start with 20 minutes sitting meditation and technique instruction.

Course Outlines:

Title Core Teaching Quotation

WK 1 9/16
Open House Meditation Instruction
with Introduction to the Workshop

WK 2 9/23
Humanistic Buddhist View on “Three Refuge” Kamala Sutra
Religion and Faith

WK 3 9/30
War and Peace “Suffering” Tender Heart

WK 4 10/7
Mind and Life “Consciousness” Yogacara

WK 5 10/14
Living and Dying “Karma and Reincarnation” Yogacarabhumi

WK 6 10/21
Money and Economy “Emptiness” Heart Sutras

WK 7 10/28
Social Identity “non-self” The Core Teaching

WK 8 11/4
Environmental Issues “Interdependent Origination” Authenticity

WK 9 11/11
Humanity “Bodhisattva vows” The Core Teaching

WK 10 11/18
Conclusion (Reception)


Texts:
Hsing Yun: Only a Grain, NY: Weatherhill, 2000.
Hsing Yun, Lotus in a Stream, NY: Weatherhill, 2000. (contents: Buddhist Core Teaching)
Yifa, Tender Heart, NY; Lantern, 2007
Yifa, Authenticity. NY: Lantern, 2007