SALEM ‒ “Buddha 101,” a six-week course that explores the basic tenets of Buddhism, will be offered Tuesday evenings, beginning April 9 and continuing through May 14. Classes run from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and are held in Woodland Chapel in Salem.

The course will be taught by Jerry Braza and based on the mindfulness teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet and peacemaker who wasnominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Nhat Hanh founded a Buddhist university, haspublished more than 100 books, and is one of the most respected Buddhist teachers in theworld.

Buddhism celebrates the practice of mindfulness and being fully present in each moment. The spiritual tradition offers practical tools for coping with suffering, and provides ethical guidelines that support a meaningful way of life. Buddhism originated in India around 2,500 years ago.

Braza is a dharma teacher in the lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh and professor emeritus of health education at Western Oregon University. He conducts meditation retreats and mindfulness-based training programs for a variety of spiritual and secular groups around the country. His books include Moment by Moment: The Art and Practice of Mindfulness and The Seeds of Love: Growing Mindful Relationships. Braza co-founded the Forgotten People Foundation, a humanitarian organization that supports service learning projects for disadvantaged groups living in Vietnam. He leads the River Sangha, a meditation community that meets weekly in Salem.

The suggested donation is $75 for the course, but no one will be turned away because of cost. Please arrive 15 minutes early the first evening. Woodland Chapel is located near downtown Salem at 582 High Street SE. Classes will be held in the library and participants should enter by the back door of the chapel.

For more information or to register, contact Jerry Braza at (503) 391­1284 orjfbraza@comcast.net. Individuals from all spiritual traditions are welcome.

Contact
Jerry Braza
(503) 391­1284 
jfbraza@comcast.net

www.theseedsoflove.net