The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.
Four Tuesdays, April 1–April 22, 5–6:30 pm PT
When asked where a new student should begin their study of Buddhism, the Dalai Lama replied, “They should begin with a study of the Two Truths."
In this four-week class, we will study the Two Truths as the underpinning of the Soto Zen tradition.
The great 2nd century Indian Zen Ancestor, Nagarjuna, states:
"Without a foundation in the Relative Truth, the significance of the Ultimate Truth cannot be taught; without understanding the significance of the Ultimate Truth, liberation cannot be achieved."
Given that there is only one reality, the Two Truths are inseparable, and yet, each truth represents a different mode of understanding the one reality. Nagarjuna is telling us that engaging in a conceptual study of the Relative Truth is the basis for a non-conceptual realization of the Ultimate Truth. Coming to understand these Two Truths conceptually is the intention of our study time together.
Recommended (but not required) texts:
- The Life of the Buddha by Bhikkhu Nanamol includes the Buddha's First Sermon, Setting Rolling the Wheel of the Dhamma. (Note that any translation of the First Sermon applies for this class.)
- Nagarjuna’s Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way by Jay Garfield
- Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara by Ben Connelly
Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.
- Sustaining Level: $150
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $135
- Sliding Scale 1: $90
- Sliding Scale 2: $37.50
Or call 415-354-0360.