Developing Spiritual Integrity: Living the Vows
Embark on a transformative journey of spiritual growth with by delving into the profound teachings of Buddhist ethics. We will explore a wide array of topics, including the significance of vows in shaping ethical living, the relationship between morality and deep meditation, and the ultimate realization of reality. Gain insights into the three trainings, various vows from one-day to lifetime lay vows, and the essence of monastic vows. Discover the importance of finding a qualified teacher, purifying karma, and practicing the six perfections on the path to spiritual fulfillment.
This course is based upon the Sutra on Vowed Morality (Vinaya Sutra) by Master Gunaprabha (500 AD), with commentaries from The Essence of the Ocean of Vinaya (Dulwa Gyatsoy Nyingpo) by Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419); The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (Yishin Norbu) by Choney Lama Drakpa Shedrup (1675-1748); and Day Maker (Nyin Je) by Master Ngulchu Dharma Bhadra (1772-1851).
Topics include: the three trainings; one day vows; the five lifetime lay vows; the individual freedom vows; an outline of novice, intermediate, and fully ordained monastic vows; the essence of vows; the basic nature of vows; reasons to live an ethical life; reasons to take vows; why morality is the key to meditation and seeing emptiness directly; how to keep vows from being damaged; how vows are lost; the specific karma resulting from each of the ten non-virtues; how to find a teacher; the characteristics of a qualified teacher; taking refuge; the four forces of karmic purification; the four truths; and the six perfections.
Class Readings:
Dharma Essentials IX copy
ONLINE Course Taught by Lama Amie Diller and Jay Nair
Starting June 6th
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm -8 pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 224-735-8115
Passcode: 1234
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
www.diamondlightsac.org/donate or “Diamond Light” on Venmo.
Suggested donation: $10-$20 to cover expenses, which include ongoing rent for our Center, fees to provide online services and supporting our teachers. No one turned away due to lack of funds.
About the Teacher: Amie Diller stumbled upon Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in 1979, dropped out of college and embarked on the life-long study and practice of Buddha Dharma in both the Zen and Indo-Tibetan traditions. In 2010 she was requested to start the Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Center in Sacramento & in 2019 Amie received Dharma Transmission from Sensei Sokaku Kathie Fischer.
Amie has a deep interest in recognizing the often unacknowledged, marginalized parts of ourselves and our culture – and learning how to skillfully invite them into our practice. As a certified nurse-midwife, mother, hospital chaplain, prison
volunteer and “Cultivating Emotional Balance” teacher, she enjoys encouraging students in meditation retreats, and in taking our meditation off the cushion into the world.
About the Teacher: Hailing from a traditional South Indian Yogic family, Jay Nair grew up by the banks of river Periyar, has been practicing some type of yoga and socially engaged spirituality from early on in life and studying modern Mindfulness since 2010. He also received training in Tibetan and Vipassana practices, and participated in many long term yoga meditation retreats. Jay Nair is trained in Indian Music and started performing solo concerts at the early age of ten. Since then Jay has been performing and recording Indian and world fusion music. IT Engineer by profession, Jay is a blend of Science, Art and Spirituality and believes Technology and Consciousness transforms each other.