Classes provide a way to get into greater depth on a specific focus of Buddhist study. We have a variety of classes available throughout the year, taught by a large cast of dedicated and knowledgeable local and visiting teachers.
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Friends’ Night Classes – June to August
June 11th, 2013Start Date: June 11, 2013
End Date: August 13, 2013
(Note: No Friends’ Night events on 6/18 or 8/6)
Friends Nights at Aryaloka are from 6:45-9:00, when we gather to meditate and explore aspects of Buddhism through workshops, talks, study, ritual, or discussion. The emphasis is on practical application of Buddhist principles in our own lives. Although there is no fee for this event, donations are appreciated.
The 40-minute silent meditation in the main shrine room is typically not guided. (If you prefer to have prior instruction, see the Programs section for more information on introductory classes.)
An option for a guided meditation is offered in the library, after which, you can join the rest of the group for the second half of the evening.
Introduction to Buddhism Class
December 18th, 2012Start Date: Sunday, June 16, 2013
End Date: Sunday, June 16, 2013
In this workshop we will explore several fundamental teachings of the Buddhist tradition. We’ll cover such topics as Who was the Buddha? What is the goal of Buddhism? How does one practice as a Buddhist?
Commonly heard teachings such as the Four Noble Truths will be explored in the framework of the Threefold Path: Ethics, Meditation, Wisdom. Were you aware of the strong emphasis on ethics in Buddhism? How does meditation fit in to it? What is the Middle Way?
There is always far more to explore than we can ever cover in our time together. We will emphasize those teachings that can be put into practice and that relate to our daily lives.
Included in the classes will be presentations, question & answer time, discussion and a short meditation.
At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. The Sustaining price is for people comfortably paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford the occasional meal out and movie. The Sustaining price level also helps Aryaloka offer lower prices to those who could otherwise not afford to attend. Any payment above this price is a tax-deductible donation. Mid-Level prices are for those who have a regular income and are paying their mortgage or rent. Prices at this level contribute to the range of Aryaloka’s operating costs. The Base-Level price is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. Those whose circumstances are not included above can call the office to arrange alternate pricing.
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Led by: | Vihanasari |
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Times: | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
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Venue: | Aryaloka |
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Registration: | Registration page |
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Fee: | $50/40/30 |
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Level: | Introductory |
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Directions: | Directions Page |
Bahiya Sutta from the Udana
October 25th, 2012Start Date: Saturday, July 13, 2013
End Date: Saturday, July 13, 2013
Bahiya of the Bark Garment wondered “who in this world is an arahant ( a spiritual practitioner who has destroyed greed, hatred and delusion)? Could I be an arahant?” To find out, Bahiya went to find the Buddha and asked him for a teaching. The Buddha’s short reply is as relevant for our practice today as it was for Bahiya over 2,000 years ago. Come and see, hear, and explore for yourself the Buddha’s wise and helpful teaching to Bahiya. It may change your life! Led by Dayalocana.
No lunch, but snacks are provided.
At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. The Sustaining price is for people comfortably paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford the occasional meal out and movie. The Sustaining price level also helps Aryaloka offer lower prices to those who could otherwise not afford to attend. Any payment above this price is a tax-deductible donation. Mid-Level prices are for those who have a regular income and are paying their mortgage or rent. Prices at this level contribute to the range of Aryaloka’s operating costs. The Base-Level price is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. Those whose circumstances are not included above can call the office to arrange alternate pricing.
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Led by: | Dayalocana |
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Times: | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
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Venue: | Aryaloka |
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Registration: | Registration Page |
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Fee: | Sliding Scale $50/40/30 |
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Level: | Open to All |
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Directions: | Directions Page |
Introduction to Meditation – Mindfulness of Breathing (July)
May 29th, 2013Event Dates: Saturday July 13, 2013 – Saturday July 13, 2013
These Saturday or Sunday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic ways to set up our meditation and a traditional Buddhist meditation form are taught on each half-day workshop. Monthly workshops alternate between focus on Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness) meditation practices.
Open Your Eyes and See: Meditation and Drawing Workshop
April 30th, 2013Event Dates: Saturday July 27, 2013 – Saturday July 27, 2013
At first glance, what do meditation and drawing have in common? They may seem like two totally different activities: sitting, closed eyes, no apparent motion versus sitting, eyes wide open, even staring, furious activity, usually involving a pencil and paper. Yet, these two practices connect in a meaningful way. Both are right-brained practices.
Truckloads of Dung and Other Fertile Buddhist Stories
May 15th, 2013Event Dates: Saturday August 10, 2013 – Saturday August 10, 2013
On these three workshops, tales from Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung?: Inspiring Stories for Welcoming Life’s Difficulties, by Ajahn Brahm, and other Buddhist stories will be read and discussed by the participants in an informal setting. People have used stories to entertain, express wisdom, and convey values for millennia. These stories offer a Buddhist perspective – along with relevant, accessible, and thoughtful commentary – on everyday issues, including love, commitment, fear, guilt, joy, and contentment.
Kado – The Way of Flowers
April 11th, 2013Start Date: Sunday, August 11, 2013
End Date: Sunday, August 11, 2013
Ikebana (living flower) has its origins in the 7th century when the practice of Buddhism traveled from China and Korea and arrived in Japan. A flower offering was always placed on the altar in front of Buddha. In this ancient discipline, a simple seasonal floral arrangement reinforced the connection that mankind has with nature, offering the arranger a way – kado – of expressing himself and awakening his spirit in connection with the natural world. Ikebanists arrange flowers with special regard to balance, harmony, and form. The arranger and the flower arrangement, ikebana, express the harmonious balance that should exist between humans and the universe. When we arrange our ikebana we forget ourselves and allow our ki to merge with the plant materials we are using. This workshop will include instruction on two different seasonal ikebana arrangements.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The deadline for registrations will be July 31 so the teacher has enough time to order materials for the class. The materials fee is included in the class. Lunch is also included.
Antoinette Drouart returned to the U.S. after living for ten years abroad in Japan and France. She has received formal training in Japanese flower arrangements as well as certificates from the Ikebana Soguto School in Tokyo. Her artistic interests in combination with with her love of flowers and their therapeutic values have led her to study and teach the art of Japanese flower arrangement.
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Led by: | Antoinette Druart |
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Times: | 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Venue: | Aryaloka |
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Registration: | Registration Page |
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Fee: | Sliding Scale: $83/73/63 |
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Level: | Open to All |
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Directions: | Directions Page |
Truckloads of Dung and Other Fertile Buddhist Stories
May 15th, 2013Event Dates: Saturday September 28, 2013 – Saturday September 28, 2013
On these three workshops, tales from Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung?: Inspiring Stories for Welcoming Life’s Difficulties, by Ajahn Brahm, and other Buddhist stories will be read and discussed by the participants in an informal setting. People have used stories to entertain, express wisdom, and convey values for millennia. These stories offer a Buddhist perspective, along with relevant, accessible, and thoughtful commentary, on every day issues, including love, commitment, fear, guilt, joy, and contentment.
Truckloads of Dung and Other Fertile Buddhist Stories
May 15th, 2013Event Dates: Saturday November 16, 2013 – Saturday November 16, 2013
On these three workshops, tales from Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung?: Inspiring Stories for Welcoming Life’s Difficulties, by Ajahn Brahm, and other Buddhist stories will be read and discussed by the participants in an informal setting. People have used stories to entertain, express wisdom, and convey values for millennia. These stories offer a Buddhist perspective, along with relevant, accessible, and thoughtful commentary, on every day issues, including love, commitment, fear, guilt, joy, and contentment.








