We are a grassroots group pursuing casual academic study of Buddhism in its many forms; Zen, Tibetan, Pure Land, Vipassana, Theravaden, etc., the history of Buddhism; including indigenous Asian influences (Toaism, Shintoism e.g.), Buddhist art, and currently evolving American Buddhism.
The founders of the Buddhist Reading Circle are the Buddhist members of the Baltimore Chapter of the Zen Peacemaker Order (ZPO) .
Although we wouldn't wish to be taken for experts or teachers, we have been practicing and studying Zen Buddhism together and individually for a number of years. This is essentially a club for Buddhists and those interested in furthering their knowledge of Buddhism.
We will read and discuss two books at a time, one classic (a sutra, for instance) and a book by a more current author. The titles will be posted about two weeks before initial discussion to give everyone a chance to obtain the books. Since some books will take longer to discuss than others, our selections will run on seperate schedules, starting and ending independently.
We should try to read about a chapter a week, but we've found that trying to stick to a specific schedule was too difficult. Introductions and the like will generally be handled as seperate chapters. Long chapters may be broken up and short chapters may be consolidated, as will be announced in the Forum.
We envision a running conversation about the books at hand. To this end, we have arranged an eGroup as a place to exchange insights and pose questions about each chapter. Go right on in and make your comments, please!
[ to the top ]Those new to Buddhism are very welcome to join and participate but are strongly encouraged to find a teacher in their area. The following books make a good initial library:
If you'd like to join our Circle, just fill in the box below and click "Join
eGroups". Please feel free to send me e-mail at
hojiscott@hotmail.com
In Gassho, Hoji
