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Prerequisite: This course is only available for those who have completed Introduction to Buddhism I.

Learn more about Introduction to Buddhism I (Buddha Dharma)

Introduction to Buddhism II

Name: Introduction to Buddhism Part 2
Availability: InStock

Explore the life of the Buddha from his birth to parinirvana under the guidance of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님)

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If your first language is Korean, please visit here

Over 21 weeks, you'll explore the life story of the Buddha, from his birth as Prince Siddhartha to his final passing into parinirvana.

What you'll gain

Follow the Buddha's journey from prince to awakened teacher
Understand how historical events shaped Buddhism
Deepen appreciation of the Buddha's teachings
Find inspiration for your own spiritual path
Learn how the Buddha's experiences guide practice today

Duration

21 Weeks

Schedule

Once Weekly

Language

English

Format

Online Live

How it works?

A balanced approach that blends self-study, community learning, and real-life practice.

Self-Paced Learning

Each week, you'll watch assigned Dharma talks and read the textbook at your own pace, preparing for your group session.

Weekly Group Meetings

Meet once a week on Google Meet to reflect, discuss, and share insights from the week's teachings and practice exercises.

Daily Practice Exercise

Apply the teachings in your daily life and share your experiences with your group, helping you turn insight into real change.

Topics You'll Explore

Understanding the Buddha's life from his birth to parinirvana

The Life of the Buddha

Siddhartha's early questions, search for truth, and journey to enlightenment
The Buddha's compassion in embracing all suffering beings
His teachings on peace, equanimity, and resolving conflict

The Foundation for Spreading the Dharma

Why the Buddha's teachings remain relevant today
The Buddha's call to share the Dharma for the benefit of all
The early disciples and ethical foundations that enabled the Dharma to spread

Examples of Spreading the Dharma

How the Buddha's teachings expanded across India
Challenging class and gender discrimination through Dharma
Applying teachings to real-life issues such as conflict and misunderstanding

Parinirvana and History of Spreading the Dharma

The Buddha's parinirvana and its impact on the community
How Buddhism was preserved and transmitted after his passing
The historical expansion of Buddhism across regions and traditions

Seminars on Special Topics

What is Sharing II (Advanced)
Environment II (Advanced)
Experience 1000-Day Practice
Graduation Special Seminar

What Our Students Say

Hear from those who have completed the course

Jungto Dharma School had a huge influence on me. Not only did the course help me to recognize the root of my suffering and ignorance, but also made me see how I was creating my own suffering when my life is already in a perfect condition to be happy.

Thomas

Being in this class helped me understand what concepts like the middle way, interdependence, karma, and enlightenment truly mean. Sunim explains complex terms in a simple, straightforward style for everyone to understand.

Ruha

This course taught me how much more effective it is to actually practice Buddhist principles consistently with a group of other curious and dedicated individuals compared to just reading on my own.

Gordon

Who Is This Course For?

This course is perfect for you if...

Want to learn how the Buddha's life and awakening offer

Interested in how the Buddha first taught the Dharma and how his early community helped spread it

Want practical insight into how the Buddha addressed conflict, discrimination, and everyday challenges

Curious about the Buddha's final teachings, his parinirvana, and how Buddhism continued to grow while offering wisdom for living with clarity and peace

21-Week Course Schedule

Dharma talks, interactive seminars, and special ceremonies

Week 1

Opening Ceremony

Ceremony

Week 2

Why Should We Study the Buddha Today?

Lecture

Week 3

Young Siddhartha's Question

Lecture

Week 4

In Search of a New Path

Lecture

Week 5

Enlightenment

Lecture

Week 6

Seminar I - What Is Sharing II (Advanced) & Dharma Q&A I

Seminar

Week 7

Go and Spread the Dharma for the Comfort of the People

Lecture

Week 8

Paving the Way for Spreading the Dharma with the Buddha's Early Disciples

Lecture

Week 9

The Buddha's Teaching Spreads Throughout India

Lecture

Week 10

Seminar II - Environment II (Advanced)

Seminar

Week 11

Breaking Down Various Social Stereotypes I (Class Discrimination)

Lecture

Week 12

Breaking Down Various Social Stereotypes II (Gender Discrimination) & Dharma Q&A II

Lecture

Week 13

The Buddha Embraces the Suffering of All with Compassion

Lecture

Week 14

Being Calm and Confident in the Face of Criticism and False Accusations

Lecture

Week 15

Overcoming Conflicts (Peace and Non-Violence)

Lecture

Week 16

Seminar III - Experience 1000-Day Practice

Seminar

Week 17

The Path to Nirvana Unhindered by Aging, Sickness, and Death

Lecture

Week 18

After the Buddha's Parinirvana

Lecture

Week 19

The History of the Spread of Buddhism

Lecture

Week 20

Seminar IV - Graduation Special Seminar

Seminar

Week 21

Graduation Ceremony

Ceremony

Your Teacher

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim is a Korean Buddhist monk, Dharma teacher, author, and social activist. He founded Jungto Society in 1988 and has dedicated his life to applying Buddhist teachings to help solve modern social problems.

His Dharma talks are known for their clarity, practicality, and ability to address real-life problems. Through this course, you will learn directly from his decades of teaching experience.

Learn more about Sunim