Our current cycle is a 28 session study to explore the spirituality of the Cherokee and Theravada Buddhism. Sessions are held on Thursdays on ZOOM at 7:30PM Eeastern Time Zone.
1/16/25 (session 14)
Cherokee – The Ethical & Legal Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will delve into Cherokee ethical principles (Unetlanvhi, Hiw osi Sdi) and how they guide daily choices. We’ll analyze real-life scenarios, exploring how individuals weigh personal desires against the interconnectedness of all things and respect for ancestors to navigate complex moral situations.
1/30/25 (session 15)
Buddhism – The Ethical & Legal Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will examine Theravada Buddhism’s ethical code, the Five Precepts, exploring how they translate into practical everyday choices. We’ll delve into the concept of religious law (Sila) and its influence on social behavior, examining how it fosters a more harmonious and ethical society.
2/13/25 (session 16)
Buddhism – The Ethical & Legal Dimension [External Expressions]: Participants will be exposed to how Theravada Buddhist principles like the Five Precepts guide ethical choices in everyday life. We’ll explore how to navigate complex situations where upholding morality might require difficult decisions.
2/27/25 (session 17)
Cherokee – The Social & Institutional Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will explore the structure of Cherokee religious communities, leadership roles like medicine people, and the deep social connections fostered by shared faith. We’ll examine how these religious institutions have historically served and continue to serve as cornerstones of Cherokee society.
3/13/25 (session 18)
Cherokee – The Social & Institutional Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will delve into the Cherokee faith community as a cornerstone of personal life. We’ll explore how individuals find strength, connection, and meaning through shared beliefs, ceremonies, and ancestral respect within the religious social structure.
3/27/25 (session 19)
Buddhism – The Social & Institutional Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will explore the hierarchical structure of Theravada Buddhist communities, examining the roles and responsibilities of monks, nuns, and laypeople. We’ll discuss the importance of social connection through Sangha (community) practices and explore how monasteries serve as centers of learning and support, fostering the tradition’s role within society.
4/10/25 (session 20)
Buddhism – The Social & Institutional Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will delve into the supportive role of the Theravada Buddhist community. Participants will explore how the sangha (community) fosters personal growth through shared practice, mentorship from monks and nuns, and a sense of belonging within the wider Buddhist lineage.
4/24/25 (session 21)
Cherokee – The Ritual and Practical Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will explore the Cherokee faith tradition’s core rituals and practices, unpacking their symbolic meanings and practical applications. We’ll delve into how daily rituals, connection to nature, and storytelling reinforce core beliefs and promote balance and harmony in life.
5/8/25 (session 22)
Cherokee – The Ritual and Practical Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will explore how Cherokees weave rituals like morning water ceremonies and storytelling into daily life. We will consider personal experiences and discuss how these practices strengthen connections to the spirit world, ancestors, and the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of the Cherokee faith journey.
5/22/25 (session 23)
Buddhism – The Ritual and Practical Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will delve into the symbolic and practical aspects of Theravada Buddhist rituals. We’ll explore how practices like offering and chanting cultivate merit, while meditation techniques like Vipassana and Samatha will be examined for their role in achieving enlightenment.
6/5/25 (session 24)
Buddhism – The Ritual and Practical Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will explore how Theravada Buddhists weave rituals like dana (generosity) and meditation into their daily lives. We’ll delve into personal experiences, examining how these practices shape and deepen one’s Buddhist faith journey.
6/19/25 (session 25)
Cherokee – The Material and Artistic Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will explore the Cherokee faith tradition’s material expressions. We’ll analyze the significance of sacred sites, art forms, and objects used in worship and religious practice. We’ll discuss how this material culture conveys meaning, fosters connection with the divine, and reflects core beliefs about the interconnectedness of all things.
7/3/25 (session 26)
Cherokee – The Material and Artistic Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will delve into how Cherokee individuals connect with sacred sites, art, and objects in their personal lives. We’ll explore how these elements foster devotion, shape personal practices, and serve as expressions of faith within the Cherokee tradition.
7/17/25 (session 27)
Buddhism – The Material and Artistic Dimension [Internal Expressions]: This session will explore the multifaceted role of Theravada Buddhist material culture. We’ll analyze how temples, statues, and ritual objects serve as sacred spaces, fostering connection with the Dharma and deceased teachers. We’ll discuss how art and objects visually convey Buddhist teachings and inspire practitioners on their path to enlightenment.
7/31/25 (session 28)
Buddhism – The Material and Artistic Dimension [External Expressions]: This session will delve into how Theravada Buddhists interact with sacred spaces like monasteries, statues, and devotional objects. We’ll explore how these elements foster personal connection, devotion, and unique expressions of faith within individual practice.