New Continuing Ed Course through LSUS $39: Buddhism in the West

[shreveportsangha]

The Buddhism in the West class is filling up fast. The university has increased the maximum number allowed to register, but there are still only 15 slots available. I hope to have them increase it again, but I have been told classroom space is limited. If you planned on taking this class yourself, or scholarshipping someone else, please do so as quickly as possible. Below is all the information about the course and how to register:
How to Register
1. Register online using your credit card at:
http://www.ce.lsus.edu/CatalogOfferi...offeringID=744
2. Register by phone using your credit card during regular business hours at: (318)798-4177.
3. You can also go to LSUS in the Continuing Education office located across the hall from the bookstore and register using a credit card, check, money order, or cash.
4. Finally, you may sign up by mail. If you have received a course catalog in the mail from LSUS you will find the registration form in the back of the catalog.

Course Information
* This course is a study program offered by the LSUS Continuing Education Dept. IT IS NOT A FUNCTION OF THE REFUGE MEDITATION GROUP
* The cost for this course is $39/ $29 for LSUS students with valid student id
* It will be held on Wednesday nights from 7pm-8pm, starting January 21st-April 8th

Course Description
This course will be a chapter by chapter study of the Bodhicaryavatara, translated as The Way of the Bodhisattva. This text was composed in 8th century India by a monk at Nalanda University named Shantideva, and serves as one of the most fundamental texts of Mahayana Buddhism. Its influence has perhaps been most profound within Tibetan Buddhism, as many of the great Tibetan teachers, including H.H. XIV Dalai Lama, regard it as their favorite text, quoting & teaching from it regularly. However, the influence of this text is not limited to Buddhism, as readers from all sorts of religious backgrounds have cited it as a great source of inspiration. The Way of the Bodhisattva is an incredibly enjoyable read due to its simplicity & rich poetic language. The book is in fact a long poem that spans the whole of Buddhist philosophy, from the beginning to enlightenment, in practical & personal terms, largely detached from the cultural barriers and dry philosophical treaties that can make Buddhism a difficult read. It is the intention of this course to make the fundamental philosophies & practices of Buddhism understandable and accessible to the average western reader.

Instructor Bio
Benjamin Riggs serves as an instructor of Buddhist meditation for the Refuge Meditation Group. He has practiced & studied Buddhism for about 10 years, some of which was spent under such notable teachers as; H.H. XIV Dalai Lama, Geshe Sonam Rinchen, and Jetsun Thubten.