Attendance｜Make-up｜Completion
⦾ Attendance Policy
Each session consists of 10 classes. Students must attend at least 5 classes in person. Up to 3 absences are permitted per session. Additional absences may affect eligibility to advance to the next level. Arriving more than 20 minutes late will be counted as an absence and will require a make-up class.
⦾ Make-up
A maximum of 5 make-up classes may be completed per session. Make-up classes must be completed within 4 weeks of the missed class. Any make-up classes not completed within this period will be recorded as absences. Students with special circumstances are encouraged to notify the Monastery in advance.
⦾ Course Completion & Recognition:
Students who successfully complete the course (with no more than 3 absences and up to 5 make-up classes) will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to enroll in the next level.
Students with perfect attendance—no absences, tardiness, or early departures—will receive a Special Recognition Certificate in appreciation of their diligence and commitment.
General Guidelines
⦾ All students should maintain a healthy lifestyle with sound body and mind.
⦾ All Dharma events and classes are free of charge. We are supported by generous donations from our members. Any donation is appreciated and will benefit yourself and others.
⦾ To maintain the purity of the monastery, all solicitation and business related activities are prohibited.
⦾ Please wear comfortable and modest attire (with sleeves and long pants).
Socks are required.
⦾ Those who finish the course will receive a certificate and be qualified for the next level.
Class Description
Meditation & Buddhism Classes
Each class meets for two hours and consists of meditation practice (inc. instruction) in the first hour, and a lecture on Buddhist principles in the second hour.
Level I:Beginning Chan Meditation and Fundamental Concepts of Buddhism
The meditation portion of the class teaches breath-counting, mindfulness of the breath, and middle way reality. The lecture topics include the introduction to Buddhism and Chan(Zen), Karma and causality, the Four Noble Truths, Three Refuges and Five Precepts.
Prerequisite: One Stick of Incense experience is recommended.
Level II：Chan Meditation & Intermediate Buddhist Contemplation and Practices
The meditation portion builds on the previous methods and includes compassion contemplation. The lecture topics include the Ten Dharma Realms, Bodhisattva ideal, the six paramitas; the perfection of charity, morality, tolerance, diligence, meditation, and prajna wisdom.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 Beginning Chan Meditation Class required.
Level III：Chan Meditation & Advanced Buddhist Contemplation and Practices
The meditation portion builds on the Level 1 & 2 methods and includes the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The lecture topics include the Ten Dharma Realms, Twelve Links of Interdependence, Four Foundations of Mindfulness, The Four Great Vows, and Four Ways of Bodhisattva Fellowship.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 & Level 2 Classes required.
Chan Meditation & Sutra Study
The meditation portion includes previous and additional meditation methods. The topics are from selected Buddhist scriptures such as The Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters, The Eight Realization of Great Beings, The Sutra of Impermanence, and The Essence of Mahayana Practice, etc.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Classes required
Bodhi Garden Meditation Class
Class designed for Parents with children/youth ages 4-14 to discover their inner wisdom and develop a positive outlook on life. The creatively designed curriculum includes meditation instructions, Dharma talks, Zen stories, character-building activities, and more. Students learn to sharpen their awareness and concentration and to appreciate the gifts of this world.