Bhikkhu Bodhi Teaching in Upstate NY

Text for the course (Wisdom Publications)

A Study Course in the Majjhima Nikaya
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: The First 50 Suttas

(BAUS.org) Saturday mornings (9:30-11:20 am), subject to change, contact CYM (see below) to add your email to the class notice. Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, who is originally from New York City, has been a Buddhist monk since 1972. He is regarded as the greatest living English-speaking Buddhist scholar by Wisdom Quarterly. He was editor of the Buddhist Publication Society in Sri Lanka from 1984 to 2002. He has edited Ven. Nanamoli’s translation of the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha (Majjhima Nikaya), translated the Connected Discourses of the Buddha (Samyutta Nikaya), and compiled an anthology from the Pali Canon (In the Buddha’s Words). He now resides and teaches at Chuang Yen Monastery and Bodhi Monastery in Lafayette, NJ.

• Nov. 13: MN 39, Greater Discourse at Assapura (1)
• Nov. 20: MN 39, Greater Discourse at Assapura (2)
• Dec. 11: MN 41, Saleyyaka Sutta, To the Brahmins of Sala
• Dec. 18: MN 45 & 46, Ways of Undertaking Things (Smaller and Larger in one class)

The Middle Length Discourses is one of the oldest collections of the Buddha’s original teachings, described as Buddhist scriptures that combine the richest variety of scenarios with the deepest and most wide ranging selection of teachings.

The sutras — full of drama, reasoned arguments, and brilliant parables — bring the Buddha to life in the full glory of his wisdom and compassionate humanity. This course offers a chance to study the text with one of the co-translators of the most popular and influential English translations of it.

In this second part of the course, open to all, Bhikkhu Bodhi will continue with a selection from the first 50 discourses, which cover topics ranging from the Buddha’s life, to basic ethics, discourses on meditation, and early Buddhist philosophy. Each class starts with a half-hour silent meditation, followed by a lecture on the sutra, with opportunity for questions. A discussion period led by Bhikkhu Bodhi will be held after lunch, from noon to 12:30 pm.

• Location: Chuang Yen Monastery, 2020 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512
• Place: BAUS Library, near entrance, next to the lake
• Cost: No charge for the courses. Donations to monastery welcome.
• Note: It is essential to verify by email or phone whether each class will be given before driving out. CYM will send an email by 7:00 am on the Saturday of each class to all registered. Or call to hear a recorded message at (845) 228-4645 at 7:00 am before class.