These classes include sitting meditation, moving meditation, lectures, and Q&A sessions. The event will be conducted in English and attended in person.

Orientation

All attendees must complete the online orientation prior to attending the first class.

Course outline:

Lecture 1: Religion and Buddhism

Lecture 2: The Right View of the Dharma

Lecture 3: Humanistic Buddhism

Lecture 4: Buddhism in Daily Life

Lecture 5: The Practice of Buddhism

Guided by Ven. Guo Yuan, immerse yourself in traditional wisdom and learn how to apply its timeless principles to your contemporary life.

• Study the foundational teachings of Buddhism, drawing inspiration from the guidance of Master Sheng Yen.

• Discover how the profound wisdom of the Buddha can help you cultivate clarity, confidence, and joy in your everyday experience.

• Master Sheng Yen (founder of Dharma Drum Mountain) often emphasized the practical application of Chan (Zen) Buddhism for modern people, focusing on cultivating a calm, clear mind amidst a busy life.

• His teachings provide a bridge between ancient wisdom and the pursuit of clarity, confidence, and joy:

On Clarity (Mindfulness & Focus)

• "If moment by moment you can keep your mind clear then nothing will confuse you."

• "I follow four dictates: face it, accept it, deal with it, then let it go."

On Confidence (Strength & Resilience)

• "Do not ask for less responsibility to be free and relaxed—ask for more strength!"

• "To take on anything, one must first be able to let go. One is truly free who can take on and let go of anything in peace."

On Joy (Gratitude & Compassion)

• "Kindness and compassion have no enemies; wisdom engenders no vexations."

• "Cultivate a big heart—but a small ego."

Try to cultivate this attitude in life: if I can have what I want, that’s good; if I can’t, that’s fine too. This will help us turn our suffering into joy, and live a happier life."

Schedule:

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Eight-Form Moving Meditation

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Sitting Meditation

2:30 pm - 2:50 pm Walking Meditation

2:50 pm - 3:00 pm Break

3:00 pm - 3:40 pm Lecture

3:40 pm - 4:00 pm Q&A

Email Contact: program@ddmbaontario.org

About Ven. Guo Yuan, abbot, Dharma Drum Retreat Center

In 1985, our abbot, Guo Yuan Fashi, encountered Master Sheng Yen’s teachings while attending a seven-day retreat in New York. He became a disciple before finally leaving his job in Toronto, Canada, to become a monk in the Chan tradition. He was ordained in 1987 in Taiwan. Then, for over twenty years, he accompanied and worked as translator to Master Sheng Yen in various Chan meditation retreats around the world. In 1991, he studied Theravada Buddhism for a year in Thailand. Upon his return, Guo Yuan Fashi was elected abbot of both the Chan Meditation Center (CMC) in Queens and the Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC) in Pine Bush, New York. His responsibilities include attending interfaith services, teaching meditation, and giving lectures on Buddhism. In 2006, he became the director of the International Chan Retreat Center in Dharma Drum Mountain, Taiwan. In 2016, he returned to Pine Bush to become once again the abbot of DDRC. Fluent in Mandarin, Vietnamese, and English, he leads Chan retreat in many countries around the world.