Bodhisattva Precepts Program

Bodhisattva Precepts Program

The Bodhisattva Precepts Program is usually held once per year over 32 weeks.
Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month.
For the upcoming dates, please check the Calendar.

Receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts represents a deepening commitment to the cultivation of Buddhadharma, this tradition, and this temple. 

It means nourishing the ongoing intention to bring understanding and awakening to the center of our lives. Students who wish to follow the Bodhisattva path commit to observing the 10 Great Precepts and cultivating the Six Paramitas. To create good dharma habits, they commit to developing a regular daily practice for 32 weeks including prostrations, meditation, recitation, study, and journaling.

Study Content:

1) Ten Bodhisattva Precepts

2) Six Paramitas

3) Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutta)

4) Becoming Bodhisattvas: A Guidebook for Compassionate Action, Pema Chodron, translation and commentary on Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva

5) Optional Readings: Hsin Hsin Ming, Platform Sutra, Vimalakirti Sutra

6) Optional Recitations: Invocation of the Names of the Bodhisattvas and Homage to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Daily Practice (done at least once per day and at least five days per week):

1) Prostrations (27-108)

2) 20-30 minute meditation

3) Chanting: Three Refuges and The Heart Sutra

4) Journaling

5) Bodhisattva recitations and/or memorization

Expectations:

1) Attend Sunday Service

2) Attend monthly dharma student meetings (first Saturday of each month)

3) Participate as a Dharma Disciple

Prerequisite: Receipt of the Five Precepts is expected or with permission from the teacher. Please include your Dharma name and the year and name of the teacher or temple from which you received the precepts with your application.

People who want to retake the program can do so at no cost if there’s space available after registration is closed and on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing Ven. Kunga Nyima Drotos.

For more information, please email Ven. Kunga Nyima Drotos.

Bodhisattva Precepts Program fee:

For Individuals: $200 for 32-week practice period is due in full by the first meeting or in monthly installments via PayPal. Cash or checks are accepted, as well. 

If a program fee is a barrier to participation, please speak with a Dharma Council member. No one is turned away from any of our activities for financial reasons.

Payment options:

• Place your cash or check in the dana (donation) boxes placed near the entrances of the temple.  
  Label an envelope provided with your name and the program title.

• OR mail a check with the program title on the memo line. Make your check payable and mail to:
    Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple
    451 Division Ave South
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503

• OR Use PayPal by clicking one of the buttons below.