The Lotus Sutra is the most revered text in many Mahayana Buddhist cultures around the world, and is pivotal in Dogen’s views on space, time, the our deep connection to the Earth. Using many parables and rich imagery, the sutra offers a compassionate and inclusive vision of bodhisattva practice—the way to liberation for and with all beings.
Throughout the practice period we will explore the stories and teachings of the Lotus Sutra through dharma talks, small and large group discussion, writing exercises, and the visual arts. Below you will find a provisional schedule of class speakers and topics for the practice period, as well as PDF files you can download, a reading list and a key to Lotus Sutra chapter content.
On Sundays we will have an extended schedule (9:30-12:30), and on Wednesdays the class time will be included in the regular schedule, 7:00-9:00.PM
Sunday schedule:
9:30 zazen
10:00 kinhin
10:10 zazen
10:40 service
11:00-12:30 dharma talk and class
Lotus Sutra Class Schedule (as all phenomena, subject to change)
Sat Sept 26 Kate Dream, Story, Image Chapter 1
Sun Sept 27 Michael Skillful Means/Burning House Chapters 2-3
Wed Sept 30Kate Poetry and the Lotus Sutra: four Japanese poets
Sun Oct 4 Michael Historical/cultural context of Lotus Sutra
Wed Oct 7 Michael Dharma teacher Chapter 10
Sun Oct 11 Kate Bodhisattvas Emerging from the Earth Chapter15
Wed Oct 14 Michael The Lifespan of the Tathagatha Chapter 16
Sun Oct 18 Susan The Rich Father and the Poor Son Chapter 4
Wed Oct 21 Claire Dharma Rain Chapter 5
Sun Oct 25 Flo The Phantom City Chapter 7
Wed Oct 28 Kate Gender and Hierarchy in Lotus Sutra Chapters 12-13
Sun Nov 1 Kate Bodhisattva Practice Chapters 20, 25
Wed Nov 4 TBA
