Discovering Buddhism Study Group
Seventh Module: Refuge in the Three Jewels

Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10 (optional review session) from 7 to 9pm
Jewel Heart Center

In this module, we will study what it means to take refuge in the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and the essential practices of refuge. We will also discuss the advantages of taking lay vows and the role such vows can play in enhancing our spiritual growth.

Students will investigate together such questions as:

Why are the Three Jewels suitable objects of refuge?

What are the specific benefits of and causes for taking refuge?

What should we avoid and practice once we have taken refuge in the Three Jewels?

This module is especially relevant for students who took refuge recently with Venerable Robina Courtin and would like some more advice and explanations about how to practice.

Discovering Buddhism (DB) study groups are geared for students who wish to deepen their understanding of fundamental Buddhist concepts. Shantideva Meditation works with a version of the DB home study program, which includes transcripts of teachings by qualified Western teachers, presentations by a facilitator, discussion among peers, and guided meditations.

Dates and Time:

Wednesdays: January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10 (optional review session at a private home) from 7 to 9pm

Location:

Jewel Heart Center: 260 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Directions: 260 West Broadway is just below Canal Street. The entrance is in the St. John's Lane alleyway that runs parallel to and between Varick Street and 6th Avenue. Here is a map showing the location of Jewel Heart Center.

Subway Transportation: 1 to Franklin St.; A, C, E to Canal St.; N, R to Canal St.

Suggested Donation:

Fee: $50 (or $10/session) to help support direct costs, including space rental, Dharma materials, and administration.

Shantideva Meditation Members: $45

Registration:

Register here for this module. Please note that readings for session one (to be read in advance) will be included in your confirmation email.

Online registration will close at 3pm on Wednesday, January 6. Walk-ins are welcome.

Readings:

If you are a registered student, you may access the readings here, on our password protected page. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about accessing this page.

About the Facilitator:

Gustavo Cutz has worked at Wisdom Publications in Boston, has been an active volunteer with Shantideva Meditation Center since 2008, and has been a facilitator for Discovering Buddhism since 2012. He also interprets/summarizes Geshe Thubten Soepa's teachings on topics such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Worldly Dharmas, the Six Perfections, the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation, and recently Shantideva's A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, chapters 1-3. Gus recently completed his doctorate in psychology at Long Island University and currently practices as a clinician on Long Island.

About Us

Shantideva Meditation Center is dedicated to cultivating wisdom and compassion through the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism within the New York community.

We are affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), which is based on the Gelugpa tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught by Founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe, and Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

For more information, please email Shantideva Meditation or visit our website!