It's not too late to join us!  Class begins May 22nd... We have been able to work out a deal with Shambhala Publications to offer this course to the group for a very affordable registration fee.  This is a great opportunity to learn (or review) the fundamental and essential teachings of Buddhism, and the view of meditation.  If you have been curious about what this path is about, this is great way to dip your toes in, learn the basics and begin a meditation practice.

We'll meet roughly every other Thursday, beginning May 22, from 6 - 9 pm.  During the first hour or so, we'll watch Judy's talk together, then we'll have a chance to practice, contemplate and discuss the teachings.  There are nine modules with readings for each one. You will get the most out of the material if you do the reading ahead of each module.  I'll be providing a syllabus, and a pdf of the readings will be available.  If you prefer, you can buy a copy of the book.

Module 1: May 22
Module 2: June 5
Module 3: June 19
Module 4: July 3
Module 5: July 17
(NOT July 31)
Module 6: August 14
Module 7: August 28
Module 8: September 11
Module 9: September 25

I don't expect that everyone will be able to make all the classes; that's okay. 

Here is Shambhala Publications' writeup of the course:

Join Judy Lief, Buddhist teacher and editor of The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, for an online course that explores the first volume of this monumental work: The Path of Individual Liberation. Through video recorded during a nine-day retreat she led on the subject, Lief will guide us through the traditional hinayana teachings as taught by Chögyam Trungpa. The hinayana path is based on training in mindfulness and awareness, in cultivating virtue, and in cutting off grasping. In studying the topics covered in detail in this course, you will learn about the four noble truths, the four foundations of mindfulness, shamatha and vipashyana meditation practice, the three jewels, and more.

The Dharma Ocean Portland course will offer the following:

• Nine course lessons, including guided readings, contemplations, and self-assessment questions to test your understanding of the material, each covering a different topic in the volume
• Ten hour-long video talks by Judy Lief, plus two archival video talks by Chögyam Trungpa
• A digital PDF edition of The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, Volume One: The Path of Individual Liberation by Chögyam Trungpa
• Contemplations to guide your study and practice of the material presented
• The opportunity to participate in guided practice and contemplations, facilitated discussion with other learners, and additional commentary and teaching by uh, me.

Write portland@dharmaocean.org for more details and to register.  I'm excited we are able to do this together.