Another Bilingual Class in Stockton on Sunday, August 25

The Northern California Spanish Sangha will continue its study of “Learning from Buddha” in Stockton, California, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Sunday August 25 at the apartment of Edwin and Blanca Miranda, at the Mariner Village, Apartment 253, 3525 West Benjiman Holt Drive.

I should be able to finish reading the second part of the unpublished preliminary English translation of Learning From Buddha, with Edwin Miranda and Natta Quintero translating the text into Spanish, as they did at the last class held on June 16 when we spent the day studying the first part on “If You Learn Dharma But Do Not Cultivate Yourself, You Cannot Attain Accomplishment” and yesterday when we started the second part. I continue to be amazed at how well the translators work together. They compliment each other very well and the entire expanded group asked questions until we all felt we understood the text better. It was all insightful for those of us who do not understand Spanish as well. I think trying to understand such a profound work in another language helps all of us gain insight into its truth and meaning. Of course, the informal chat style that the Buddha Master used to convey the many principles in this text was very helpful, as well. It is my hope that we can continue these classes and more people can join us. We have also started translating our chant book into Spanish.

We will try and finish the second part on “If You Cultivate Yourself But Do Not Learn Dharma, You Cannot Generate Realization Powers” at our next class, which will focus on learning the true Buddha-dharma and dharma practice, emphasizing the Vajrayana practice of becoming your yidam whereby the practitioner actually becomes his or her yidam or special Buddha. this is the only Buddhist text that I have found that actually explains how a yidam practice works. Anyone interested in having a tantric practice needs to hear this. We spent a lot of time trying to find the right words in Spanish to explain this very profound text. I also read from another teaching by the Buddha Master that helps explain how and why we practice the “Four Immeasureables” to develop our bodhichitta.

I also hope we will be able at our August class to finish to the third part that integrates the first two in “If You Do Not Put Into Practice the Lessons You Have Heard on Cultivation and Dharma, It will Be Like Trying To Scoop Up the Reflection of the Moon On Water.” The third part describes how you do those two practices in daily life and the necessity to actually practice these dharmas. This is not a theoretical or intellectual practice, but an actual guide on how to live your life. These are important teachings for anyone who wants to learn the teachings and practices of Shakyamuni Buddha, especially those interested in tantric studies. The class is open to anyone.

Blanca has insisted on preparing lunch again, but we need an RSVP so she can plan accordingly.

There are no prerequisites, but it would be helpful to read and study “What Is Cultivation,” based on another discourse given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, which can be found at www.holyvajrasana.org/buddha-dharma/what-is-cultivation.

Please let me know if you will attend or have any questions at 626-375-6328 or zhaxiz@gmail.com. We need a headcount to prepare for lunch and accommodations. Amtrak service was wonderful and on time. I greatly recommend it. Just a warning note, there are two train stations in Stockton, one for the Amtrak Sacramento-Bakersfield line and Ace Train and one for the Amtrak San Francisco-Bakersfield line and it isn’t real obvious from the Amtrak schedule. Be careful!

CLICK for article on “Studying the Meaning of Buddha-dharma through Learning From Buddha.”

CLICK for article on April 21 Stockton Class.

We will start this same series of classes in San Diego on September 14.