Introduction to Buddhism 2025

Curious about the Buddhist path? Please join us for a new ongoing series, Introduction to Buddhism on Wednesday evenings in 2025 from 6:00–7:00p onsite at Nalanda West.

Each class will consist of meditation, listening/viewing, and discussion. Feel free to drop in at any time!

Classes will follow the Nalandabodhi Digital Dharma curriculum, so students can review or repeat any lessons at their own pace.

Where & When

Wednesday evenings at Nalanda West (onsite only)
6:00–7:00p PT

Cost

In the spirit of dāna and the generosity of dharma, these classes are offered donation. Please make a contribution to help Nalandabodhi Seattle keep the doors open and the lights on.

Text

The texts for Introduction to Buddhism are based on teachings by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

Nalanda Store

• Complete content for BUD 101, 102, 103, 104 available in the Nalanda Store

Apple Books

• Introduction to Buddhism 101: The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey
• Introduction to Buddhism 102: Traveling from Confusion to Original Sanity
• Introduction to Buddhism 103: Karma, Rebirth, and Selflessness
• Introduction to Buddhism 104: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Google Play Store 

• Introduction to Buddhism 101: The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey
• Introduction to Buddhism 102: Traveling from Confusion to Original Sanity
• Introduction to Buddhism 103: Karma, Rebirth, and Selflessness
• Introduction to Buddhism 104: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Questions?

Please contact the Nalandabodhi Study coordinator Kris Shaw if you have any questions.

Teacher Bio

Nalandabodhi Karunika Kris Shaw has been a student of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche since 1997. A long-time Buddhist, he is the father of two children and has been a public defender for over 20 years. He’s interested in lucid dreaming, Taylor Swift, and suffering less and less.

The “Karunika” title: In 2021, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, with the support of the Nalandabodhi Acharyas, Lamas, and Mitras (the most senior group of designated teachers in Nalandabodhi), appointed over eighty long-time students to serve in a newly created supporting teacher’s role to assist in guiding our sangha members and to help share with the general public Nalandabodhi’s unique approach to spirituality. The Sanskrit term “Karunika” means “one who has compassion.” Possessing a wide range of backgrounds and sets of individual expertise, as well as formidable experience in the study and practice of the Buddhadharma, the Karunikas offer programs on themes connected to the paths of study, meditation, and mindful activity and on the “five fields of knowledge”: healing, the arts, language and communication, logic and epistemology, and the inner science of mind.