What is behind the growing interest in Buddhism in the United States? Have you wondered why the Buddha's teachings are so relevant today, whether one considers themself a "Buddhist" or is simply curious about how the teachings of Buddhism may support and harmonize with other spiritual traditions?
On Tuesday evenings beginning September 10, and continuing through October 15, the Florida Community of Mindfulness will offer a six-week introductory course, Buddhism: The Basics, at the FCM Center in Tampa. The course is 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 held Tuesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, September 10th through October 15th at 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 David Braasch at davidcbraasch@gmail.com or David Royal at david.royal@gmail.com.
Course Facilitators:
David Braasch’s interest in Buddhism began as a university student in the late 1980s. He has been a practitioner of mindfulness and meditation with the Florida Community of Mindfulness since 2015, where he completed a three-year Dharma Transmission Program with Fred Eppsteiner, and has taught Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation and Mindfulness for Educators. David is currently a Senior Faculty member in the English Language Program at the University of South Florida.
David Royal has been a practitioner with the Florida Community of Mindfulness and a student of FCM's teacher Fred Eppsteiner since 2013. He recently completed FCM's 3-year Dharma Transmission Program and is involved with Meditation in Recovery. David works at the University of South Florida and is married with a four year old daughter.
Florida Community of Mindfulness, Tampa Center 6501 N. Nebraska Avenue Tampa, FL 33604
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