Introduction to the Five Precepts

All are welcome to join in this introduction to the Five Buddhist Precepts for laypeople. Running six Mondays from Jan. 9 to Feb. 13, this course is an exploration of the Buddha’s teachings on the five ethical precepts and how they inform our practice today. It is designed to:

• Introduce the practice of living by the Five Precepts as training for Buddhist practitioners.
• Introduce lay etiquette and customs supportive to monastics of the Ajahn Chah lineage.
• Provide a community of support for this exploration, and a doorway to deeper practice.

A progressive practice
Starting with the first precept in week one, by the end of the course, we will be practicing with and reflecting on all five. In the final week of the course, participants will have the option to undertake a traditional ceremony of Requesting the Five Precepts. Those requesting the precepts will be encouraged and supported to live by all five for a period of three months, draw near to the monastic sangha and practice with others living on the precepts.

All are welcome
This course will be taught in person at the Portland Dhamma Center, 1404 SE.. 25th Ave. All are welcome to begin in the first two weeks of class. This course closes to new participants after the second session on Jan. 16. All programs are supported by the generous giving of the community.

For more information or to RSVP, email us through the contact page at www.pdxdhamma.org. There is no charge for this course. Donations are gratefully accepted.