Paths of Practice in the Buddha’s Teachings with Diana Clark

The concept of a path of practice is one of the central features of the Buddha’s teaching. In addition to the well-known Eightfold Path, the Buddha described a number of other models of the Buddhist path to the end of suffering. These different models are useful descriptions that describe the path of practice through different perspectives. Join us as we explore and discuss three important paths of practice depicted in three different suttas from the Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikāya, MN). We will study the “Gradual Training” from the Simile of the Elephant’s Footprint (MN 27), the “Discovery of Truth” from the Cankī sutta (MN 95) and the “Practice that Makes One an [Arahant]” from the Greater Discourse at Assapura (MN 39). In addition to studying the paths themselves, we will explore the context in which the Buddha taught them, and the contexts in which they may be useful for modern practitioners. The day will include lecture and small group discussion.

Diana Clark has a Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley. She practices and occasionally teaches at IMC.

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