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Discovering Buddhism Course at FPMT??
Does anyone have any experience with this course? I am currently working through the free Meditation module and like it so far, although the boards are pretty quiet. Do you think it is worth the money? Each module is $45 or free if you join at the $30-99/month membership level. Each module is supposed to take approximately 2 months to complete.
I feel drawn to the Tibetan traditions of Buddhism but the closest center as 1 1/2 hours away and I have not been able to attend because of my night shift schedule. There is a Zen group here but I do not think that is the direction I want to go. I am still very new on this path and am reading a lot and starting meditations.
Thank you for any advice/insight/information you have.:D
I feel drawn to the Tibetan traditions of Buddhism but the closest center as 1 1/2 hours away and I have not been able to attend because of my night shift schedule. There is a Zen group here but I do not think that is the direction I want to go. I am still very new on this path and am reading a lot and starting meditations.
Thank you for any advice/insight/information you have.:D
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Comments
Having a teacher and a group of people for support is important - especially when you start delving deeper into the murky depths of the mind
I don't know about any others' experience, but the thought of paying for online modules with a quiet user-base makes me uneasy :S
I did look into the Temple in Ann Arbor. They have classes but they are weekly so unfortunately I can't attend them. I do plan on trying to get there for one of their programs in the future but cannot attend regularily.
Thanks for the quick reply Gecko Nice to know someone else is up when I am! (It 5 am here
A RN? Kudos! I know a couple of RN practicing Buddhism, and I reckon they are some of the most calm and compassionate people around!
In light of what you said, it actually sounds like a good alternative (I'm terrified of shift work!) There are a couple of people on the forums here who are proud isolated practitioners (I can't remember their names, but one has the Awesome Chuck Norris as their avatar) - they are bound to have loads of advice for you!
I'm also currently taking the free meditation module, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm approaching it as though I'm officially enrolled in class, ie reading all the required materials (including the required book, How to Meditate by Kathleen McDonald), taking the quizzes, practicing each technique, and so forth. I'm finding this course to be very beneficial for my practice. Kathleen McDonald (aka Ven. Sangye Khadro) is an excellent meditation teacher, who presents ideas in a clear way that is very easy to follow.
I have been planning on taking some of the other modules when I've finished with this one; right now I'm thinking I would also like to try the Establishing a Daily Practice, How to Develop Bodhichitta, and Transforming Problems courses. I don't think $45 is too much, especially considering I am already taking an important class for free.
You asked about the message boards, which I don't really use (since I'm always here
I happen to be fortunate enough to live near the FPMT headquarters, so I have personal experience with the organization. I have learned so much from the resources they provide, so I do think it would be good to continue to explore the options they have. I haven't renewed my membership since it expired but your post is a good reminder that I should
Hope this helps!
The Dharma is pretty much unchanged ( Almost ) from the lineage
I know some people who take their course and they say that it is very helpful in developing a knowledge of Gelugpa Buddhism.
:bigclap:
There's so many ways and methods out there, I get lost even trying to just compare them to what I want!
I will post the link and information again for those who are interested.
Check out the FPMT Online Learning Center and scroll down the page to the courses. The free course is the Discovering Buddhism Module 2 - How to Meditate. The enrollment key for this class is calmabiding07.
There is another class that is currently being offered for free, Living in the Path Module 1 - Motivation for Life. The enrollment key is motivation03. You can set up an account and take both classes if you like.
I'd highly recommend doing the classes as though you were doing it for credit - listening to the teachings, reading the required materials, practicing the meditations, etc - to get the most benefit from them.
I hope many people try them out and find that they can apply the techniques to their daily lives!
Time to shove the dunce-hat under the desk and sharpen the pencil once again!