The main objective of this course is to provide a general overview of non-sectarian Buddhism,
it’s history and its resources. Students will become familiar with a brief account of the life of
Siddharta Gautama, the spreading of Buddhism throughout Asia and the western world, and the
collection of teachings available to those who desire to learn. The students will become familiar
with key vocabulary terms in order to understand The Discourses (Suttas), The Four Noble
Truths, The Noble Eightfold Path, and the various other collections of Dharma available to
them. The ultimate goal for this course is to enable the students to gain a working knowledge of
Buddhism and the Buddhist path, so that they can intelligently move forward in their own
practice, while utilizing the specific methods of meditation and study provided by Buddhism.