07/26/2021
Have you ever wanted to read the illuminating teachings of the Buddha and The Dhammapada?
This is an opportunity to join a group of like-minded folks in the weekly reading and discussion of The Dhammapada, cover-to-cover.
You're invited to the latest online gathering in a 6+ year ongoing deepening series called "Precious Points of Unity" where we explore, read and discover with our own eyes and mind the Oneness shared between the teachings of the Great Luminaries of Humankind (Buddha, Baha'u'llah, Lord Krishna, Jesus, among others).
The first weekly session starts on Saturday, July 31st at 10 AM Pacific. If this topic is already of interest to you, we will see you then! However, if you'd first like to learn a bit more about the online study group before committing your time every week, please review the additional insights below that will help you decide if this is something you or your friends want to attend.
We will, as a group, be reading cover-to-cover one of the sacred and illuminating texts of Buddhism called The Dhammapada. Everyone from every background and worldview is welcome. Below is an overview of what you can expect and a few questions/answers to help guide your decision to attend or not.
OVERVIEW: WHAT WILL WE LEARN AND EXPLORE TOGETHER?
~ A simple and general overview of Buddhism and a simple overview of the Baha'i Faith. How they are both related and how they share a Oneness in their illuminating teachings.
~ We will read one of the Venerated Scriptures of Buddhism (The Dhammapada) cover to cover with our own eyes and mind. Typically covering 2-3 chapters every week... with a total commitment of approx. 8 to 14 weeks
~ See the wisdom and depth of the Dhammapada's teachings and discover in greater detail "precious points of unity" that will reveal how its enlightening teachings are in harmony with your present worldview or religious/spiritual beliefs.
~ Learn from one another's perspectives and thoughts. As participants from diversified backgrounds and life experiences, every individual is encouraged to share their own thoughts, connections, and questions on The Dhammapada as we read each chapter together. The structure of this deepening series is mostly group discussion-based, NOT lecture-based start to finish. You are invited to be an active universal participant by making your own connections to the teachings of whatever religion or philosophy you practice currently.
~ Investigate and see with your own eyes the underlying Oneness of the universal teachings that are found amongst the great world religious traditions and philosophies. Gain a deeper understanding of why Baha'is have reverence and love for The Buddha, Buddhism, and all major world religions. Discover precious points of unity that will empower you to harmonize views in your own immediate circle and community.
5 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Q: Does this cost anything to join?
A: No. It is absolutely 100% FREE. No donations of any kind will be accepted either.
Q: Is this deepening series welcoming and suitable if I am not a Buddhist, Baha'i, or even consider myself part of any community?
A: Definitely! In one of the most recent groups held on Friday evenings in the Summer and Fall of 2020, we had Hindus, Baha'is, Christians, Evangelical Christians, Catholics, Agnostics, and even Atheists attend. In previous years we've even had youth (teenagers), adults, the elderly, and people from various worldviews/beliefs attend all in the same group.
Q: Why was this deepening series created?
A: This will be answered in-depth during week 1. In short, it was an individual initiative in 2015 to help empower the masses to commit to reading the words and holy books of the Great Luminaries of Humankind (Lord Krishna, Buddha, Baha'u'llah, among others).
Q: What specifically will we do every week? What is the time commitment?
A: Time commitment is 1.5 to 2 hours every week for approx 8-14 weeks. Some have enjoyed the group discussion portion so much that they will stay close to 2 hours. Specifically, weekly on ZOOM, we will read 2-3 chapters of The Dhammapada followed by all participants sharing their connections, thoughts, questions, and bringing up other quotes/scriptures that come to mind. Through this process of everyone sharing, we all learn from one another's diversified life experiences and obtain collective wisdom from the diversified backgrounds of each individual.
Note: Week 1 will slightly go at a different pace and structure as there is an introduction before we start reading chapter 1 of The Dhammapada.
Q: How do I join?
A: Log into your Zoom account on Saturday at 10 AM Pacific. The Zoom Meeting ID and Password is 9519991919.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
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