Introducing Buddhism by Olwen Smith Lesson 1. What is Buddhism? The Buddha's Life Story 30 May 2022
Hosted by The Buddhist Society www.thebuddhistsociety.org

A Seven Week Online Course

This course would be appropriate for anyone new to Buddhist meditation, or interested in giving a bit more context to their practise, or to anyone keen to refamiliarise themselves with the basic principles and practices of Buddhism.

The Buddhist Society’s ‘Introducing Buddhism’ course consists of seven consecutive talks designed to acquaint the newcomer with the basic fundamentals of Buddhism. Each talk is designed to give an introduction to the theory and practice of Buddhist teachings and how they relate to our everyday life and problems, in the modern world. Many experienced Buddhists have found these classes valuable in refreshing their understanding of the Dharma.

The Buddhist Society considers the Introducing Buddhism course to be of special importance as it forms the foundation for its structured programme. In this context, those who have attended this course are encouraged to continue their studies by attending the First Turning of the Wheel Course, The Great Way Course, and the Gateway to the Vajrayana Course.

Those wishing to attend are asked to do so from the opening talk.

These classes are free and open to non-members but students are encouraged to join The Society as members to support our wonderful free classes and courses and donations are very welcome.

Subjects include:
Lesson 1. What is Buddhism? The Buddha’s life story
Lesson 2. Three Signs of Being, Three Fires
Lesson 3. Four Noble Truths
Lesson 4. Noble Eightfold Path
Lesson 5. Wheel of Life, Karma & Re-birth
Lesson 6. The Paramitas
Lesson 7. Meditation, Where to from here?

About the Teacher

This course will be led by Olwen Smith, a long term member of The Buddhist Society and Shobo-an Zen Temple. Olwen is a current tutor for The Buddhist Society's Correspondence Course in Basic Buddhism, leads a local Zen group in Oldham, and will be teaching topics from The First Turning of Wheel Course at this year's Buddhist Society Summer School. Olwen has been a science teacher specialising in teacher training and latterly adult education.