Mahayana 301 – The Heart of Daring 2023

Saturdays, January 7 – February 18, 9:00 – 10:30 AM (Pacific)

This course is the first in a series that builds on the foundation of Hinayana philosophy.  It expands our concern for our own happiness to include that of others. The teachings introduce us to the possibility of transforming even the most negative emotions into positive states of mind. By working with emotions and exploring the illusory nature of all phenomena, we can develop a heart of genuine compassion. Mahayana also introduces the idea of buddha nature — the understanding that our hearts and minds are, from the beginning, the same as the Buddha’s.

Mahayana 301 consists of three lectures and one practicum that are drawn principally from the teachings of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Topics include The Four Immeasurables, Bodhicitta and the Bodhisattva Vow.  Each class begins with 15 minutes of shamatha practice.

It is recommended that students have some background in Buddhist studies. In particular, students should be familiar with key Buddhist teachings such as karma, rebirth, individual liberation, selflessness and the Four Noble Truths.  It is important to also have some experience with calm abiding  (shamatha) meditation practice.

The classes are taught by Sal Tufano with class lectures offered every other Saturday (except on holiday weekends). Class lectures are alternated with Saturday discussion groups examining the questions presented in the study guide.

All classes will be hosted on Zoom and will be recorded. Access to recordings will be available until two weeks after the course has concluded. After registration, you will be sent an email with the Zoom link and password as well as a link to the Resource Page with the recordings.

January 7 – Class 1: Foundations of the Mahayana
January 14 – Discussion Group for class one
January 21 – Class 2: Practicum on Four Immeasurables
January 28 – Class 3: Bodhicitta, The Heart of Awakening
February 4 – Discussion Group for class three
February 11 – Class 4: How to Become a Child of the Buddhas
February 18 – Discussion Group for class four

Sal Tufano began a Dharma path seven years ago in Boulder, Colorado at Naropa University, with a masters degree in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. His path has continued through the study and meditation programs offered by Nalandabodhi and Nitartha Institute.  He has been a student of Ponlop Rinpoche since November of 2016.

Sal has spent the last four years on the Nalandabodhi International Senior Administrative Team doing strategy and financial work. He has contributed to some key mandala projects like acquiring the Contemplative Resource Center in Texas and the ongoing Digital Content Delivery project. He has tried to make the best of the difficult last two years by dramatically increasing daily practice, taking a lot of on-line classes and reading lots of dharma books.