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The Second Turning of The Wheel

The Bodhisattva Path

Start Date: Aug 19, 2019

Throughout The Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, you’ll explore the purpose of compassion-based meditation practices and the Buddhist philosophies behind them.

Week 1: Introduction to the Mahāyāna & the Second Turning of the Wheel
Get an overview of the various elements of the Mahāyāna, or “Great Vehicle;” Understand how to develop the mind of enlightenment; Identify the rich diversity of the Buddha’s teachings

Week 2: The Development of Wisdom & the Emergence of the Middle Way
Examine the teachings of selflessness; Discover the main themes of the Perfection of Wisdom Discourses; Realize how the “Middle Way” emerged in India, Tibet, and East Asia

Week 3: The Bodhisattva Vow & the Six Perfections
Recognize the remarkable commitment to help all beings attain enlightenment; Discern the qualities integral to taking compassionate, skillful action; Comprehend the necessity of patience

Week 4: The Cultivation of Compassion in Meditation & Post-Meditation
Perceive why lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity factor into all Buddhist meditation practices; Contemplate the distinctive Mahāyāna practice called tonglen

Week 5: Ultimate Bodhicitta
Dive more fully into the Middle Way with an introduction to analytical meditation; Continue to expand your knowledge of selflessness; Reflect on the Buddhist view of interconnectedness

Week 6: The Spread of the Perfection of Wisdom & Madhyamaka Teachings
Consider how the Perfection of Wisdom Discourses and the Middle Way teachings influenced the rise of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the East Asian schools of Buddhism


Your Instructor


D. Phillip Stanley
D. Phillip Stanley

D. Phillip Stanley gained his Ph.D in Religious Studies in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism from the University of Virginia. He is also Dean of Academic Affairs and authorized teacher of Nitartha Institute, devoted to translating the entire Tibetan monastic college curriculum of the Kagyu tradition into English and to training and authorizing Western teachers of that curriculum. He is a recipient of a Fulbright-Hays scholarship. D. Phillip is the author of Primer of Classical Literary Tibetan, which is used in language classes at Naropa, and he does Tibetan textual translation for Nitartha Institute courses.


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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Who is this course for?
It’s for students—and teachers—of Buddhism, Eastern Religion, Comparative World Religions, and of mindfulness meditation. With that said, the path of wisdom and compassion is for everyone. So if this course resonates with you, we encourage you to sign up for it. No prior experience with meditation or Buddhism is necessary. If you’re new to meditation, you’ll definitely benefit from the practice instructions provided in the course. More experienced practitioners will appreciate the balance between scholarly study and meditative investigation.
Does the courses in this series follow a specific lineage or tradition?
The Contemplative Study Series is designed for anyone who wants a more well-rounded understanding of Buddhism and meditation. It doesn’t matter whether you follow a certain lineage or no lineage at all. Eager learners, spiritual practitioners, meditation teachers—all are welcomed, regardless of background. This series presents a wonderful opportunity for university students and teachers of Buddhism, Eastern Religion, and Comparative World Religions to experience Buddhism in a contemplative context setting.

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