Beginning September 19th, FCM will offer a six-week Introduction to Buddhism course at the Practice Center in Tampa. Classes will be suitable for people with a general interest in Buddhism, as well as for both new and experienced practitioners who want to expand their understanding of the Buddha and his fundamental teachings.

We will begin with the actual life of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, an archetype of a human being awakening to the true meaning and purpose of life. Then we will delve systematically into the fundamental teachings of the “path of awakening” that he promulgated during the course of his nearly forty-five years of active teaching. Finally, we will examine the various practice and meditative paths that have developed within the Buddhist tradition over the past 2600 years.

 
Talks will be supplemented by a list of suggested readings.

Classes will be Tuesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, September 19th through October 24th in the Meditation Hall of the FCM Practice Center, 6501 North Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. Cost for this six-week class is $60. If you have any questions, please contact Betsy Arizu at barizu@yahoo.com .

This course will be taught by:

Betsy Arizu became a student of Fred Eppsteiner in 2010 with an interest in Buddhism as both a personal spiritual practice and as a methodology for helping others heal and transform.  She is an active member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness, participating in the Order of Interbeing, the Five Year Dharma Transmission Program, President of the Board of Directors, and Community Care Leader.  She enjoys leading classes on Buddhism, Mindful Living, and Relationships as a Path for Healing and Transformation. As a former educator and school counselor she also leads mindfulness workshops for educators, psychologists, counselors and social workers.

Maria Theresa Jaureguizar began her Buddhist  practice in 1994 with Gyokuko Carlson at the Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland Oregon.  In 2011 she found a home with the Florida Community of Mindfulness and became a student of Fred Eppsteiner.  She is active in the Order of Interbeing (OI) as an aspirant, OI council member and  a student of the Five Year Dharma Transmission Program. She enjoys sharing time with sangha friends and  helping others by leading classes in meditation and mindful living. She currently works in the senior services field with county government.