The Noble Eightfold Path, Online 11/7–11/14
Description
The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.
Two Saturdays, November 7 and 14, 9:00–11:00 am PT
“Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: it is this Noble Eightfold Path.” — Buddha
The heart of Buddha’s teaching is expressed in the Four Noble Truths and the practical application of this teaching is found in the Noble Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path is what brings the Four Noble Truths to life.
At times of great uncertainty, anxiety and confusion, including the unfolding of this election season in our country, the Noble Eightfold Path can guide us to experience in our own lives the purpose of the Buddha’s teachings: liberation from suffering.
Often referred to as Buddha’s medicine, the path consists of eight “wise” elements: wise view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. To journey through all eight components of the Noble Path is to travel toward a life of understanding (prajna/wisdom), skillfulness (sila/ethics) and insightful concentration (samadhi/meditation).
Together we’ll explore the meaning of each element of the Noble Eightfold Path, learning how to apply them to our daily lives and practice so that we might embody this Path for the benefit of all beings—ourselves and others. We will pay special attention to the personal, societal, and global challenges we are currently experiencing, highlighting the practical application of this ancient wisdom.
Materials will be sent out in advance of each class. While purchase is not necessary, the teachers will reference the following books, in addition to other resources:
- The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Noble Truths, Noble Path: The Heart Essence of the Buddha’s Original Teachings by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Please join Diane and Cynthia in this study of Buddha’s essential, timeless teaching.
Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.
Fee Information
- Benefactor Ticket Price: $140 — supports others’ participation
- Standard ticket price: $112 — covers full program costs
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $100 — for current SFZC members
- Supported: $68 — community supported rate
- Deeply Supported: $28 — for broadest accessibility
- Current SFZC residents and qualified SFZC retirees may attend this course for free. To register, please email onlineprograms@sfzc.org at least 72 hours before the program begins.
Or call 415-354-0360.
Ryotan Cynthia Kear
Cynthia is Guiding Teacher of Great Spirit Sangha and Women of the Way Sangha. She is also a senior teacher of Meditation in Recovery. Receiving Jukai with Paul Haller in 2004, Cynthia was subsequently ordained in 2008 and then Dharma Transmitted in 2010 by her heart teacher, Darlene Cohen.
Diane Shoshin Fitzgerald
Diane was ordained as a Soto Zen priest in 2013 and received full Dharma transmission in 2017 in the combined lineage that derives from Rev Master Jiyu-Kennett, the first western female Soto Zen priest, and the koan teaching Sanbo Kyodan Zen Community through Robert Aitken, Roshi. Diane formed the Zen DownEast Maine sangha in 2012 and serves as its Spiritual Director/Guiding Teacher.