智覺學苑

1. 智覺學苑 Buddhism in Modern Language at Pho-Hien Temple Academy of Wisdom & Enlightenment (AWE) www.AWE-edu.com L2.1 Learning Skills

2. Prostrations Respectful Greetings Namo Buddhaya Enlightened persons Namo Dharmaya Way, path, method Namo Sanghaya Pure hearts L2.1 Learning Skills

3. Dedication of Intent (Gatha) The unsurpassed, profound and intricate dharma is difficult to encounter, even over hundreds and thousands of kalpas. Now I have seen and heard the dharma, I behold and uphold what the dharma offers. I wish to understand the true meaning of the “Tathagata”. L2.1 Learning Skills

4. Learning Skills Lecture #2.1 Speed Learning L2.1 Learning Skills

5. Habits resist learning L2.1 Learning Skills

6. Three Sets of Learning Skills I. Definitions of Terms II. Communication skill Set III. Mind Set L2.1 Learning Skills

7. Set I : Definition of Terms Survey Question: “Why do you want to learn Buddhism?” • Various answers/motivations/questions • Depends on the definition of Buddhism • AWE definition: Buddhism = Path to Enlightenment Why do you want to learn the way to enlightenment? What is Enlightenment L2.1 Learning Skills

8. Meaning and value of life Buddhism is actually an evolving human consciousness including religion, metaphysics, science and philosophy (The meaning of life) Enlightenment is embracing these knowledge in totality and living one’s life wisely to its highest value. (The value of life) L2.1 Learning Skills

9. Terms define context • Buddha • Nirvana • Bodhisattva • Zen • Metaphysics • Tathagata L2.1 Learning Skills

10. Three Sets of Learning Skills I. Definitions of Terms II. Communication skill Set III. Mind Set L2.1 Learning Skills

11. II. Communication Skill Set • Active listening • Appreciation • Expression • Establish Collective Consciousness L2.1 Learning Skills

12. II. 1Active listening • Do not criticize – right/wrong, good/bad • Do not try to fit information into existing silo • Accept other’s opinion (disagree is OK) • Do not interrupt Overcome ego L2.1 Learning Skills

13. II. 2Appreciation • Discover obstinacy in oneself • Connect with the speaker (body language) • Improve the elements and factors that mould our character Overcome ego L2.1 Learning Skills

14. II. 3Expression • Overcome fear of public speaking • Contribute by giving oneself • Learn to speak better from listening to others (considerate) Overcome ego L2.1 Learning Skills

15. II.4Establish Collective Consciousness • Absorb the good points from others • Minimize one’s obstinacy/stubbornness • The whole is greater than the sum of its parts Egocentric self grow with an open mind & breaking out of thinking box L2.1 Learning Skills

16. II.4Establish Collective Consciousness • Absorb the good points from others • Minimize one’s obstinacy/stubbornness • The whole is greater than the sum of its parts Egocentric self grow with an open mind & breaking out of thinking box L2.1 Learning Skills

17. II.4Establish Collective Consciousness https://www.youtube.com/embed/88UVJpQGi88 • The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: safety in numbers, scare off predators, function like a single organism • Which bird is the leader? Hundred thousands of birds no one crashing into each other • How is the command transmitted to a hundred thousand birds in a split second? Each bird gave up its own Egocentric self to attain higher consciousness / behaviour L2.1 Learning Skills

18. Three Sets of Learning Skills I. Definitions of Terms II. Communication skill Set III. Mind Set L2.1 Learning Skills

19. III. Mind Set Key to opening our mindsAn introduction to Metaphysics Metaphysics Lecture 1 Beyond infinity: How to expand our thinking mode L2.1 Learning Skills

20. Lecture #2.4 Learning Skills THE END Thank You L2.1 Learning Skills

21. Transfer of merit By this effort, may all sentient beings be free of suffering.  May their minds be filled with the nectar of virtue.  In this way may all causes resulting in suffering be extinguished, And only the light of compassion shine throughout all realms.  obstinacy L2.1 Learning Skills