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The Buddha’s Path Study Programme – Module #1: Foundations of Buddhist Theory I: An Overview

An Online Course from Samadhi

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Introduction to Buddhism

Explore the profound wisdom of the Buddha and embark on a transformative journey with our new multi-year foundational study programme, The Buddha’s Path.

This programme is designed to guide us, step by step, from the foundational teachings and practices of Buddhism to the more advanced meditative techniques and philosophical concepts.

This is Module #1, entitled Foundations of Buddhist Theory I: An Overview

This module delves into an overview of the foundational aspects of Buddhist teachings. 

Part One of this module explores the life of the Buddha, provides an introduction to Buddhism as a whole, and explores the first teaching of the Buddha: the Four Noble Truths.

Part Two then explores the Noble Eightfold Path and the significance of Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels.

This module serves as a comprehensive overview, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Buddhist theory and practice in subsequent modules. 

Cost & Registration

This module is offered freely but it is tradition to offer dana (donation) to the teacher and the organisation for the teachings. All our online activities are supported by the kindness of our community, please consider making an offering if you can. You can do so at any point by visiting this page.

Assessment & Certification

There is an optional end-of-module assessment and exam. Upon completion of these, you will receive feedback on your essay from the Course Leader and a certificate for this module. Completion of all modules will enable you to participate in the future Teacher Training Programme.

Module 1:
Foundations of Buddhist Theory I: An Overview

Part One:
• Life of the Buddha
• Introduction to Buddhism
• The Four Noble Truths

Part Two:
• The Noble Eightfold Path
• Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels

Meet the Course Leader

David Oromith

Buddhist Contemplative, Author & Meditation Guide

David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living: Five Ways to Restore Presence and Calm Amidst Challenge & Change. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.

David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.

David discovered meditation & Buddhism through his experience of depression and suicidal thoughts and is passionate about helping people take back control of their mental wellbeing, work with their thoughts and feelings, and discover genuine wellbeing and joy within. Read more.

david

David is an experienced Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide who has studied and taught internationally for several years. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and a qualified mindfulness teacher, Mental Health First Aider, and an active member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity. His teaching style is clear and practical, and his warm and humorous approach makes him a popular mindfulness teacher. In his own practise and teachings, David focusses on the core themes of Early Buddhism and emphasises the practices of Shamatha (meditative quiescence), and its union with Vipassana on the Four Applications of Mindfulness and the Four Immeasurables – which presents a direct path leading to the realisation of our deepest nature and the potentials of consciousness, and closely follows how the Buddha himself attained enlightenment. He considers himself to be the fortunate student of many teachers, including his root lama, Lama Alan Wallace.

Online Course Content

Part One
Introduction & The Life Story of the Buddha
The Spread Of Buddhism: Three Main Branches of Practice
The Four Noble Truths: The Truth of Suffering
The Four Noble Truths: The Causes (Origin) of Suffering
Part Two
The Noble Eightfold Path: Prajñā – Right View, Right Resolve
Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels
Module 1: Final Assessment

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