Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre Launches “Five Lectures on Learning Buddhism” — Participants from North America and Europe Gather to Study Together

On March 7, a total of 123 participants from Vancouver, Seattle, and various parts of Europe gathered happily both in person and online to mark the official opening of the "Five Lectures on Learning Buddhism," organized by the Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre. During the session, new and returning students joyfully met one another. Some are encountering Buddhist teachings for the first time; others, having just completed previous Buddhist courses, volunteered to serve as care facilitators. Through supporting and accompanying others, they continue their own path of learning Buddhism. The atmosphere was warm and filled with Dharma joy.
 
Among the online participants, 14 joined from the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, and Germany, forming a small "United Nations"–like class. Although the course is primarily conducted in person, Venerable Chang Wu (常悟法師), Director of the Vancouver Centre, was deeply moved by the students' earnest aspiration to learn the Dharma and made it possible for them to participate online.

Venerable Chang Wu explained that the origin of this course traces back to a teaching given by Master Sheng Yen at Nung Chan Monastery to the resident monks and nuns when he was 62 years old. The Master encouraged all followers within the Dharma Drum Mountain system to emphasize both understanding and practice. This entails not only grasping the fundamental principles of Buddhism, but also knowing how to practice through the Buddhist teachings, and thereby developing the ability to promote and share the "Five Lectures on Learning Buddhism." Venerable Chang Wu reminded everyone to dedicate themselves with compassion, wisdom, and respect, bringing joy to others and benefiting all beings. She also emphasized that benefiting sentient beings is the work of the Tathagata family, and a shared direction for all practitioners.
 
Class instructor Venerable Chang Si (常嗣法師) outlined the course structure, classroom discipline, and meal etiquette. Participants were reminded to maintain awareness of body and mind, uphold right mindfulness, and cultivate gratitude. During meals, they were encouraged to observe the five contemplations, eat in silence, practice mindfulness in eating as a form of meditation, and appreciate all the causes and conditions that made participation in the course possible.
 
In class, participants sat upright and attentive—at times lowering their heads to take notes, at times reflecting deeply on the teachings, and at times nodding gently. In a calm and focused atmosphere, they followed the monastic's guidance, gradually deepening their understanding of the Dharma while silently forming aspirations to study and practice Buddhist teachings. After class, many participants indicated that they had initially thought the "Five Lectures on Learning Buddhism" was merely a basic course. However, once they started to participate in the class, they discovered its profound teachings and meditation guidance. This not only brought them Dharma joy but also laid a solid foundation for their future path of practice.
 


◎ Original text in Chinese: 李湃Li Pai
◎ Photos: Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre
◎ Translation: Patricia Yang 
◎ Editing: Keith Brown