Beginning October 4th, FCM will offer a six-week Introduction to Buddhism course at the Practice Center in Tampa. Classes will be suitable for people with a general interest in Buddhism, as well as for both new and experienced practitioners who want to expand their understanding of the Buddha and his fundamental teachings.

We will begin with the actual life of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, an archetype of a human being awakening to the true meaning and purpose of life. Then we will delve systematically into the fundamental teachings of the “path of awakening” that he promulgated during the course of his nearly forty-five years of active teaching. Finally, we will examine the various practice and meditative paths that have developed within the Buddhist tradition over the past 2600 years.

 
Talks will be supplemented by a list of suggested readings.

Classes will be Tuesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, October 4th through November 8th in the Meditation Hall of the FCM Practice Center, 6501 North Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. Cost for this six-week class is $60. If you have any questions, please contact Bryan Hindert at bbhindert@gmail.com

This course will be taught by:

Betsy Arizu has been interested in Buddhism for over 30 years as a counselor and artist. Her formal study began in 2011 when she became a student of Fred Eppsteiner and a practicing member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness.  In 2015 she was ordained as a member of the Order of Interbeing, a community of lay and monastic practitioners established by the Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn. She is currently a participant in the Five Year Dharma Transmission Program led by Fred Eppsteiner, Community Care Leader for the Florida Community of Mindfulness and leads mindfulness workshops for educators, psychologists, school and mental health counselors and social workers.

Bryan Hindert has been practicing Buddhism since 2008, when a strong desire to make changes in his life and to develop a better relationship with his mind drew him to the Florida Community of Mindfulness. Since then, he has taken part in Intensive practice periods offered by FCM, both group and solitary retreats, and every opportunity offered by the community to deepen his practice. He is currently taking part in a 5-year Dharma Transmission Program being offered by Fred Eppsteiner, the Dharma teacher of the Florida Community of Mindfulness.  Bryan enjoys serving the community in any way he is able, and he loves to share the teachings of the Buddha with others so they too can enjoy the freedom these teachings can bring.