Early Buddhist Meditation: a ten-day residential course on theory and practice ( face to face)
We are on the verge of finalising the program for the above course led by Bhante Sujato.
The total duration will be 12 days including the date of arrival and the date of departure.
Destination: Colombo, Sri Lanka
The venue: Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS),
Manelwatta Bollagala, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Dates: 16th to 27th June 2022
Here is a sneak peek just for you.
This is a structured residential course in a classroom environment. It is designed to be relatively demanding and aimed to build on the knowledge of Buddhism and meditation practice. We assume a capacity for learning and critical understanding, and a willingness to dedicate time and effort to learning.
The capacity to listen to others and to articulate our own understanding is an essential part of learning. Each day there will be a discussion with an assigned task, and the goal will be to work together to achieve the task.
However, we also acknowledge the differences in individual learnings. Nothing on the course is mandatory, and if at any time you feel uncomfortable or at a loss, please let us know. We are here to help!
Each day will provide the following learning opportunities.
Teachings:
These will cover the main topics for the day. The main teachings will be by Bhante Sujato. Students are encouraged to ask relevant questions.
Phones, laptops, and other devices are not to be used during the teachings. If you want to take notes, use pen and paper. If you want an exemption, ask first.
Discussion:
The daily task will usually be to put together a short passage, around 2–500 words. Invite the perspectives of each of the students in your discussion group. The purpose is not to get the one right answer, but to reflect the experiences of each student.
Make sure to listen to each other. Don’t speak too much, and encourage those who are quiet—they are often the ones with something to say.
Each group should select one group leader who guides the discussion and writes the assigned passage. Any device or medium may be used for writing. Everyone on the course should take a turn at being the group leader.
The final passage must be copy-edited by at least one other group member for spelling and grammatical errors! It’s the Dhamma, don’t be sloppy!
Background reading:
As much as possible, complete the readings for the entire course before the start of the course. At the very least, complete the important readings, which are emphasized in bold.
There will be some time for reading during the course, but your comprehension will be improved by the work you put in beforehand.
The teachings will not necessarily cover all of the readings, depending on time.
All readings from the Pali canon are based on the translations by Bhante Sujato at SuttaCentral.
Application of the teachings in meditation:
There is time set aside for meditation. This may be in a group or alone.
Any meditation method is fine. However, see if you can apply the learnings of the day.
Obviously, this will be more relevant on some days than others.
Time will be allocated to have individual meditation interviews with the teacher. (for interested participants).
During the meditation periods, stay silent out of respect for yourself and others.
**The full program including the learning outcome for each day and the reading list will be sent to the registered participants.
Your decision to join this course will help not only you but will also give hope to 1 in 8 families in Sri Lanka who are dependent on tourism and have been negatively affected by the pandemic.
- Accommodation and lectures will be at the NIIBS, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Covid protocol will be in place)
Details and registration:
[Early Buddhist Meditation: a ten-day residential course on theory and practice plus a tour to Anuradhapura*]
This has inspired me to put more effort into writing syllabi for my college courses.