Religion and Philosophy   

In Sanskrit, the word Buddhism translates as “the study and practice of awakening.” Awakening can be described as the discovery of our core intelligence and its connection to all of creation. We will examine teachings such as the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the three refuges and the bodhisattva vow, and consider how they lead to an awakened life. Prerequisites: While it is helpful for participants to have some knowledge of meditation and esotericism, it is more important to have a sincere desire to learn about and apply these perspectives.

We will survey antisemitism through ancient literature, Christian scripture, early Church fathers, councils, Crusades, Reformation leaders and movements, and pogroms from 1000 CE through the Shoah (Holocaust). Class time will include lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: Participants should have a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will survey antisemitism through ancient literature, Christian scripture, early Church fathers, councils, Crusades, Reformation leaders and movements, and pogroms from 1000 CE through the Shoah (Holocaust). Class time will include lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: Participants should have a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

The Celtic Moral Code says, “live from deep inner knowledge of heart and soul, manifest it by physical action and be true to one’s word.” We will explore earth-centered Celtic spirituality, which respects the land, its spirits and the mysticism of the Otherworld. We will virtually visit sacred sites and explore celebrations and ceremonies of the eight-fold Celtic calendar, and conclude with a hands-on activity of creating personal icons. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $5 for shared art materials.

Scottish naturalist John Muir (1838-1914), champion of U.S. National Parks and founder of the Sierra Club, was a wild wanderer in nature and religion. As both a conservationist and preservationist, he brought a down-to-earth perspective to his explorations of the edges of traditional religion and beyond. We will read and discuss selected writings (provided by the instructor) and learn more about Muir through lectures and videos. Prerequisites: Participants should be ready and willing to participate in discussions. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Scottish naturalist John Muir (1838-1914), champion of U.S. National Parks and founder of the Sierra Club, was a wild wanderer in nature and religion. As both a conservationist and preservationist, he brought a down-to-earth perspective to his explorations of the edges of traditional religion and beyond. We will read and discuss selected writings (provided by the instructor) and learn more about Muir through lectures and videos. Prerequisites: Participants should be ready and willing to participate in discussions. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

The Dalai Lama quotes from Buddha’s teaching: “If you realize the nature of your mind, it is wisdom. Therefore cultivate thorough discrimination not to seek buddhahood elsewhere.” We will delve into key ideas of the classical Buddhist worldview including the Four Noble Truths, karma, samsara, nirvana and Buddha nature as the potential in each sentient being’s mind to realize perfect enlightenment. Notes: Depending on interest, offsite guidance and meditation may be offered. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes. Required textbook: The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by the Dalai Lama (1995), ISBN 978-0861710973.

The Dalai Lama quotes from Buddha’s teaching: “If you realize the nature of your mind, it is wisdom. Therefore cultivate thorough discrimination not to seek buddhahood elsewhere.” We will delve into key ideas of the classical Buddhist worldview including the Four Noble Truths, karma, samsara, nirvana and Buddha nature as the potential in each sentient being’s mind to realize perfect enlightenment. Notes: Depending on interest, offsite guidance and meditation may be offered. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes. Required textbook: The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by the Dalai Lama (1995), ISBN 978-0861710973.